Explore Nantucket by Boat — Small-Group Harbor, Oyster Farm & Sunset Tours

Nantucket By Water — Boat Tours, Oyster Farm Visits, Harbor Cruises

Nantucket By Water runs a variety of short boat experiences in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Travelers searching for Nantucket boat tours, oyster farm tours, harbor cruises, whaling history trips, kids fishing trips, or sunset cruises will find a selection of options suited to small groups, families, and private charters.

Key trip types and what to expect

• Oyster Farm Tours: The Wampum Private Up Harbor Adventure Tour and Wampum Public Nantucket Oyster Farm Tour visit working oyster farms to show how oysters are grown and to explain ecological benefits. These are 2-hour outings; group sizes are small (up to 10–11 passengers).
• Harbor Tours & Ice Cream Cruises: Minke Private Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise and Minke Public Harbor Tour & Ice Cream Cruise are family-focused, one-hour trips around Nantucket’s waterfront, with complimentary ice cream and dietary options noted. These cruises highlight waterfront homes and yachts.
• Private Cocktail & Sunset Cruises: Minke Large Boat Private Nantucket Cocktail Cruise and Minke Large Boat Private Nantucket Sunset Cruise provide private charters for up to 23 guests for 1.5-hour cruises around the harbor. Guests are advised to bring beverages and a warm layer for the evening breeze.
• Public Sunset Cruise: Minke Large Boat Public Nantucket Sunset Cruise is a nightly 1.5-hour public harbor cruise timed to showcase Nantucket sunsets with a cooler provided on board.
• Kids Boating & Fishing: Wampum Kids Boating and Fishing Trips offer a 1.5-hour, hands-on, catch-and-release fishing experience designed for children, limited to small groups for safety and attention.
• Whaling History Tours: Minke Public Whaling History Tour and Minke Private Whaling History Tour present one-hour journeys that visit historic whaling landmarks and discuss regional maritime history, including references to the Whaleship Essex.

Why choose short, local boat tours in Nantucket

• Accessible durations: Most trips run one to two hours, making them easy to fit into a day of island activities.
• Small-group options: Several public and private trips are limited to 10–11 passengers, and larger private charters accommodate up to 23 guests for events and gatherings.
• Varied themes: Offerings include ecological education (oyster farms), family-friendly amenities (ice cream options), kids’ activities (fishing basics), and historical interpretation (whaling tours).

Practical details and booking tips

• Pack a camera and a warm layer for breezy harbor conditions.
• Public cruises provide cooler space for food and beverages on sunset departures.
• Dietary needs are acknowledged for ice cream cruises with gluten-free and non-dairy choices noted.
• Group limits differ by vessel and trip: some tours list maximums of 10–11 passengers, while large-boat private charters accommodate up to 23.

Search terms to find these experiences

• Nantucket boat tours
• Nantucket oyster farm tour
• Nantucket harbor cruise
• Nantucket sunset cruise
• Kids fishing trips Nantucket
• Nantucket whaling history tour

Nantucket By Water appears in searches for short, local maritime experiences around Nantucket, Massachusetts. Visitors interested in concise, educational, or family-oriented boat outings can compare public seat options and private charter availability to select the right trip for timing, group size, and subject matter.