From Childhood Explorers to Local Captains: The Origins of Nantucket by Water
Long before they were navigating local waters as licensed captains, Max and Alex Perkins were just two kids on the coast with an insatiable appetite for adventure. Growing up on Nantucket, their childhood summers weren’t defined by scheduled activities or screen time. Instead, their days were broken up into stretches of “in the water” and “near the water,” with little else in between.
Coatue: The Ultimate Childhood Playground
For Max and Alex, Coatue and the surrounding waters served as the ultimate playground. While other kids were on swingsets, they were out boating, crabbing, fishing, exploring, and learning all about the harbor. These early years on the water proved to be more than a childhood phase, inspiring what’s now Nantucket By Water.
Preserving Family Adventures on the Water
As Captains Max and Alex began working for the family’s eco-tour and charter business, they were constantly reminded of their fond childhood memories.
They realized that while Nantucket had grown over the years, the core magic of the harbor remained unchanged. They wanted to share that exact feeling of discovery and freedom that shaped their own childhoods with visiting families and the next generation of young explorers.
Captain Alex and Max’s favorite tours? Nantucket By Water’s adventurous and nostalgic family-focused excursions:
Up Harbor Adventure Cruise: Designed to echo the brothers' early explorations, this private 2-hour excursion takes guests deep into the quiet, scenic reaches of Polpis and Wauwinet. Guests can explore remote areas, pull up for a secluded beach picnic, or take a swim in calm waters, creating a true homage to the wild Nantucket Max and Alex grew up on.
Kids Fishing Trip: Built specifically to introduce young anglers to the joy of being on the water, this hands-on, catch-and-release experience lets kids hold a rod, bait a hook, and feel the excitement of their first catch. Max and Alex designed the trip to mimic their own early days: casual, educational, and focused on pure fun rather than strict technique.
Inspiring Today’s Young Explorers
Today, Captains Max and Alex take immense pride in inspiring other young explorers. When a child’s eyes light up as a line tugs, or they spot new and unfamiliar wildlife, the captains see a clear reflection of their own childhoods.
Nantucket By Water’s family trips are more than just boat tours. They’re an invitation to step away from everyday distractions and give kids the chance to experience Nantucket Harbor with freedom, excitement, and a genuine sense of wonder.
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