Late Summer on Nantucket: 3 Cruises You Can’t Miss

When people think of Nantucket, they might immediately think of warm summer days at the beach with a fresh lobster roll. While we, of course, love Nantucket Summer, we’d be lying if we said we don’t look forward to early fall days out on the water when the days are still warm, the evenings are cool, and the island is calm.  

If you’re looking for things to do on Nantucket this fall, Nantucket By Water has plenty of Cruises still running through mid-October for all your end-of-season celebrations. Below are 3 of our favorites, depending on the type of experience you’re after. Our Sunset Cruise is perfect for a relaxing trip around Nantucket Harbor, our Sip and Fish is great for a fun family outing, and our Oyster Farm Cruise is ideal for fellow seafood lovers. 

Sunset Cruise — The Best Sunset Views on Nantucket

Whether you’re naturally a morning or evening person, nothing beats a Nantucket sunset on the water. Our Sunset Cruise is perfect for a romantic date night or a fun evening family outing. Sit back, unplug, and feel the day’s tension melt away as you take in the golden skies and harbor views.  

This cruise welcomes guests aboard our Minke boat, which holds up to 23 passengers. Enjoy 1.5 hours of cruising, enjoying your favorite beverages with plenty of photo ops. Fair warning: be prepared for lots of jealousy when friends see your posts of Nantucket’s glowing skies and glistening waters! 

Pro Tips: 

We offer both public and private charters for our Sunset Cruises, so gather some friends, grab some cozy layers, and meet us down at the dock. Remember to book ahead because our end-of-season evening cruises tend to book up fast (and for good reason!). 

Sip and Fish – Fun for the Whole Family

Can’t find a fun activity for the kids? Book our Sip and Fish!Sit back and relax as you enjoy your favorite adult beverages while your kids learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing from our expert crew. This cruise combines activity and leisure, offering an experience any age will love. 

Our crew will provide all the equipment and instruction for an interactive fishing lesson, no prior experience required. This 1.5-hour cruise aboard our Wampum boat (which holds up to 11 passengers) is a great option for families looking to switch things up from their normal routine. 

Pro Tips: 

Wear something comfortable, bring extra layers, and pack your favorite drinks. Don’t forget a camera to document a family adventure you’ll never forget!

Oyster Farm Cruise — A Late-Summer Favorite

Calling all foodies, wine-lovers, and culinary fanatics! We may be biased, but a boat cruise paired with fresh seafood is hard to beat. Check out our Oyster Farm Cruise for one of the most unique Nantucket tours you’ll find on the island. This cruise offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into Nantucket Oyster Farms where you’ll learn how oysters are farmed and why they’re so beneficial to the island. 

This cruise is great for smaller groups looking for a unique and memorable island experience. Our Wampum boat holds up to 11 passengers, so start planning in the group text to book your 2-hour cruise before the last one on September 20th! 

Pro Tips: 

Come hungry for fresh oyster tastings paired with local history and insights into marine conservation. This time of year can get chilly on the water, so pack some extra layers if you tend to run cold. 

Let’s Get Cruising

Just because the summer is coming to a close, doesn’t mean we’re ready to close up our dock! We still have tons of fun cruises running through September and mid-October, with views just as beautiful as those in the peak of summer. 

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, looking for a fun way to spend time with the family, or have a hankering for some fresh seafood fare, you won’t be disappointed by our variety of tours. Late summer/ early fall is arguably the best time to enjoy the water, when boat traffic is lower and the temperatures are more moderate. 

Check out our fleet to learn more about your cruising options and what comes with them. Book your tour directly by choosing any type of cruise offered through each boat, or get in touch with any questions.

We can’t wait for you to join us in these last weeks of the Nantucket ‘25 season!