Nestled south of Cape Cod in the beautiful green-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Vineyard Haven is the largest of the two harbors on Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown being the other.

Named for its abundant wild grapes, Martha’s Vineyard and subsequently, Vineyard Haven was once a home for whalers, smugglers, and pirates, but now teems with summer tourists and well-to-do year-round residents.

Drawn by the relatively cool summer temperatures, fishing, excellent sailing and beach-going activities, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the biggest yachting destinations on the U.S. East Coast.

Explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, who also was the first to set foot on Cuttyhunk Island and the town of Westport, MA, arrived in Vineyard Haven in 1602.

Whaling took center stage in the 1800s and whaling captains reaped enormous profits from the sale of their whaling oil here. After the Civil War, the long decline of the whaling industry led to a booming tourist industry, which still remains today.

Use NOAA Charts 13237, 13218 and 13238.

Vineyard Haven is entered through Nantucket Sound, either from the east or west. The 84-foot-high West Chop Light, along with two nuns and a gong buoy mark the rocky areas on the western side, while East Chop Light and several buoys mark the eastern approach.

Once in Vineyard Haven itself, keep a lookout for the harbor breakwater, which is marked by a 25-foot-high navigation aid. Anchorage and mooring areas are available on the west side of the harbor, and for those with vessels drawing less than 6 feet, the passage to Lagoon Pond is on the south side of Vineyard Haven. (Local knowledge recommended.)

Local Notices to Mariners are now available exclusively online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for detailed information.

Martha’s Vineyard does not have any regularly scheduled commercial air service, but charter flights are available to and from the island to New Bedford, Providence, Hyannis and Boston.

A local car rental service is available to those who wish to undertake extensive exploration of the island, although most visitors travel by foot or bicycle (rentals available ashore).

Martha’s Vineyard Online

Martha’s Vineyard Transportation

Martha’s Vineyard Calendar of Events

Ferry Schedules and Services