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

Nestled south of Cape Cod in the beautiful green-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Edgartown is larger and more populated than Vineyard Haven, but Vineyard Haven is far more popular with tourists and visitors.

Drawn by the relatively cool summer temperatures, fishing, excellent sailing and beach-going activities, Edgartown is one of the most popular yachting destinations on the U.S. East Coast.

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.

Located on the east end of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown has two approach routes; one from Nantucket Sound to the north, and one from the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Approaching from the south, mariners must navigate Muskeeget Channel and Hawes Shoal, the latter of which is not marked. Once clear of Hawes Shoal, honor the red and green nun buys off Cape Poge, which is marked by a 66-foot-high lighthouse, and then start your approach to Edgartown Harbor, minding the can and nun buoys marking the route.

The approach from Nantucket Sound is more straightforward. You can either shortcut behind Squash Meadow Shoals into Edgartown Harbor, or pick up the red and white Morse (A) buoy in the main channel of Nantucket Sound that marks the opening to Edgartown Harbor.

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).

See the "Helpful Links" section at the bottom of this page for more details on transportation to and from the island.

Town of Edgartown

Martha’s Vineyard Online

Martha’s Vineyard Transportation

Martha’s Vineyard Calendar of Events

Ferry Schedules and Services