Vineyard Haven Harbor
Vineyard Haven , Massachusetts United States
Marinas near Vineyard Haven Harbor
| Name | Reviews | Max LOA | VHF | Dock Depth | Gas / Diesel | Lift / Crane | Wifi | Amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vineyard Haven Town Moorings | - | - | 69 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Owen Park Town Dock | - | 60.0' | 9 | Low 6.0 mHigh 0.0' | GNearbyDNearby | - | - | - |
| The Black Dog Wharf | 190.0' | 72 | - | - | - | 30, 50, 100 | ||
| Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Vineyard Haven Launch Service | 50.0' | 72 | Low 8.0' | - | - | - | - | |
| Vineyard Haven Marina | 200.0' | 71 | Low 12.0'High 1000.0' | - | - | 50-100-208-480 | ||
| Vineyard Haven Moorings | - | 71 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Tisbury Wharf Company | 300.0' | 9 | Low 12.0'High 0.0' | G$4.30D$3.90 | - | 30, 50, 100 (single and three phase) | ||
| Safe Harbor Vineyard Haven | 38.0' | 68 | Low 6.0'High 18.0' | G$2.99 | - | - | 30 | |
| Vineyard Haven Yacht Club | - | 0.0' | - | Low 0.0 mHigh 0.0' | - | - | - | - |
| Martha's Vineyard Shipyard | 50.0' | 73 | Low 7.0' | - | LYes | - | - | |
| Vineyard Haven Harbor Mooring | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Tisbury Town Dock | - | 0.0' | - | Low 0.0 mHigh 0.0' | - | - | - | - |
| Tashmoo Boat Yard | - | 0.0 m | - | Low 0.0 mHigh 0.0' | - | - | - | - |
| Churchs Pier | - | 0.0' | - | Low 0.0 mHigh 0.0' | - | - | - | - |
Introduction:
Vineyard Haven Harbor is nestled south of Cape Cod in the beautiful green-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Vineyard Haven Harbor is Marthas Vineyards main port and also the largest harbor on the island. It is located just less than 6 miles off the coast of Cape Cod's Falmouth Harbor.
Named for its abundant wild grapes, Marthas 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, Marthas Vineyard is one of the biggest yachting destinations on the U.S. East Coast.
History:
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. At the time, the Wampanoag Nation had populated the area around Vineyard Haven Harbor. Much of the Wampanoag Tribe faced disease and their land was sold to new settlers.
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.
Vineyard Haven Harbor served as a stop for ships running from Boston and New York during dangerous conditions. Much of the commerce in town served ship repairs and provided supplies for the transient shipmen. In 1914 the Cape Cod Canal opened and reduced traffic from ships through Vineyard Haven Harbor. During World War II Vineyard Haven Harbor was utilized to construct vessels for the war effort.
Navigating the Water:
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)
Click here to view a map of Vineyard Haven Harbor
Local Notices to Mariners:
Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Annual Events:
March:
Marthas Vineyard Film Festival
May:
Marthas Vineyard Wine Festival
July:
4th of July Parade & Fireworks
Vineyard Cup Sailing Race
September:
Marthas Vineyard Wind Festival
Click Here for a full calendar of events nearby Vineyard Haven Harbor
Transportation:
Marthas 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. Ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven via Hy-line Cruises or The Steamship Authority.
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).
Places to Visit:
Vineyard Haven Harbor has access to great nearby attractions and sites.
Here are some of our favorites:
Tisbury Town Beach - Herring Creek Road
West Chop Lighthouse - West Chop Road
Martha's Vineyard Seafaring Center - 110 Main Street
Owen Park - Main Street
Helpful Links:
Marthas Vineyard Transportation
Marthas Vineyard Calendar of Events
Martha's Vineyard Ferry Services
Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop in Vineyard Haven:
Downtown is just steps away from Vineyard Haven Harbor. Make sure to take full advantage of the great shopping, restaurants, and cafes during your stay.
Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop nearby Vineyard Haven Harbor:
Little House Cafe (Cafe) - 339 State Road
Artcliff Diner (Breakfast) - 38 Beach Road
Mad Marthas (Ice Cream) - 48 Main Street
Porto Pizza (Pizza) - 36 Water Street
Copper Wok (Sushi & Chinese) - 9 Main Street
Black Dog Tavern (Food & Drinks) - 21 Beach Street
Bad Martha Brewer (Food & Drinks) - 270 Upper Main Street
Click Here for a full list of restaurants nearby Vineyard Haven Harbor