Edgartown Harbor

Marinas near Edgartown Harbor

Introduction:

Named for its abundant wild grapes, Martha’s Vineyard and subsequently, Edgartown Harbor, 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 Harbor is one of the most popular yachting destinations on the U.S. East Coast.

Navigating the Water:

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 Edgartown Harbor 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.

Click here to see a map of Edgartown Harbor

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

History:

Edgartown was first inhabited by the Wampanoag Indians, the same tribe that established Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. As more Europeans migrated to the United States, they started to buy land and displace the native Wampanoag.

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. The rise in tourism has brought development to the Edgartown area and visitors every summer enjoy it’s beautiful beaches and waterfront.

Edgartown Harbor was also the main shooting location for the film Jaws although sharks are rarely sighted around the harbor.

Places to Visit:

Edgartown Harbor and Martha’s Vineyard have many great outdoor activities and cultural attractions for tourists to enjoy including beaches, museums, and parks.

Here are a few of our favorites nearby Edgartown Harbor:

• Edgartown Lighthouse - 121 N Water Street

• South Beach - Katama Road

• Chappaquiddick Island - Chappaquiddick Island

• Mytoi Garden - Dike Road

• Martha’s Vineyard Museum - 59 School Street

• Old Whaling Church - 89 Main Street

Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop in Edgartown:

Edgartown Harbor is located steps away from downtown with many great restaurants and shopping that Martha’s Vineyard has to offer.

Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop nearby Edgartown Harbor:

• Lucky Hank’s (Breakfast & Cafe) - 218 Upper Main Street

• Among the Flowers Cafe (Breakfast & Cafe) - 17 Mayhew Lane

• Atria (Fine Dining) - 137 Main Street

• The Port Hunter (Fine Dining) - 55 Main Street

• The Newes from America Pub (Food & Drinks) - 23 Kelley Street

• Detente (Drinks) - 15 Winter Street

• Downtown (Shopping) - Main Street & Water Street

Annual Events:

May:

Martha’s Vineyard Wine Festival - four day island-wide celebration of wine and food

July:

Edgartown Race Weekend - Sailing race around Martha’s Vineyard.

Independence Day Celebration - Parade, entertainment, food, and fireworks.

December:

Christmas in Edgartown - Weekend Christmas festival, parade, and entertainment.

Transportation:

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 Harbor, Providence Harbor, Hyannis Harbor and Boston Harbor.

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.

Helpful Links:

Town of Edgartown

Martha’s Vineyard Online

Martha’s Vineyard Transportation

Martha’s Vineyard Calendar of Events

Ferry Schedules and Services