Great Point

Overview

Great Point represents Nantucket at its wildest and most unspoiled. Unlike the more accessible beaches near town, Great Point requires effort to reach - and that's precisely what makes it special. The journey through the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is an adventure in itself, traversing sand roads that wind past hidden coves, salt marshes, and dune-covered landscapes.

At the very tip of Great Point, the 1986 replica of the historic Great Point Lighthouse stands as a beacon marking the convergence of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. This is where many visitors spread their beach blankets, enjoying sweeping 360-degree views of open water and the distant silhouettes of passing ships.

What Makes Great Point Special

• Most Remote Beach: Seven miles from the nearest paved road, Great Point offers true escape from crowds and development
• Pristine and Undeveloped: No buildings, no vendors, no facilities - just miles of untouched natural beauty
• Exceptional Wildlife: Home to seal colonies, shorebirds, osprey, and diverse marine life
• Historic Lighthouse: The Great Point Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1784
• World-Class Fishing: Legendary among anglers for striped bass and bluefish

Location and Geography

Great Point occupies the northernmost tip of Nantucket, forming a long, narrow barrier beach that separates Nantucket Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. The point is part of a larger spit that includes Coatue and Coskata, collectively protected as the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

Getting There

• Starting Point: Access begins at the Wauwinet gatehouse, approximately 8 miles from downtown Nantucket
• Distance to Lighthouse: Approximately 7 miles from the gatehouse to Great Point Lighthouse
• Driving Time: Allow 30-45 minutes each way due to soft sand conditions
• Access Points: Single entry/exit point at Wauwinet gatehouse

Geographic Features

• Barrier Beach: Long, narrow strip of sand with water on both sides
• Sand Dunes: Protected dune systems line much of the route
• Salt Marshes: Extensive marshland on the harbor side
• The Galls: Tidal flats and shallows popular with wading birds

Access Requirements

Great Point is accessible only by 4WD vehicle or on foot. There is no shuttle service or alternative transportation. Proper preparation is essential for a safe and successful trip.

4WD Vehicle Required

The sand roads through the refuge are extremely soft in places, making 4WD capability absolutely mandatory. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles and standard SUVs are not suitable and frequently become stuck.

• True 4WD Required: Low-range 4WD preferred but not mandatory
• Ground Clearance: Higher clearance vehicles perform better
• Rental Options: Several island rental companies offer 4WD Jeeps and trucks

Over-Sand Vehicle Permit

Access to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge requires a permit from The Trustees of Reservations, plus a Town of Nantucket oversand vehicle permit.

• Trustees Permit: $180-$300 for the season (members receive discounts)
• Town OSV Permit: $150-$200 for the season (required before Trustees permit)
• Where to Purchase: Trustees gatehouse at Wauwinet or online at thetrustees.org
• Town Permit: Town of Nantucket Parks and Recreation Department

Air Down Tires

Before entering the sand, you must reduce tire pressure to increase your tire's footprint and prevent getting stuck.

• Recommended PSI: 12-15 PSI for most conditions
• Very Soft Sand: May require 10-12 PSI
• Portable Air Compressor: Essential for re-inflating before returning to paved roads
• Gatehouse Assistance: Staff can advise on current conditions

Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge

Great Point lies within the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, a 1,117-acre preserve managed by The Trustees of Reservations. This protected area encompasses barrier beaches, salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forests, providing critical habitat for numerous species.

About the Refuge

• Size: 1,117 acres of protected land
• Manager: The Trustees of Reservations
• Established: Protected since 1986
• Ecosystems: Barrier beach, salt marsh, dunes, maritime forest

Conservation Efforts

The refuge protects critical nesting habitat for endangered shorebirds including piping plovers, least terns, and American oystercatchers. During nesting season (April-August), some areas may be temporarily closed to protect nesting birds and their chicks.

Great Point Lighthouse

The Great Point Lighthouse stands at the very tip of the point, marking the convergence of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The current tower is a 1986 replica of the 1818 stone lighthouse that was destroyed by a storm in 1984.

Lighthouse History

• Original Light: First lighthouse built in 1784 (wooden tower)
• Stone Tower: Replaced wooden tower in 1818
• Destruction: Stone tower destroyed by winter storm, March 1984
• Current Tower: Replica completed in 1986 using materials from the original
• Height: 60 feet tall
• Light Range: Visible for 12 nautical miles

Visiting the Lighthouse

The lighthouse is typically not open for climbing, but visitors can walk around the base and photograph the exterior. The surrounding beach offers excellent views back toward the island and out to sea.

Wildlife at Great Point

Great Point is one of Nantucket's premier wildlife viewing destinations. The remote location and protected status create ideal conditions for observing coastal wildlife in their natural habitat.

Seal Colonies

Gray seals and harbor seals frequent the waters around Great Point, often hauling out on sandbars to rest. The best viewing is typically from November through May, though seals can be spotted year-round.

• Species: Gray seals and harbor seals
• Best Viewing: Early morning and late afternoon
• Distance: Maintain at least 50 yards from seals
• Binoculars: Essential for respectful wildlife viewing

Shorebirds

The refuge provides critical habitat for numerous shorebird species, including several endangered and threatened species.

• Piping Plovers: Endangered species that nests on the beaches
• Least Terns: Colonial nesters that dive for fish
• American Oystercatchers: Distinctive shorebirds with orange bills
• Sanderlings and Plovers: Common during migration seasons

Osprey

Osprey nest on platforms throughout the refuge and can be seen diving for fish in the surrounding waters. Watch for their distinctive hovering flight as they hunt.

Other Wildlife

• Great Blue Herons: Wading in the marshes and shallows
• Egrets: Both snowy and great egrets are common
• Horseshoe Crabs: Visible in spring during spawning season
• Marine Life: Occasional dolphin and whale sightings offshore

Fishing at Great Point

Great Point is legendary among surf fishermen as one of the best fishing destinations in the Northeast. The convergence of currents where Nantucket Sound meets the Atlantic creates ideal conditions for striped bass and bluefish.

Target Species

• Striped Bass: The primary target, with fish running from schoolies to trophy-sized
• Bluefish: Aggressive fighters that provide exciting action
• False Albacore: Fast-moving fish that appear in fall
• Bonito: Occasionally caught in late summer and fall

Best Times to Fish

• Peak Season: May-June and September-October
• Best Tides: Moving water, especially the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide
• Time of Day: Dawn and dusk produce the best results

Fishing Requirements

• License: Massachusetts saltwater fishing license required
• Gear: Surf rods, waders, and appropriate tackle
• Regulations: Check current size and bag limits

Guided Tours

If you don't have access to a 4WD vehicle or prefer an expert guide, several companies offer guided tours to Great Point.

Natural History Tours

The Trustees of Reservations offers guided natural history tours that cover the ecology, wildlife, and history of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. These tours provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Private 4WD Tours

Several island tour companies offer private 4WD excursions to Great Point. Tours typically include:

• Transportation in a permitted 4WD vehicle
• Knowledgeable guide with local expertise
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Stop at Great Point Lighthouse
• Historical and ecological interpretation

Walking Access

For the truly adventurous, Great Point can be reached on foot. The 7-mile walk each way is challenging but rewarding for those with the time and stamina.

What to Bring

Great Point has no facilities whatsoever - no restrooms, no water, no food service, and no shade. You must be completely self-sufficient for your entire visit.

Essential Items

• Water: At least one gallon per person for a full day
• Food and Snacks: Pack everything you'll need
• Cooler: Essential for keeping food and drinks cold
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+ with reapplication
• Beach Umbrella or Tent: The only shade available is what you bring
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries

Vehicle Equipment

• Portable Air Compressor: Mandatory for re-inflating tires
• Tire Pressure Gauge: Low-pressure range (0-30 PSI)
• Shovel: Flat-blade for digging out if stuck
• Tow Strap: Recovery strap rated for your vehicle
• Full-Size Spare Tire: Compact spares are inadequate
• Jack Board: Plywood to prevent jack from sinking

Comfort Items

• Beach Chairs: No natural seating available
• Beach Blanket: For lounging on the sand
• Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing
• Camera: The scenery is spectacular
• Trash Bags: Pack out everything you bring in

Safety and Preparation

Great Point's remote location requires careful planning and respect for the environment. Being well-prepared ensures both your safety and protection of this fragile ecosystem.

Before You Go

• Check Conditions: Call the gatehouse for current beach and road conditions
• Know the Tides: Some areas become impassable at high tide
• Weather Check: Avoid trips during storms or high winds
• Tell Someone: Leave your itinerary with someone off-island
• Fuel Up: Ensure a full tank before heading out

While There

• Stay on Marked Trails: Never drive on dunes or vegetation
• Maintain Speed: Maximum 15 MPH on all sand roads
• Watch for Pedestrians: Yield to walkers at all times
• Respect Wildlife: Maintain distance from seals and nesting birds
• Swimming Caution: Strong currents near the point - swim at your own risk

Emergency Information

• Cell Service: Limited but generally available at Great Point itself
• Emergency: Call 911
• Non-Emergency: Nantucket Police (508) 228-1212
• Gatehouse: (508) 228-6799