Marinas & Moorings

Marinas & Facilities

Nantucket Harbor offers several options for transient boaters seeking slip space, from full-service marinas to basic dockage.

Nantucket Boat Basin

Located in the heart of downtown Nantucket, the Boat Basin is the island's premier marina facility. Owned by Nantucket Island Resorts, it offers the most convenient access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.

• 240 slips accommodating vessels up to 300 feet
• Full-service facility with electricity (30/50/100 amp), water, and pump-out
• On-site fuel dock with diesel and gasoline
• Concierge services, laundry, showers, and WiFi
• Access to resort amenities including restaurants and shuttle service
• Prime location - steps from Main Street

Madaket Marine

Located on the west end of the island in Hither Creek, Madaket Marine offers a quieter alternative to the busy harbor. It's a good option for those who want to explore Madaket Beach and the western shores.

• Limited slip availability for transients
• Fuel dock with diesel and gasoline
• Basic supplies and provisions
• Access to Madaket Beach nearby

Town Pier

The Town Pier offers limited short-term dockage for smaller vessels. It's primarily used for loading and unloading, with time restrictions during peak hours.

• Short-term tie-up only (typically 30 minutes to 2 hours)
• Convenient for quick errands or picking up passengers
• No overnight dockage permitted
• Check current regulations with harbormaster

Slip Availability & Reservations

Slip space at Nantucket Boat Basin fills quickly during summer months, particularly for holiday weekends and events like Figawi Race Weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

• Reservations open in early spring for the season
• Peak season (July-August) books months in advance
• Cancellations can open last-minute availability
• Call ahead - even same-day arrivals should contact the dock office

Moorings

Nantucket Harbor has an extensive mooring field managed by the Town of Nantucket. Moorings are a popular and economical option for visiting boaters.

Town Moorings

The harbor maintains both rental and transient moorings in designated areas throughout Nantucket Harbor.

• Transient moorings available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Reservations accepted for stays of 3+ nights
• Moorings rated for various vessel sizes
• Well-maintained tackle inspected annually

How to Reserve

Contact the Harbormaster's office to check availability and make reservations. During peak season, call ahead - arriving without a reservation may result in being rafted to another vessel or anchoring out.

• Call VHF Channel 09 or phone the Harbormaster office
• Provide vessel name, LOA, draft, and arrival date
• Payment required at check-in
• Mooring assignments made by harbor staff

Launch Service

When on a mooring, you'll need launch service to get to shore. Nantucket has several options:

• Nantucket Boat Basin launch service (fee applies)
• Town launch service operates seasonally
• Launch runs regularly during daylight hours
• VHF Channel 68 for launch request
• Bring your own dinghy for independence

Mooring Costs

Mooring fees vary by vessel length and are set annually by the Town. Rates are generally more economical than slip rentals.

• Daily rates range from approximately $40-$150 depending on vessel size
• Weekly rates offer modest discounts
• Launch service may be additional
• Rates subject to change - confirm with Harbormaster

Anchoring

While moorings are preferred, anchoring is permitted in designated areas of Nantucket Harbor when moorings are full.

Designated Anchoring Areas

• Anchoring allowed outside the mooring field
• Check with Harbormaster for current designated areas
• Stay clear of the channel and ferry routes
• Be aware of swing room - the harbor can get crowded

Harbor Regulations

• Register with the Harbormaster within 24 hours of arrival
• Anchoring fees apply (typically less than mooring fees)
• Maximum stay limits may apply during peak season
• No anchoring in channels or fairways
• Proper anchor light required at night

Holding Ground

Nantucket Harbor generally offers good holding with a mud and sand bottom. However, conditions vary:

• Bottom is predominantly mud and sand - good holding
• Some areas have eel grass - can affect set
• Allow adequate scope (7:1 recommended in crowded conditions)
• Reset if you drag - the harbor can be busy with ferry traffic
• Consider two anchors in strong winds or crowded conditions

Services Available

Nantucket Harbor offers most services that cruising boaters need, though some specialized repairs may require parts to be shipped in.

Fuel Docks

• Nantucket Boat Basin: Diesel and gasoline, high-speed pumps
• Madaket Marine: Diesel and gasoline
• Fuel prices on-island typically higher than mainland
• Fill up before holiday weekends - lines can form

Pump-Out Stations

• Pump-out available at Nantucket Boat Basin
• Town pump-out boat operates seasonally
• VHF Channel 09 to request pump-out service
• Required by law - no discharge in harbor

Provisioning

• Stop & Shop and other grocery stores within walking/biking distance
• Specialty food shops and wine stores downtown
• Ice available at fuel docks and marine supply stores
• Farmers market (seasonal) for fresh local produce

Repairs & Maintenance

• Basic engine and mechanical repairs available
• Limited haul-out facilities on island
• Canvas and sail repair services
• Electronic repairs may require mainland service
• Parts can be shipped in via Steamship freight

Launch & Tender Service

• Commercial launch service runs from early morning to late evening
• Dinghy dock available at Town Pier (time limits apply)
• Boat Basin offers tender storage for guests
• Register dinghies with Harbormaster

Navigation Notes

Entering Nantucket Harbor requires attention to navigation, especially for first-time visitors. The approach has several hazards but is well-marked.

Entering Nantucket Harbor

• Enter via the main channel between Brant Point and Coatue
• Follow the buoyed channel carefully
• Watch for ferry traffic - large vessels have right of way
• Brant Point Light marks the harbor entrance
• Reduce speed once inside the breakwater

Shoals to Watch For

• Brant Point Shoal: Stay in the channel approaching the point
• The Bar: Shallow area extending from Coatue
• First Point: Keep markers to starboard entering
• Depths can be less than charted after storms
• Consult current charts and local knowledge

Channel Markers

• Red Right Returning - follow standard IALA-B buoyage
• Channel is well-marked with lighted and unlighted buoys
• Speed limit in harbor - no wake zone
• Watch for markers indicating shoal areas

VHF Channels

• Channel 09: Harbormaster working channel
• Channel 16: Emergency and calling
• Channel 68: Launch service
• Channel 71: Nantucket Boat Basin
• Monitor weather channels for fog advisories

For Charter Visitors

If you're chartering a boat to visit Nantucket, here's what to know about operating a charter vessel in local waters.

Charter Companies

• Several bareboat and crewed charter companies operate from Cape Cod and the Islands
• Charters available from Hyannis, Falmouth, and Martha's Vineyard
• Day sails and multi-day cruises available
• Power and sailboat options

What to Expect

• Charter companies typically handle mooring reservations
• Confirm fuel, provisions, and navigation tools before departure
• Know the vessel's draft before entering shallow areas
• Charter companies can provide local cruising guides
• Insurance requirements vary by charter company
• Allow extra time for weather delays - Nantucket Sound can be challenging