Group Tours
The Steamship Authority:
Your Group’s Way to Go to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
Just off the New England coast, the scenic, historic Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket make ideal destinations for groups of every kind. And the Steamship Authority is the best way to transport your group to these idyllic locales. Our spacious vessels command the waters of both the Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds, year-round, so your group will benefit from the lowest fares, the most frequent daily departures and the safety of our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews. We can accommodate your motor coach or vehicles and welcome all walk-on groups of at least 20 people.
A Travel Experience to Suit Every Taste
The good times begin the moment your group steps on board for the trip. Because our vessels offer more flexibility than other modes of transport, your group will enjoy a unique customized travel experience.
For those who want to sit inside and chat with their travel companions over a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage, there are pleasant booths and seating with tables. For those who want to smell the salty air, feel the ocean breezes, and experience the charms of the sea, our outdoor decks are the place to be. That time-tested expression “getting there is half the fun” could not ring more true.
Why Groups Choose Us
With our unmatched record of ferry transportation, the Steamship Authority has been the lifeline between the mainland of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for more than 50 years. While we never lose sight of our commitment to the island communities we serve, we pride ourselves on offering the most economical and convenient passage for tour groups who come here from all over the world.
In recent years, more and more tour leaders have discovered the advantages of offering a delightful island day trip, at an exceptional value. As a result, our group tour business is thriving. We are able to transport automobiles and motor coaches, as well as passengers, and most of our vessels and all of our terminals are accessible to our passengers with disabilities.
We Help Make Tour Planning Easy
Our knowledgeable and dedicated Group Sales staff is always ready to assist you with all of your ferry reservation needs. You will enjoy a 20% discounted rate off of our already low fares, with the option to transport your motor coach to Martha’s Vineyard for a fee with complimentary passenger tickets for drivers/escorts. Or if you prefer to leave your motor coach behind, we offer complimentary motor coach parking at our off-site parking lots.
Ready to Serve You in Every Season
Whether your group is interested in Christmas Stroll, Daffodil Weekend, fall foliage, or the best of summer, you can count on us for year-round service, the most frequent daily departures, and the largest fleet, with U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews to ensure your safety. Passenger amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi at all of our terminals and on our vessels, comfortable seating, and on-board snack bars serving beer, wine, mixed drinks and a variety of hot and cold menu items.
Discover Martha’s Vineyard
Whether your group is seeking the quiet and solitude of nature, looking for a festive cultural experience, or both, Martha’s Vineyard offers it all. The Island’s year-long calendar of events entices visitors to come back again and again. The captivating Island of Martha’s Vineyard occupies a special place in the hearts of both its visitors and residents. From presidents and celebrities to church groups and students, people of all ages and walks of life enjoy the Island’s exceptional natural beauty and diverse activities.
To the right is just a sample of the varied activities that take place there—for a more comprehensive list of Martha’s Vineyard events, click here.
Getting There
- 7 mile one-way trip
- 45 minute travel time
-
Our ferries travel from Woods Hole to two ports on Martha’s Vineyard:
- Vineyard Haven (year-round)
- Oak Bluffs (seasonal)
| Month | What's Happening |
|---|---|
January |
Annual Chili Contest |
May |
Oak Bluffs Memorial Day 5-K Race |
June |
Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival & Fireworks |
July |
4th of July Barbecue Independence Day Parade Edgartown Fireworks Monster Shark Tournament |
August |
Grand Illumination Annual MV Agricultural Fair |
October |
MV Food and Wine Fest |
December |
Annual Chowder Festival Breakfast with Santa |
Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing Tour
Offer your group a memorable island experience with a tour of Martha’s Vineyard’s historic towns and scenic wonders, narrated by courteous and professional drivers, all of whom are well versed in the history and lore of this charming place. The 2 1/2 hour tour takes you to all six island towns and includes a 1/2 hour stop at the dramatic Gay Head cliffs in Aquinnah and a scenic drive past the stately sea captains’ mansions of Edgartown. Tour Operators can make group island tour reservations in advance by calling Martha’s Vineyard Island Charters directly at (508) 627-TOUR or visit their website at www.mvtour.com.
Take an island tour first and then enjoy dining and shopping all within walking distance to the Steamship Authority’s dock.
Explore Nantucket
Fondly nicknamed the “Grey Lady”, Nantucket is an enticing mecca of charm and distinction. From the cobblestone streets and sea captains’ mansions of Nantucket town, to the rose-covered cottages of Sconset, to the Island’s wind-swept moors, pristine beaches and ocean vistas, your group will find Nantucket to be the perfect antidote to the hectic demands of modern life.
Once the whaling capital of the world, today Nantucket attracts visitors year-round, with its natural tranquility, delightful traditions and premier cultural events. Below is just a sample of the varied activities that take place there—for a more comprehensive list of Nantucket events, click here.
Getting There
- 26 mile one-way trip
- 2 1/4 hour travel time on our traditional ferries
- 1 hour travel time on our high-speed passenger-only ferry
| Month | What's Happening |
|---|---|
April |
Nantucket Daffodil Festival Annual Easter Egg Hunt |
May |
Historic Preservation Month Nantucket Wine Festival Annual Figawi Race Weekend |
June |
Nantucket Restaurant Week Nantucket Film Festival |
August |
Annual August Antique Show Sandcastle and Sculpture Day |
September |
Nantucket Restaurant Week |
December |
Nantucket Christmas Stroll |
Call the Steamship Authority’s Group Sales Office
for tour schedule and rate information at:
(508) 548-5011 ext.
244/344 or email
groups@steamshipauthority.com.
Suggested Group Itinerary/Activities
- Island Tours
- Beaches
- Art Galleries
- Performing Arts
- Superior Dining and Entertainment
- Sailing, Windsurfing or Kayaking
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Tennis
- Golfing
- Charter Sailing
- Fishing
- Bicycling
How Close Is It?
| From | To Woods Hole | To Hyannis |
|---|---|---|
| Woods Hole, MA | 0 mi. | 26 mi. |
| Falmouth, MA | 4.5 mi. | 22 mi. |
| Hyannis, MA | 26 mi. | 0 mi. |
| Plymouth, MA | 37 mi. | 32 mi. |
| New Bedford, MA | 41 mi. | 42 mi. |
| Newport, RI | 71 mi. | 72 mi. |
| Boston, MA | 79 mi. | 72 mi. |
| Mystic, CT | 116 mi. | 117 mi. |
| New York City, NY | 250 mi. | 255 mi. |
For Group Rates and Schedule Information Contact:
The Steamship Authority Group Sales Department
P.O. Box 284
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (508) 548-5011 ext. 244 or 344
Fax: (508) 539-8067
Email: groups@steamshipauthority.com