Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry
4.5(304)google
5.0(1)yelp
BoatingOutdoorCoast
Overview
Martha's Vineyard (Wampanoag: Noepe;), often simply called the Vineyard, is an island in Massachusetts, lying just south of Cape Cod. It is known for being a popular, affluent summer colony and includes the peninsula Chappaquiddick Island. It is the 58th largest island in the U.S., and the ninth largest in the contiguous United States, with a land area of about 96 square miles (250 km2), and the third-largest on the East Coast, after Long Island and Mount Desert Island.
Practical Info
Mon8:00AM – 8:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal, operating state-of-the-art catamaran passenger fast ferries from late May through mid-October. Booking the earliest 8:30 AM non-holiday weekday morning departure online weeks in advance is highly strategic; it ensures an unhurried boarding process onto the open-air upper decks to cruise directly to Martha's Vineyard in just 90 minutes.
Getting ThereThe specialized ferry terminal is perfectly integrated within the Quonset Point industrial park corridor in North Kingstown (1347 Roger Williams Way). Driving is completely mandatory given its secure seaport site: ride RI-4 S to the OH-403 E freeway straight to the coast. The terminal features an enormous, fenced paid daily secure parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- This high-speed ferry departs exclusively from Quonset Point in North Kingstown; do not drive to Newport or Point Judith. The terminal is isolated deep inside an industrial park, necessitating an extra 45-minute buffer for navigation.
- This is a high-speed catamaran configured strictly for passengers, completely barring any motorized vehicles. Surfboards, golf clubs, and oversized baggage require separate ticketing prior to boarding or will face denial at the gangway.
- The route crosses open ocean sounds prone to rough swells, making motion sickness medication highly recommended 1 hour prior. Bad weather triggers short-notice cancellations; base-tier tickets are fully non-refundable.
Reviews
Positive
- The high-tech catamaran fast ferry is lightning fast, sailing from Quonset Point to Martha's Vineyard in under an hour; smooth and time-saving.
- The cabin interior is modern and luxurious, featuring cozy leather seats, HD multimedia screens, and wide, highly accessible restrooms.
- The boarding gate is well-ordered; a large team of uniformed security staff guides luggage check-in, making security feel rock solid.
- The terminal features a massive, well-managed paid parking lot with reasonable fees, making the transition from car to ferry seamlessly smooth.
Heads up
- The round-trip fast ferry tickets are very expensive; for large families, this basic transit cost can exceed onboard extra spending.
- It only allows passengers and bicycles onboard, completely unable to transport motor vehicles like slow ferries, so you can't drive your car across.
- Because of the high speed, the ferry bumps frequently in open seas; despite modern builds, sensitive stomachs will see many using sickness bags.
- Popular peak sailings are strictly limited by reservation; missing your slot makes onsite standby incredibly tough, and counter staff can be rigid.