Martha's Vineyard Day Trip from Boston

From$129
12 hours
Boston, USA

About this activity

Experience the charm of Martha's Vineyard on a day trip from Boston, featuring a scenic ferry ride, guided island tour, and free time to explore.

Highlights

  • Scenic ferry ride with ocean views
  • Explore Oak Bluffs' gingerbread cottages
  • Visit Edgartown's historic harbor
  • Optional guided tour of the island
  • Free time to discover local shops and eateries

Full description

Discover the enchanting island of Martha's Vineyard on a day trip from Boston. Begin with a scenic ferry ride offering picturesque ocean views. Upon arrival, explore Oak Bluffs' iconic gingerbread cottages and the historic harbor of Edgartown. Enhance your visit with an optional 3-hour guided tour, delving into the island's rich history and culture. Enjoy free time to browse local shops, dine at charming eateries, and soak in the island's unique atmosphere. This excursion offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal discovery, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Boston to Martha's Vineyard
  • Ferry ride with ocean views
  • Optional 3-hour guided island tour
  • Meals and personal expenses

Itinerary

1

Tour through Downtown Boston with narration as your guide makes their morning hotel pickups.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Enjoy the scenic views as you travel over the World's widest sea level canal. Our own Cape Cod Canal!

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: Travel through the charming Town of Falmouth, Cape Cod on the way to the ferry.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

See beautiful Falmouth Harbor as you are dropped off at the Island Queen Ferry. Enjoy Cape Cod's most pleasurable passenger ferry experience during your 35 minute sail to Martha's Vineyard.

Duration: 35 minAdmission: YES
5

Enjoy your sail through Nantucket Sound while en route to Martha's Vineyard.

Duration: 35 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

You will arrive in the beautiful town of Oak Bluffs at 935am during our summer months. If you do not purchase our 3 hour tour, you may spend as much time as you wish in this town.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

This is a must-see during any visit to Martha's Vineyard. Over 300 beautifully decorated gingerbread cottages. Explore and take as many pictures as you wish.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Another must-see in Oak Bluffs. The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country (since 1884).

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
9

While taking our 3 hour island tour (or spending the day on your own) be sure to visit this charming town.

Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

While on our 3 hour island tour you will stop and view the Gay Head Cliffs and lighthouse. SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NO
11

This stop is seasonal for us as it is only done when we use the Steamship Authority Ferry Service. Usually both early Spring and late October.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12

This Ferry service is one of the ferries that we use for our day trip to Martha's Vineyard. Usually it is in April/May and late October.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • Optional guided island tour is available for an additional fee; booking in advance is recommended.
  • Ferry schedules may vary; confirm departure times upon booking.
  • Availability is subject to seasonal changes; check for the latest information before booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
  • Bring a valid ID for ferry boarding and any age-restricted activities.
  • Consider packing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Provided Boston Hotel Pick-Up Locations: AKA Back Bay Hotel, Boston Harbor Hotel (MUST BE A HOTEL GUEST), Colonnade, Dagny Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Boston (Washington Street), Fairmont Copley Plaza, Hilton Back Bay, Hyatt Regency Avenue de Lafayette, Intercontinental Boston, Marriott Copley, Marriott Long Wharf, Millennium Bostonian Hotel, Omni Parker House, Park Plaza Hotel, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Revere Hotel, Seaport Hotel, Sheraton Boston Hotel, W Hotel, Westin Boston Waterfront
  • Please note: PICKUPS ARE ONLY PROVIDED AT HOTELS THAT ARE ON THE LIST.
  • Priority seating is available upon request
  • There is walking involved on this day trip

Traveler reviews

4.5
3,222 reviews
5
2,194
4
544
3
302
2
112
1
70

Hot temperature made for an unpleasant day

The tour itself was great, however the air conditioner on the van and bus could not keep up with the 100 degree temps outside. Because of that the drives were not pleasant. Also did not know we would not be able to eat until after 1pm so we had not prepared to take snack. The driver did not offer water or snacks.

Kristi_HJul 6, 2026VIATOR

Martha’s Vineyard

Amazing trip! Only not so nice was that our bus didn’t have A/C and it was 102 degrees.

gayled538Jul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Well Organized

Johnny Boston was an awesome tour guide. The whole day was organized well with a good mixture of free time and organized touring. It was well-timed overall for all that you want to see and do.

Gabby141997Jul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Worth it!

This tour is the perfect way to take a round trip through Martha's Vineyard. Thatch was our driver between Boston and Cape Cod and very knowledgeable about the areas. And Tom drove us through out Martha's Vineyard, and he knows a lot about his terrain because he grew up there. There ferry ride is beautiful and refreshing, if you choose to take the air on the deck. And on the Island we had many great photo opportunities during the driven tour. And then 2.5 hours of free time to enjoy the Island before catching the return ferry.

Andrea_HJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Let someone else do the driving! Thatch, our driver was wonderful, informative, professional and fun!

Very informative info about Massachusetts history. A great daytrip! Our driver, Thatch made it so much more interesting

Deborah_HJul 3, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Provided Boston Hotel Pick-Up Locations: AKA Back Bay Hotel, Boston Harbor Hotel (MUST BE A HOTEL GUEST), Colonnade, Dagny Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Boston (Washington Street), Fairmont Copley Plaza, Hilton Back Bay, Hyatt Regency Avenue de Lafayette, Intercontinental Boston, Marriott Copley, Marriott Long Wharf, Millennium Bostonian Hotel, Omni Parker House, Park Plaza Hotel, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Revere Hotel, Seaport Hotel, Sheraton Boston Hotel, W Hotel, Westin Boston Waterfront Please note: PICKUPS ARE ONLY PROVIDED AT HOTELS THAT ARE ON THE LIST. Priority seating is available upon request There is walking involved on this day trip