After visitors have taken their fill of Greater Hyannis, we encourage them to strike out and visit our beautiful neighbor islands, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The Steamship Authority solely transports vehicles between Hyannis and Nantucket; this service is available year round. Seasonally, the Authority also provides high-speed catamaran service between Hyannis and Nantucket aboard its Iyanough from mid-April to early January. Hy-Line Cruises also runs its spanking new high-speed, 494-passenger catamaran Grey Lady IV to Nantucket year round.
Seasonal visitors who prefer to visit Martha’s Vineyard from Hyannis may do so aboard Hy Line Cruises’ Vineyard Lady which runs between Hyannis and Oak Bluffs from early May until the end of October. Thereafter, visitors wishing to sail to the Vineyard must trek about 30 miles to Woods Hole village to take one of the Steamship Authority’s ferries to Vineyard Haven, which transports both foot passengers and vehicles year round. Alternately, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides regular SeaLine buses from Hyannis Transportation Center, Cape Cod Mall or West Main Street, Hyannis to Woods Hole Steamship Authority dock for Martha’s Vineyard ferries.
And although ferry companies love having people on board as passengers, many visitors love strolling along Hyannis Harbor while watching its signature seagoing vessels come and go from the Harbor or watching them approach the relatively narrow channel leading to the Harbor from one of Hyannis’ beautiful Nantucket Sound beaches — Kalmus, Veterans, Keyes or Eugenia Fortes Beach.
In season, Hy-Line Cruises also features a popular hour-long and fascinating fully-narrated Hyannis Harbor Cruise. Passengers hear the history of Hyannis and local area landmarks on their voyage to view the historic Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport. Along the way, other points of interest include Great Island, the Kennedy Memorial, Egg Island, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea church, Squaw Island and Point Gammon Lighthouse. Kids ride FREE on morning trips all season!
The horns, the excitement of passengers coming and going plus the sheer size of these vital ferries impress people of all ages, especially those who do not live by the sea!
