martha's vineyard island tour

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      (508) 203-1853 

​ Edgartown   Tour   Company

Guided tours and activities on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.

Martha's Vineyard's #1 Tour

With over 1000 more excellent or good reviews than our nearest competitor!

Experience Martha's Vineyard

We offer the best, top rated Island tours. See our reviews on Trip Advisor below.

History abounds, The Whaling Church, Whaling Captain's homes, eclectic boutiques, and restaurants.

Enjoy Up-Island views including the Aquinnah Cliffs, and the Gay Head Ligthouse

Why Tour with us?

Experience Martha's Vineyard with Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Transport — the original and largest local tour company providing vehicles capable of traveling to all the wonderful locations on the island that larger buses are prohibited from traveling. Destinations include tours of historic residences of whaling Captains from days gone by with their beautiful gardens and captivating architecture. Other areas on our route that are inaccessible by bus include two lighthouses and the quaint fishing village of Menemsha.

Read our reviews on Tripadvisor

Martha’s Vineyard 3 or 4 hour Island Tour

This 3 or 4 hour tour will introduce you to our 100 Square mile island by giving you the history both past and present of our 6 unique towns.

Budget Friendly Shared Island Tours (departs from Oak Bluffs)

Ages 10+ • 3 Hour Full Island Tour • Budget Friendly - (Book Online & Save!)

African American Heritage Tour

Experience the rich African American history of Martha’s Vineyard. Your experienced tour guide will talk about the graveyard and the formation of the NAACP on MV, as well as the connection between the Vineyard’s Grace Church and the one in Mississippi.

Our knowledgeable and well versed drivers are here to make your Vineyard experience the best. There are many options for touring our beautiful and historic island in our clean, air conditioned and comfortable 14-passenger touring vans. Find your perfect tour with Experience Martha’s Vineyard Tours. Our fleet is fully insured and we are a State of Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities registered entity. Our local drivers provide an immersive and fully narrated experience of our diverse and historical New England island.

Our Up-Island tours include a stop in Menemsha— a quaint working fishing village, which is located in Chilmark.

Specials & Packages

Check out some of our popular tours below, starting at just $60 per person. Our private tours are available for groups from 6 people, and can accommodate up to 12 people.

Shared Island Tours

Private Tours

4hr Private Jaws Tour

• Transportation

508-654-0381

Tripadvisor's #1 MARTHA'S VINEYARD TOURS 2016 thru 2024 $55 Group Tours

 The Perfect sightseeing tours to see Martha's Vineyard!

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Martha's vineyard tours and excursions, join us.

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3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs

• Ideal introduction for first-time visitors
• Hear live commentary from the driver-guide
• Includes two 15-minute stops at Menemsha and Aquinnah
• Transport provided by air-conditioned vehicle; pickup and drop-off in Oak Bluff
• See itinerary
• 3-Hour Island Tour of Martha's Vineyard from Oak Bluffs
• Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
• Professional Driver/Guide
• Live commentary on board
• Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle
• Experience top Martha's Vineyard areas including Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Aquinnah
• 15-minute photo stop at Aquinnah (Gay Head Cliffs)
• 15-minute stop in Menemsha, an Idyllic fishing village
• Snack & Water
• Entry/Admission - Aquinnah Cliffs
• Entry/Admission - Aquinnah Lighthouse
• Entry/Admission - Menemsha Public Beach
• 1 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA At the Soldier Statue Diagonally Across the Street On The Island of Martha's Vineyard MUST BE ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• CANCEL 24 HR IN ADVANCE
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Minimum age for children is 10 years
• Tours depart Diagonally across the street from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority Ticket Office. Near Soldier Statue. Look for mini-bus or van marked "MV Transport" along the curb in front of the ticket office.
• During Check out Please use Special Requirements and let us know what Ferry you will be taking to the island. Thank you
• Most travelers can participate
• No refunds or rescheduling of reservations unless 24 hours prior to tour date & time.
• If you area taking the Hyline Fast Ferry from Hyannis, The New Bedford Seastreak, or the Rhode Island Fast Ferry (Quonset Point) Please make those reservation first to assure you getting to the island on time before booking with us
• You MUST BE ON the island of MARTHA'S VINEYARD to do this tour
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• No Children under the age of 10
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Flying Horses Carousel
• Old Whaling Church
• Aquinnah Cliffs
• Aquinnah Lighthouse
• Edgartown Lighthouse

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 1 Seaview Ave 1 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA At the Soldier Statue Diagonally Across the Street On The Island of Martha's Vineyard MUST BE ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD See address & details
• Pass by Flying Horses Carousel Old Whaling Church
• 1 Aquinnah Cliffs Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details Pass by Edgartown Lighthouse Martha's Vineyard Camp meeting Association (MVCMA) Joseph Sylvia State Beach
• 2 Aquinnah Lighthouse Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Menemsha Public Beach Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• K5468IOmariel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jawsome - Jaws tour with a jump off the Jaws Bridge! The tour was amazing! Dave knew all the buildings in Martha's vineyard and everyone in the movie! we loved every minute finding out all about Martha's Vineyard! Thank you Dave! the jump off the bridge was invigorating! a bucket list item achieved! Read more Written October 31, 2023
• Andrew E 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative, interesting 3 hour tour Rich, our tour guide, has a great personality, he was very informative and knowledgeable about Martha’s Vineyard, he made the tour interesting and fun. Read more Written October 22, 2023
• nikijaydad 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Martha's Vineyard - too much hype it's like much ado about nothing! (well ,amy be little). We visited in October '23. Most shops were closed already. Took guided tour, the driver/narrator was very good, and got his tip for that. But nothing that really impressed. Edgar town is preetty! Some areas have big lot homes....like 5 acres! That makes for privacy for well-knowns! We have taken tours in Hawaii & Alaska.....and feel those are better places to visit. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• AliceWV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour Our tour of Marthas Vineyard was wonderful. Bart, our guide certainly knew the history of the island and was able to answer all our questions. It was very enjoyable. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• WinchesterVirginia 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to see the island We had one day to spend on Martha's Vineyard so decided the 3 hr island tour would be the best way to get a feel for the island, see the highlights, and then use the public buses to go revisit any of the areas we wanted to spend more time. Bart was a great tour guide. This is a great value to get to see everything and then decide where you might want to go if you then still have a few hours. Read more Written October 12, 2023
• Lora G 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Very knowledgeable and interesting tour and guide! Enjoyed this tour and we would have given it a 5 star review but.…the sound system in the van wasn’t loud enough for the the folks in the back to hear over the rattle in the back of the Van. Cheryl, our driver was great, being a 5th generation on the island. Would highly recommend her. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• dmkincaid2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Martha's Vineyard Tour Excellent tour of historic Marthas's Vineyard. Although we've been there several times in the past, it was great to hear the history and uniqueness of each of the main towns. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• Nancy V 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent trip Very nice tour of the area. Mac was very professional and knowledgeable as he was a native of the island. We saw and learned things we never knew. Read more Written October 7, 2023
• Maine218 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour Tour guide was very knowledgeable, pleasant, and had a great voice. The tour was excellent and I would choose them again. Read more Written September 30, 2023
• jbhub64 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do Recommend anyone traveling to Martha’s Vineyard to take this. Our guide Cheryl was amazing. Very informative with a lot of knowledge. Read more Written September 27, 2023
• Explore406040 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles California visits MV! We had the most amazing time touring from one end of Martha's Vineyard to the other with this company! From reservation to drop off,everyone was soooo nice and accomodating, especially with our big group of 14! Our tour guide worked diligently to give us personalized insights into the island, including info on the indiginous and african american influences which we sooo greately appreciated. Wayne was the best!!! Thank you Lisa, Teri, Jackie and Annette - you all were amazing, can't recommend this company enough!!! AND the vehicle was clean and super comfortable! Read more Written September 25, 2023
• 602KarenA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles African American Heritage Trail Tour Jam packed with 4 hours of information and sights with our tour guide Phillip. Truly a memorable experience. Highly recommend the tour Read more Written September 19, 2023
• Donald D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Time Well Spent My wife and I did the 3-hour private tour and highly recommend Dave as your guide. Dave has lived on the Vineyard for many years and shared his knowledge with us. Dave met us at the ferry and off we went. During stops we never felt rushed. Thanks Dave. Read more Written September 18, 2023
• jeannej682 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour and very informative This was a great time. Jackie was very helpful in planning and Mac was an excellent tour guide. We saw all of the island and learned a lot of the history. Read more Written September 11, 2023
• doncA8360MS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Value to see the entire island The 3 hour van tour was exactly what we wanted. Just enough time to see all towns on Martha's Vineyard. Driver was extremely informative and friendly. I would highly recommend this to anyone wishing to see this special place. Read more Written September 9, 2023

More to explore in Martha's Vineyard

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs provided by Martha’s Vineyard Tours and Transportation

 Martha's  Vineyard

• Which ferry should I take to get to Martha's Vineyard? There are 5 ferries to get to Martha's Vineyard - depending on where you are traveling from and whether you are taking your car or not. Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard High Speed & Car Ferry | The Steamship Authority - this is the most popular and the only ferry you can take your car on - although you WILL need a reservation - standby can take all day, (some days no standby), Thousands of people are traveling on this ferry - it is best to leave your car in the parking lot in Falmouth and walk on. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOU CANNOT PARK IN WOODSHOLE WHERE THE FERRY IS.... they WILL tow you .... parking is located at two different spots - the closest is approx. 15 min away and they offer a free shuttle back and forth. For Martha's Vineyard Travelers While there is no dockside parking available at our Woods Hole terminal, there are several off-site lots in Falmouth. We encourage you to arrive an hour before your departure time, so you have the time you need to park your car and ride our free shuttle service to the terminal. For your convenience, all shuttle buses have bike racks, capable of accommodating two bikes during daylight hours. A bike shuttle bus is available every day throughout the summer season. Current/real-time parking lot information is readily available by logging onto our mobile website at SteamshipAuthority.com, by calling our parking information line at (508) 457-7275 (PARK) or tuning into 1610 AM on your radio. This ferry ride is 45 minutes to the Vineyard. Island Queen Ferry • Martha's Vineyard Ferry - Second most popular, especially for those staying closer to Falmouth and the parking lot is right next door... makes getting to and from the ferry much easier... The drawback - compared to the Steamship Authority is there are fewer trips available. The trip takes approximately 35 minutes and offers an enclosed lounge or outside decks for passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic views of Vineyard Sound. The ferry is located at 75 Falmouth Heights Rd, Falmouth, MA, 02540 Hy-Line Cruises: Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard High-Speed Ferries (hylinecruises.com) - This ferry is especially convenient for those staying in the lower cape area (Hyannis, Yarmouth, etc). This link is perfect for your many questions: FAQs | Hy-Line Cruises (hylinecruises.com) New York City | New Jersey | Martha's Vineyard Getaway By Seastreak Ferry -- THIS FERRY ALSO HAS YEARROUND SERVICE FROM NEW BEDFORD, MA Seastreak is a leader in revitalizing fast passenger ferry services in the New York metropolitan area. We proudly offer high-speed catamaran services to points in Manhattan, central New Jersey, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and more with a fleet of robust vessels. In addition to commuter services to and from Manhattan and New Jersey, we offer an array of special events, sightseeing cruises and tours, daytrips, and getaways year round. In addition to our New York operations, we operate a seasonal ferry service (May through October) between New Bedford, Massachusetts and the port of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. The Martha’s Vineyard division operates daily service utilizing two high-speed catamaran ferries with capacity of up to 149 passengers. Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry – Rhode Island Fast Ferry -- a High-Speed Ferry to Martha's Vineyard, operating between Quonset Point, RI and Oak Bluffs, MV Rhode Island Fast Ferry is a water transportation company that provides ferry services to Martha’s Vineyard and Block Island. The company operates the largest and most luxurious fast ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, which departs from Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 95 minutes and offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay and Vineyard Sound. The company also offers sightseeing cruises, offshore wind support, and lighthouse cruises.
• Can I park at the Steamship Authority? NO!!!! Please be advised that you CAN NOT park in Woodshole at the Steamship Authority.... You WILL be towed.... Please park in one of the Steamship Authority Parking Lots available and take the FREE shuttle to the ferry (and back) Click on this link for directions, phone number and info: Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard High Speed & Car Ferry | The Steamship Authority 286 Palmer Ave - Google Maps
• What if the ferry is diverted to Vineyard Haven because of weather?? Do you pick us up in Vineyard Haven?? No..... All tours leave Oak Bluffs at 1 Seaview Ave If the ferry is diverted, we will know ahead of time and we will delay the tour until 11am... to give time to passengers to make their way to Oak Bluffs via the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority, Uber, or Taxi It takes approx 10-15 minutes to get to Oak Bluffs (depending on traffic) We will be contacting reservations the night before for a pretrip check in.... we will also be keeping an eye on the weather for such delays or diversions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
• If we would like to get back to other areas we already toured, what is the best way? Vineyard Transit Authority tip: if getting on and off more than once, buy an all day pass (approx $9), you will save $$$
• If the tour is canceled due to weather, is there a refund? Yes, a partial refund. We have a weather policy put in place to also protect ourselves... IF THE FERRIES ARE RUNNING, WE ARE RUNNING if the ferries are canceled due to the weather, and an alternative date cannot be made then a 50% refund will be made. If HomeGrown Tours cancels due to the weather a FULL refund will be made. example: it may be thundering and lightening and heavy down pours, but the ferry is running: we will not be touring due to the bad weather.... we will then refund fully! we keep a close eye on the weather daily and if bad weather is predicted, we stay in close contact with you to discuss what options you have. all refunds will be made on the 11th of each month
• What is your cancellation policy? 24 hour notice
• How many times do we get off the bus? We have 2 scheduled step offs for dining, restroom, shopping and sightseeing There is another stop we try to make as long as there is availability for parking.... a lil hole in the wall Native American bakery .... very small area, most times available - but alot of times no parking.... and cannot turn around - its always a luck of the draw! keep your fingers crossed.... :) We have several stops along the way to learn more in depth history and photo ops.
• How long are the step off stops and where?? The first step off stop is in Menemsha, Chilmark A quaint lil fishing village 15 minutes The second stop (could be, as described in the other faqs) at the Orange Peel Bakery in Aquinnah 10 minutes The Second (or third) stop is The Gay Head Clay Cliffs and Lighthouse in Aquinnah 30 minutes
• What type of vehicle do we tour in? And is Air Conditioned? We are the only tour company on Martha's Vineyard that has small shuttles Our cute lil shuttles offer a small group of 14 people There are huge windows which are great for sightseeing You can sit in comfy touring chairs without being cramped in small seats Ability to stand and walk around Our shuttles are definitely air conditioned
• What makes you different than the other tour companies? HomeGrown Tours is the only interactive tour company on Martha's Vineyard. HomeGrown Tours is the only Wheelchair Accessible Tour Company on Martha's Vineyard We are the only tour company mostly anywhere that offers a screen at the front of the bus that shows what certain sites looked like in the days or yore AND we have a new digital sound system that will surprise you at the local JAWS sites on tour. We are the only Wheelchair Accessible Tour company! (probably anywhere that I can find.) We have successfully helped make Martha's Vineyard a more accessible place to visit Please contact us to let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair lift - thank you for your attention to this matter. AND WE LOVE TO HAVE FUN..... we share a ton of history, personal stories and so many photos to help you see how we grew as an island and as a community. When you leave us, you will have learned something new and exciting... our stories will make you laugh or maybe cry, but that's what makes us unique and very family oriented.
• Are there private tours? Yes, we offer private tours for those that would rather not do a shared tour with others. We customize YOUR tour to what your desires are and what you would like to do most. Remember: our private tours are very laid back and relaxed. We also go where others don't go.... example: we will take you to the highest point on Martha's Vineyard - peaked hill - used to be a Laran station during the war to watch for boats and planes. Peaked Hill is 350 feet above sea level and overlooks all of Aquinnah.... It's a most beautiful spot.... or we take you on different roads to secret spots so fun to visit Most private tours are at least 4 hours and can be done at whatever time you choose, and we pick you up at your place of residence (hotel, private home, etc.) and drop you off where you choose.
• Do you do other things than just tours? Yes!! We have a clamming gig - clients dig for clams (quahogs) and learn about how to collect (dig)or (rake), keep and cook and eat (some raw) We take photos and videos for your own lil album of clamming fun Kids LOVE this gig We provide the permits and all equipment This event is primarily for those that are staying in residences with cooking facilities... Lets chat.... 7743278192 We do transportation for Weddings, Bachelor/ Bachelorette parties, Bar Crawls, Kids Summer outings, Beach parties and Scavenger hunts.
• Military Discount? Yes, we offer a military discount: You must provide an ID
• Do we a need a ticket to get on?? YES!!!!! you must provide a ticket whether its from your phone or you printed it out.... IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A TICKET, YOU CANNOT GET ON.... PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS For those that cannot get the ticket printed or other trouble acquiring it, please contact us immediately and we will help you.

MOST POPULAR

This is the most popular tour to get an overall feeling of what MV is all about. Experience all the towns, rolling hills with ancient stone walls, beautiful vistas and breathtaking views. Fully narrated.  Please understand that besides our 24 hour cancelation policy, we also have a 50% weather policy to ensure our protection as well...  Thank you for your understanding ....

THE BUS TOUR  $65

Best Rated Martha's Vineyard Bus Tours And Sightseeing Packages

ULTIMATE JAWSOME JAWS TOUR

Sunset Tours

 HomeGrown Tours KidZ

Homegrown's

New  Mascot

SPECIALTY TOURS

Arranged by our team, romantic sunset, all island taster, here for the day, weekend excursion, august showdown.

HomeGrown Tours KidZ

   Sunshine Therapy

   farm to table,    hiking at the neck,    time with the animals,    historical curiosities,     fishing expedition.

HomeGrown Tours is the most unique tour company on Martha's Vineyard. Your tour is not only narrated by a 3rd generation Islander but it is also a hands on learning experience. I pass around items that relate to the Vineyard to get a feel of how we live here, I have a screen that shows what certain sites looked like in the 1800s, I offer cold bottled water and lite snacks and rain ponchos for those wet days. Our bus tours are fun, safe and full of history! Book privately and we go where other tours buses dont go. I treasure Martha's Vineyard and the history and beauty. Book a tour with us and make it the highlight of your vacation. Thank you for letting me show you where I live, you wont be disappointed.

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MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island paradise, just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is your trusted resource to plan a dream vacation, find the best hotel or home rental, recommend restaurants and businesses, and so much more!

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Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites

4 Essential Martha’s Vineyard Tours for Guided Island Sightseeing

The nuances of island history, architecture, and culture tend to hide in plain sight — if you really want to get to know them, guided Martha’s Vineyard tours are your best bet. Now, a number of Martha’s Vineyard tour companies will take your money, pack your group into a bus or van and try to show you the whole island in 2-3 hours. Here at Vineyard Square, we say slow down. Our favorite tours are either free, cheap, or offer a far greater value than your typical bus tour. Most of these Martha’s Vineyard tours are site-specific, so their guides have time for the details and you have time to explore before or after your tour.

Gingerbread Cottage Walking Tours – Oak Bluffs

The Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association gives walking tours of this historic community on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August, and private tours can be arranged. Known as the Campgrounds, the neighborhood — now clustered with pastel-colored Victorian cottages — began hosting religious meetings in 1835. The tours are inexpensive (free for kids!), and include admission to the Cottage Museum.

Edgartown Historic Property Tours

Step inside history with tours of Edgartown’s oldest properties. The Vincent House, Martha’s Vineyard’s oldest residence, was built in 1672 and is now a museum featuring rare colonial architecture and artifacts. Old Whaling Church, a popular Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue , includes original whale-oil lamps lit by prosperous captains in the 19th century. Dr. Daniel Fisher became one of the wealthiest men in the country during whaling’s heyday, and his elegant residence, too, is still standing. The Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust runs guided tours of all three of these properties on weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A bonus: they’re within easy walking distance of our Edgartown hotel.

African American Heritage Trail Tours

From Baptist gatherings in the 1800s to the Civil Rights movement to present day, African-American history runs deep on Martha’s Vineyard. The 27 stops along the African-American Heritage Trail span the entire island and include historic homes of notable residents, religious leaders, and political activists, along with meeting houses, cemeteries, and other points of interest. For a first-time visit, we recommend the 1.5-hour Oak Bluffs tour option, but if you’re feeling ambitious, the longer tours cover far more ground.

Martha’s Vineyard Boat Tours

If you haven’t seen the island from the water, you haven’t really seen the island (no, the ferry doesn’t count!). This is the one Martha’s Vineyard tour option worthy of breaking our rules about pricing and sticking to one area. Consider the following three options, and be sure to book well in advance: • Mad Max Catamaran cruises daily out of Edgartown harbor, just a few blocks from Vineyard Square. • Magic Carpet  is a wooden sailboat offering public tours and private charters and also departs from Edgartown Harbor. The Sunset Sail is one of our favorites. • Pirate Adventures is exactly what it sounds like and more—fun for the whole family on a custom-built pirate ship that sails around searching for treasure. It’s hands-down our favorite kid-friendly activity on Martha’s Vineyard .

Getting to Your Martha’s Vineyard Tour

Getting around the island (without bringing a car!) is easier than you might think. If you’re looking for a customized island tour and/or on-call transportation, Stagecoach Taxi is by far your best bet. Vineyard Transit Authority buses run frequently and reliably all summer. We’re always happy to assist our hotel guests with transportation needs at the Vineyard Square front desk.

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MV Sightseeing

We are closed for the season. reopen in may 2024, tours leaving  daily at 23 lake ave oak bluffs (ticket booth).  for advanced dates please look at schedule  under heading tours and reserve your ticket. , please text  to inquire (508)560-7829, scott dario cell.

Let us be your guide! 

If you have any other questions in regards to private bus charters, ticket tours, trolleys or weddings please email [email protected] .

Looking forward to seeing you on the Island!

MV Sightseeing offers bus tours, as well as private charters accross the beautiful Island of Martha's Vineyard

MV Sightseeing is a family owned transportation and tour company, servicing visitors of Martha’s Vineyard who want to get around and explore our beautiful island. MV Sightseeing has been providing the one and only bus and trolley tours of the island since 1987.

TOURS AVAILABLE

Island Bus Tours

Trolley Tours

Private Charters

Founded in 1987, MV Sightseeing has been committed to showing visitors around Martha’s Vineyard for over thirty years. We’re a family business, rooted in customer satisfaction and a deep love of our Island home.

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Outstanding Places to Visit on Martha’s Vineyard

<ul> <li>Craig is Your Source for Local Insights into the Area’s Best Food, Drinks, & More! </li> <li>Don’t Just Read the History of the Island, See it (& Experience it) First Hand! </li> </ul>

<ul> <li>Fully Air-Conditioned Vans</li> <li>Leather Seats</li> <li>Comfy Captain Chairs</li> <li>We’ll Pick You Up & Drop You Off at Your Desired Location</li> </ul>

3-HOUR TOUR

<ul> <li>Our Guide Shows You All 6 Towns on the Island</li> <li>Stand on the Sets of “JAWS”</li> <li>Explore Gingerbread Cottages, Shop at the Island’s First Store, Climb Up the Lighthouse, and View the Colorful 200ft Clay Cliffs</li> <li>Up to 6 People Per Group Per Tour</li> <li>Your Own Private Tour of the Island! </li> <li>Your Guide Will Show You All the Best Sites & Locations </li> </ul> <p>Recommended for Travelers Looking for a Faster Experience</p>

4-HOUR TOUR

<ul> <li>Explore Everything included in the 3Hr Tour PLUS:</li> <li>Enjoy a Private Harborside Seafood Picnic</li> <li>Complimentary Bottle of Wine</li> </ul> <p>*Private harborside seafood picnic!</p> <p>*We will stop for a harborside seafood picnic where you can purchase the freshest seafood from Menemsha Fish market and dine on the set of \'JAWS\'!</p> <p>We pick up customers and drop off friends. We wish you were here!</p>

Click on a card below and find out more

• Craig is Your Source for Local Insights into the Area’s Best Food, Drinks, & More!
• Don’t Just Read the History of the Island, See it (& Experience it) First Hand!
• Fully Air-Conditioned Vans
• Leather Seats
• Comfy Captain Chairs
• We’ll Pick You Up & Drop You Off at Your Desired Location
• Our Guide Shows You All 6 Towns on the Island
• Stand on the Sets of “JAWS”
• Explore Gingerbread Cottages, Shop at the Island’s First Store, Climb Up the Lighthouse, and View the Colorful 200ft Clay Cliffs
• Up to 6 People Per Group Per Tour
• Your Own Private Tour of the Island!
• Your Guide Will Show You All the Best Sites & Locations

Recommended for Travelers Looking for a Faster Experience

• Explore Everything included in the 3Hr Tour PLUS:
• Enjoy a Private Harborside Seafood Picnic
• Complimentary Bottle of Wine

*Seafood not included with tour cost, you’ll have the chance to purchase any seafood in the area to enjoy seaside.

Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most well-known and popular tourist destinations in the country but how often do you get the chance to truly see everything it has to offer? 

With Craig leading the way, our tours are designed to give you a true local sense of the area while seeing & experiencing the best that the island has to offer.

We offer 3hr & 4hr tours that give you plenty of time to see all 6 towns and experience your favorite stops at your preferred pace. Our tours accommodate groups up to 6 but we only book one party per tour, meaning you & your group will enjoy your own private tour!

This makes it an even more personal & unforgettable experience!

If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard then this tour is a must, nowhere else can you enjoy an intimate tour that allows you to truly see & experience everything that makes the island so popular & so beloved.

Space is limited to be sure to book your tour now or give us a call with any further questions you may have!

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5 things to do on Martha’s Vineyard

S even miles off the coast of Massachusetts is an island full of unspoiled landscape and plenty of fun, according to Carol Ward, information specialist for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.

A New York Times best-selling author shares her favorite Martha’s Vineyard spots

Martha’s Vineyard, with 124 miles of coastline across six towns — Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury — is a vacation destination with a year-round population of about 23,000 that balloons to 200,000 during the summer months, according to the chamber.

The Massachusetts escape has been called one of the most magical island getaways in the U.S. by Country Living and served as a backdrop for New York Times best-selling author E. Lockhart’s books. Boston.com readers recently named Edgartown the most picturesque small town in Massachusetts .

“It is a really, very, very unique place,” Ward said. “It’s a beautiful place on a very human scale that allows you to really connect with what you are seeing and what you are doing.”

The island’s diversity means visitors of all ages and interests can customize a day of fun, Ward said, by choosing from activities such as historic sites, shopping, dining, beaches, hiking, biking, museums, art galleries, farms, lighthouses, following the African American Heritage Trail , and more.

Whether strolling down island through bustling Oak Bluffs or visiting the unspoiled landscape up island at places such as the famous Aquinnah Cliffs , there’s a “sense of timelessness” on the island, Ward said.

“It’s just magic,” she said.

Ward offered the following tips for what to see and do during a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard this season.

1. Head to the Gingerbread Cottages

A neighborhood full of 19th-century “Gingerbread Cottages” is as well-known as the island’s beaches and lighthouses. The 318 pastel-colored homes are located at the  Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association , a National Historic Landmark.

“It’s lovely,” Ward said about the famous neighborhood.

The Tabernacle , located on the grounds, is the largest covered outdoor performance space on the island and hosts a sunset concert series in the summer. The cottages are privately owned, so visitors must stay on the public pathways.

“They do have a little museum that’s open in July and August where you can see what the inside of the cottages look like,” Ward said.

Summer visitors can also take guided walking tours of the neighborhood on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the months of July and August, and private tours are available by appointment.

2. Head to the beach

“Because we are an island, you are never very far from the beach ,” Ward said.

The island offers many beaches, some public and others reserved for residents and town visitors with a parking or beach permit.

Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs, which runs along the eastern side of the island facing Nantucket Sound, is great for families due to its “gentle child-friendly waves,” according to Ward.

Katama Beach , also called South Beach, in Edgartown offers three miles of barrier beach on the south shore. The public beach is one of the island’s most popular ocean-facing beaches, Ward said, and vehicles with permits are allowed on marked trails.

For a more remote experience, Ward recommends heading to Menemsha Public Beach in Chilmark or Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah.

Menemsha Public Beach, next to Menemsha Harbor, is popular for its sunsets, Ward said (author E. Lockhart called them “ magical “). Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah offers two miles of Vineyard Sound beach and dunes and is a favorite fishing spot.

3. Explore a museum and view art

There are several fantastic museums on the island, according to Ward.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal, houses more than 100,000 items, and current exhibits include “Unfreedom: Stories of enslavement, indenture, and incarceration on Martha’s Vineyard” and “Jaws: Creating Amity Island.” The movie “Jaws” was, of course, filmed on the island in 1974.

“It is very comprehensive,” Ward said about the museum. “It has a little area for kids and it really gives an overview of the island and how it has evolved over the years.”

The Carnegie Heritage Center in Edgartown is “a wonderful little gem of a museum,” Ward said. The restored landmark includes reading rooms, a gift shop, a library, and a revolving exhibition called “Living Landmarks.” Visitors can learn the history of the Wampanoag people at the Aquinnah Cultural Center .

Travelers can also walk through an outdoor sculpture garden in West Tisbury at The Field Gallery , Ward said, which features contemporary art by both emerging and established artists.

4. Enjoy dinner with a view

There are so many fabulous restaurants across the island, Ward said, and some serve up incredible waterfront views.

The Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs is a waterfront restaurant with a festive atmosphere and good food, Ward said. The restaurant, which does not take reservations, serves seafood, burgers, and sushi. It has a raw bar, too.

“It just puts you in that vacation frame of mind,” she said.

Bettini at the Harbor View Hotel on Edgartown Harbor and across from the Edgartown Lighthouse serves American cuisine with an “island farm-and-sea-to-table philosophy,” according to its website.

“It is an excellent place for dinner and has an excellent view,” Ward said.

The Dunes , a restaurant at Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown, recently named among the best family-friendly resorts in the U.S. by Tripadvisor, is also well worth dining at, Ward said.

“They have a wonderful deck,” Ward said. “The view is stunning. The grounds are stunning. The food is delicious. It’s really very special.”

During the summer months, guests can arrive at the restaurant via water taxi from downtown Edgartown.

5. Check out a farm — or a farmers market

A lot of Martha’s Vineyard is rural and the island’s many farms are great places to check out, Ward said.

Grey Barn & Farm is a certified organic farm, creamery, and bakery in Chilmark, which was established in 2009 and offers tours followed by cheese tastings in the garden.

“They have the most extraordinary cheese that they make in-house,” Ward said.

Another excellent island farm is Morning Glory Farm in Edgartown, Ward said, a family farm established in 1975 that grows 60 acres of vegetables and fruits and offers a farm stand and bakery.

“They do a great job with their baked goods and other things that they produce,” she said.

The West Tisbury Farmers Market , which has been feeding islanders since 1974, is open from June to October on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

“That’s definitely something worth checking out,” Ward said.

Getting there

Travelers can get to Martha’s Vineyard by ferry or by plane.

“There’s something very magical about a ferry trip,” Ward said. “It is certainly part of the experience.”

Visitors can take the Steamship Authority , which is a year-round ferry service that also carries cars, or seasonal ferry service out of Hyannis, Falmouth, and New Bedford.

Once there, guests can take advantage of an all-island bus system that generates from Vineyard Haven, Ward said.

“You can take buses to other parts of the island, which is wonderful if you are here for a day trip and don’t have a vehicle,” she said. “You can easily pick up a bus to Oak Bluffs and Edgartown and West Tisbury, and from those points you can continue on to other parts of the island such as Aquinnah and Menemsha.”

Guests can also rent cars and bicycles for the day, and use a ride share service.

Reader recommendations:

Food and beverages:

Back Door Donuts — @kimaustinpowers

Larsen’s Fish Market — @noahvanschalkwyk

Nomans — @kerryemooney , @billykeane96

West Tisbury Farmers Market — @whattheheckner

Activities:

Aquinnah Cliffs — @bostown66 , @mandygrayy , @12numberkejoote

Beaches — @melissam.driscoll

Bicycling — @suzsen , @chrism051901 , @pallavikolambkar , @amacattack12

Edgartown shopping — @shophappy

Gay Head Lighthouse — @metal_head_ralfi_ralf

Lucy Vincent Beach — @cryandancebeast

Oak Bluffs — @addisonprimm

Old Sculpin Gallery — @sydcaroline

South Beach — @kbry2000 , @colleen_williams

Yoga on the Vine — @sydcaroline

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The post 5 things to do on Martha’s Vineyard appeared first on Boston.com .

Video: Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard Season 2 Home Tour

By Jacquez Printup

The cast of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard is back for another season, and they’re showing off their new pad in a fun video. 

Thanks to Bravo’s  The Daily Dish , they caught up with Bria Fleming , Amir Lancaster , and Shanice Henderson for a house tour of their fancy crib on the Vineyard. As the tour started, the trio introduced watchers to their newest roommate, Noelle Hughley , who’s residing in what she called “the study.” Her room is also where “everything goes down,” including “girl talk, haircare, makeup, you name it.” 

Next, Amir took viewers to the kitchen to meet up with Preston Mitchum . “Not only is this the place where we party, this is also a place where we relax,” Amir said while Preston made himself a dirty martini. 

What else does the Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard crib have to offer? 

Upstairs are a few more bedrooms that house Shanice, Summer Marie Thomas , and Jordan Emanuel . Amir noted that Bria’s room is “the best room in the house” because of its features, including a balcony and natural light. “I gave up the primary bedroom for this room,” Bria told the cameras. 

Outside, Shanice explained that the house’s trampoline was “actually my favorite part of the house,” and Amir pointed to the grill, saying they enjoy cooking “hamburgers, hotdogs, [and] corn on the cob.” 

Alex Tyree sat by the firepit and explained he enjoys chilling there in his spare time. He stated he could do without the fire since the fire is “in my soul.” 

Jordan called the house’s pool her “mermaid lair,” while Amir said it’s one of the most “iconic” spots where some of their “greatest nights” happened. They also teased that a few parties were taped there throughout the season, including neon-night ( Episode 3 ) and Freaknik. 

Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard  continues on Sundays at 9/8c. 

TELL US — WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SHMV HOUSE? ARE YOU WATCHING SEASON 2? 

Jacquez began writing about pop culture and reality television during his time as a student at Ohio University. Since graduating, Jacquez has continued writing about celebs and all things entertainment.

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Museum Pieces: What’s in your garden?

Take the time and patience needed to learn and grow.

“To have a devoted neighbor rob her own garden to give you plants that shriek at your own plants and devastate your scheme of decoration, is about as unhappy a garden situation as can be found.” —Emily Post

Emily Post was an Edgartown summer resident and was passionate about her garden. This quote of her’s is a fitting metaphor for a lot in life. While we can all benefit from advice and assistance, we still have to manage what we follow and accept. We bloom from the choices we make. The M.V. Museum has accepted the responsibility that comes with keeping the ledger of life on the Island — from the People of the First Light to the present day. There are stories being unearthed all the time and MVM, your museum, will continue to add to a more thorough documentation of undertold and underrepresented stories. Gardening teaches us patience. Each plant has its own needs in order to thrive and harmonize with the other plants. What will you choose for your garden? What colors, textures, heights, combinations, sizes, scents, and so on? Will it be for beauty? For medicine? Food perhaps? What would you choose to accept from a neighbor’s garden? What would you share from yours? The museum wants to build a giant community garden containing everything we can grow from heirloom seeds that you share with us.

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its gardens — each town has a signature style and its own set of rules, tricks, and frustrations. There are garden tours that demonstrate this during the summer. The museum will host a panel on Tuesday, April 16, with six women who have helped shape Island gardenscapes over the last 50 years. Peggy Schwier, Phyllis McMorrow, Lynne Irons, Abigail Higgins, Carly Look, and Mary Wirtz represent the storied women who have planned, dug, planted, and tended some of the most beautiful gardens on the Island. The stories, laughs, and wisdom they will divulge is going to interest, entertain, and encourage us all to create our garden stories. You will also take home some seeds of your own to plant. It’s spring after all, and time to come alive together!

There is a long history of interacting with the earth on this Island, beginning with the Indigenous Wampanoag, who have the mindset and skills to balance the give and take. The museum is in the process of developing a program with the proper guidance to impart some of this wisdom and expertise so we can help to heal the earth, as it has healed us for millennia. MVM maintains the Cooke House in Edgartown, as well as the Legacy Gardens built more recently, as a journey through many types of gardening from when the house was built in 1766. The Legacy Gardens features a walking loop, a contemplative fountain, and glimpses of Edgartown’s storied past. There will be talks about Edgartown history in this garden beginning Monday, July 8, and each Monday after through August 12 at 4 pm; we hope you can join us.

But we are only in April, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have so many engaging exhibits, activities, and programs this month, including Friday Reset Live Music; a Bow Van Riper “ Ferries and Steamers: From Sailboats to Sidewheelers ” talk series; Tick Talk with Patrick Roden-Reynolds; a Transforming Beach Treasure workshop with Laurisa Rich; storytimes for kids; April break week fun for the kids; an afternoon tea talk with Master Herbalists Holly Bellebuono and Missy Harding, and more! Have you seen the “Clearly Misunderstood: C.F. Giordano” exhibit open through May 5? Or taken your kids (or yourself) to see the Clifford Exhibit open through July 14? Tomorrow night it’s Open Mic Night during the Friday Reset from 5 to 8 pm. There are 10 spots, so get there early!

We want you to think of the museum as a place to come to uplift your mind, body, and spirit, and building anything takes vision, planning, labor, and patience. MVM is grateful to have you helping us create a beautiful, bountiful garden we can all glean from.

Visit mvmuseum.org for more information about upcoming exhibitions and events. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum inspires all people to discover, explore, and strengthen their connections to this Island and its diverse heritage. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Regular hours are 10 am to 4 pm and summer hours are 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free to members; admission for nonmembers is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for children 7 to 17, and free for children 6 and under. Islander rates are available. 

Laurel Redington is the director of programming and audience experience at the M.V. Museum.

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• Peter Hefler.

Peter Hefler, 83

• Monday, April 8, 2024 - 11:18am

Maj. Peter R. Hefler, USAF (ret.), a transportation aficionado and the Vineyard Transit Authority’s biggest enthusiast, died March 24 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.

Peter was born in Boston on May 22, 1940, and grew up in Milton. He was the youngest of six, and his siblings often reminded him that he got away with everything, including washing his bicycle in the middle of the kitchen.

He attended UMass Amherst under the U.S. Air Force ROTC program, and entered the Air Force as a public affairs officer in 1963 after earning a B.A. degree in rhetoric. Ne was first stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California, where he served as a general’s aide. At his next post, Mactan Air Force Base in the Philippines, his duties included escorting journalists covering the Vietnam War into active combat zones.

He returned stateside and was assigned to the Air Force’s public affairs office on Fifth avenue in New York City. A train lover since childhood, he started out in an apartment in New York City and then moved to Newtown, Conn. where he happily commuted by rail. As he liked to tell it, it led to him being “railroaded into an MBA degree.”

While traveling into New York City from Newtown, Peter completed graduate courses in business administration and earned his degree in a unique program, “Edu-Tran,” offered by Adelphi University aboard custom commuter train classroom cars. He was the first graduate of the program from the New Haven line.

Later, while assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., he served as the deputy director of the community relations division in the office of the Secretary of Defense. His college degree and gift of gab served him well there. In addition to revamping and running the tours and briefings program under Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, Peter conducted over 1,000 briefings himself, specifically tailored to visiting groups and organizations from all over the world. At the time it was the largest office building in the world, and he learned to walk miles backwards while escorting visitors to ensure no one was lost or wandered into restricted areas.

Peter fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard on his first visit in 1959 with his lifelong friends, Dr. Robert Franklin and his wife Grace. Later, as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, he bought a parcel of land off Lagoon Road from real estate agent Henry Cronig with $5 and a handshake to seal the deal, and a payment of $100 a month for three years. He built a home in Tisbury in 1971, with a goal to retire there.

He met his future wife, Janet Rummel, in 1978 when he headed the Air Force Magazine and Book Branch, stationed at the Pentagon, and she was the associate editor of National Defense Magazine. Their dates included many train trips, and he converted her into enough of a rail fan that at their wedding in 1979, they had an Amtrak locomotive atop their wedding cake. Kneeling at the altar to receive blessings revealed the soles of Peter’s shoes read “Am” and “Trak.” They took an Amtrak train trip for their honeymoon.

Janet moved to his home in Harpers Ferry and joined him in commuting 90 minutes each way by train into Washington, D.C. In 1982, on a day trip to New York City, their son Brien was born seven weeks early in their friend Brien McMahon’s apartment on Roosevelt Island.

After retiring from his 20-year Air Force career in 1985, Peter began a second 20-year career in public transportation management. He and his family moved to their Martha’s Vineyard home that summer where he managed the Edgartown-Katama Stage Lines, a seasonal shuttle trolley service to and from Edgartown and South Beach. He also got a commercial driver’s license and was one of the drivers, as well. That proved valuable when all of his staff left at the end of the summer before Labor Day, and he was the lone driver to provide service for the holiday weekend.

When the shuttle service ended, he took a job as a tour bus driver for the fall season. He always said the best gratuity he ever got was a steamed lobster, courtesy of a passenger who ordered a clambake dinner and didn’t like them.

Pursuing a transportation career required leaving the Vineyard once again. From 1986 to May 2005, Peter worked as the general manager of several transit operations, including a school bus management company, a regional transit management company overseeing the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority in Springfield, and airport ground transportation operations at BWI Airport and Portland Maine International Jetport. Gifted a toy bus early in his career, his collection grew to include over 600 miniature modes of public transportation, which he proudly displayed in his offices over the years, much to the delight of his son and visiting students on field trips.

Peter spent the last six years of his second career as general manager of the Greater Portland Metro. He retired in 2005 and finally realized his dream of living full-time on Martha’s Vineyard. His first order of retirement was to build the model train layout of his dreams and turning a portion of the basement into a transportation museum, featuring his bus collection, airplanes and memorabilia acquired over a lifetime spent on the road, rails, seas and in the skies.

For several summers, he worked as a ticket seller for the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA), donning his VTA polo shirt as the gregarious “Purple People Greeter,” where he charmed tourists waiting for buses with song and jingles. He also regularly attended the VTA board meetings, as an unofficial advisor, where his experience and knowledge of the transit industry were much appreciated.

He loved all things transportation, including motor-homes, cruise ships, airplanes, buses and cars. Of his many hobbies, train travel topped the list. He rode trains all over the country, across Canada, in Italy and Switzerland, and through Mexico’s Copper Canyon. He owned many antique cars over the years, many of them 1950’s-era Packards, but his favorite by far was his 1983 Chrysler LeBaron Mark Cross Edition convertible.

Pete participated in many professional, civic and charitable organizations, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Air Force Association and Air Force Public Affairs Association. He served as president of the New England Passenger Transit Association (NEPTA) in 1993. In 2006 he was inducted into NEPTA’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes members who have made an outstanding contribution to the transit industry. On Martha’s Vineyard, he was a member of Vineyard Haven’s American Legion Post 257 and served six years on Tisbury’s finance and advisory committee.

He is survived by his wife Janet, son Brien and Brien’s partner Rachel Silver, and his sister Ann Williams of Southern Pines, N.C.

A celebration of life service with military honors is planned for late May. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory made to the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living, PO Box 1729, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, would be much appreciated

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