At the height of Nantucket’s fortunes in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there were hundreds of boats drawing up towards the island’s harbour, or pulling away to head off to sea. Today, there are still hundreds of boats around the island, but for a very different reason. Back then, the boats were present as a result of the whaling industry. Today, most of the boats are for enjoyment, pleasure fishing, excursions, whale watching, seal watching or simply for the fun and experience of setting sail out across the water and looking back at land.

From small kayaks and canoes to family sized boats, and even right up to the large luxury yachts, there are boats of all sizes and shapes, and plenty to hire for those who would like to enjoy the island from a different perspective.

Two particular companies offer a wide range of boats and opportunities, the Nantucket Boat Rental will let you hire a powerboat for a thrilling experience, and these start from about $450 for a full day. Be aware that this price is purely for the boat, and you will need to pay for your own gas too, and the other company is the Nantucket Community Sailing, and here you will be able to take advantage of a range of lessons in sailing and boating. These lessons can be either group lessons or private tuition is also available by arrangement.

Naturally alongside the boats and the endless waters there are plenty of fishing opportunities, and chartered fishing trips are available for those who perhaps feel that the island doesn’t quite provide enough of a remote experience! Captain Tom’s Charters provide a range of fishing trips from around $450 per 4 hour trip, and will guarantee to take you to the best waters and point out the best fish available.

Although boating and sailing, water sports or fishing are all exciting and entertaining experiences, the one thing that is always available, and endlessly enjoyable are the many winding tracks and paths that provide hikers with almost endless possibilities. Plenty of well marked trails with printed guides are available for those that like to know where they are going, and for those who simply enjoy a wander, you know that you can never become entirely lost on an island only three miles wide! The one thing you will need to be aware of though are that there can be some fairly unpleasant insects, particularly ticks, and so covering up well when walking through the woods, and wearing insect repellent will help to ensure that happy memories and freshly replenished lungs are the only souvenirs you’ll bring back with you from such an excursion. Many of the insects, especially ticks, can cause Lyme disease, and this is a problem within the island. This shouldn’t be anything to worry about, however, as long as you are sensible when wearing clothing suitable for hiking, carry spray with you, and wear lighter coloured clothing so any insects can be seen easily.