Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston
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Boston, USA
- 13 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit Martha’s Vineyard on a day trip from Boston to experience the island beauty without the hassle of booking ground and ferry transport. From hotel pickup and drop-off to included ferry tickets, snacks, water, and sightseeing maps, this Martha’s Vineyard excursion is designed for maximum time exploring, with the option to upgrade and include a guided tour of the entire island aboard a high-top, small-group van and explore all six towns on the island, indulge in lunch, and spend more time learning about scenic New England.
- Ground and boat transport get you to the Vineyard with one booking
- Customizable tour: choose between independent and guided options
- Early departure for more time on Martha’s Vineyard
- Ferry trip is a great chance to see the coast and marine wildlife
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- maps
- Discount food card
- Driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Ferry Tickets
- Island tour only available as an add-on
- Gratuity
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pickup from MOST ALL hotels in downtown Boston ONLY. Several in Cambridge, Seaport and South Boston. If you are not staying at a downtown Boston hotel, you may be asked to meet at one of the many pickup points within the city. We do NOT pick-up from airport location hotels, sorry. The tour coordinator will contact you 24 hours in advance to make arrangements. Thanks! Please call us if you were not given an exact time. International customers, please download WhatsApp for communication. We do not refund no-show customers.
Start time.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Boston
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Cape Cod
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Falmouth (Pass By)
3
Nobska Point Lighthouse
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Steamship Authority Ticket Office
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Vineyard Sound
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Oak Bluffs
6 hours • Admission Ticket Free
7
Steamship Authority Ticket Office
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Boston
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 28 people per booking.
- Not wheelchair accessible, very sorry for the inconvenience
- Guest may be asked to meet at a different location other than the hotel listed. This is to ensure smooth and timely departure from Boston.
- Guest will be notified one day prior to pickup with time and location
- It is the guest responsibility to check messages via voicemail, text, WhatsApp or email
- We do issue refunds for no show customers
- Our drivers have a strict five minute wait policy. The itinerary is meticulously crafted.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 461 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Viator did not have my name on the list we had to basically hitch a ride with another van and it was over full. Did not start on time. But who took us in with Martha’s Vineyard company was excellent his name is John!
Overall, we were disappointed with this experience. First, Rory texted me that he was not picking me up at the hotel we listed, so we had to spend $30 roundtrip for an Uber to get to the hotel they wanted to pick us up at. On our drive to Woods Hole, we were supposed to stop at the Nobska Point Lighthouse for 15 min, which we didn't. Once our boat arrived in Oaks Bluff, we boarded a small van. Our tour guide Jon (who was very nice) informed us that he was an "islander" who grew up in Martha's Vineyard and knew all the "secret spots" to take us to (in addition to our itinerary.) He commented that it was a great time to come because there was no longer any traffic on the Vineyard so it was easier for us to get around. Long story short, with his "extended" tour we only had 1 1/2 hours (instead of 3) to explore Oaks Bluff and snarf down our lunch before boarding the ferry. So, if sitting in a van and boat most of the day (9+ hours) doesn't suit you, this isn't the tour for you. If I had to do it all over again, I would have not taken the "optional" tour and just gave myself the 6 hours to wander around and enjoy my time at Oaks Bluff.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry the experience did not meet your expectations, but we would like to clarify a few points about the day.
Regarding your pickup, our guide had numerous scheduled stops throughout Boston that morning. Traveling from hotel to hotel across the city can add a considerable amount of time, particularly with Boston traffic and the additional traffic we encounter traveling to Cape Cod. For that reason, there are days when nearby pickup locations must be consolidated in order to keep the entire group on schedule. This is disclosed in our Viator listing, where we reserve the right to consolidate pickup locations when operationally necessary. We understand that having to take an Uber was inconvenient, and we’re sorry for that frustration.
Nobska Point Lighthouse is a time-permitting stop. We are happy to include it when the schedule allows, but our priority must be getting guests to Woods Hole in time for their scheduled ferry. Unfortunately, between the number of pickups and traffic conditions that morning, there was not enough spare time to make the lighthouse stop without risking the ferry departure.
We’re very happy to hear that you found Jon to be nice and knowledgeable. As a Martha’s Vineyard islander, he takes pride in showing guests much more of the island than they would experience by simply remaining in Oak Bluffs. The optional island tour is approximately three hours and covers multiple areas of Martha’s Vineyard. Naturally, choosing the island tour reduces the amount of independent time available afterward in Oak Bluffs. Guests who prefer several hours of shopping, dining and exploring Oak Bluffs on their own may absolutely choose not to take the optional island tour.
We understand that this style of day trip may not be for everyone. However, coordinating multiple Boston pickups, traveling to Cape Cod, meeting a scheduled ferry, crossing to Martha’s Vineyard and providing guests the opportunity to tour the island requires a carefully managed schedule. We do our best to give our guests the fullest experience possible while keeping everyone on time throughout the day.
We appreciate your feedback and are glad that Jon helped make your time touring Martha’s Vineyard enjoyable.
We had a great time on our Martha’s Vineyard tour! Rory was our driver and he was fantastic very friendly, knowledgeable, and informative throughout the entire tour. He shared so many interesting facts about the island and made the experience both fun and enjoyable. It was a wonderful way to see and learn about Martha’s Vineyard. Highly recommend the tour, and especially Rory!
Great trip. Great driver/guide. Great way to see Martha's vineyard. Enjoyed trip and so glad we did it.
Not a great start to the experience. We responded to the guides message that he was on his way letting him know that we were in the Lobby earlier than requested, to then receive a reply that he is here. Looked around Lobby for someone identifiable as our guide - nowhere to be seen. We then elected to go outside and look for him only to eventually find him standing next to his car. On all our previous tours the guides have entered the lobby to connect with their customers. Consider that the marketing brochure for this tour is misleading. Assumed, wrongly, that the guide that picked you up at your hotel would be your guide for the day. Did not expect to be dropped off at the ferry then becoming an unescorted tour of Martha’s Vineyard for the next five hours unless you purchased another 3 hour tour with a different guide, before returning to the ferry, and then reconnecting with the original guide for hotel drop off. In transit, after explaining the additional tour option we asked what happens if you don’t take the additional and upon finding out that we would be left at the ferry terminal and left to our own devices we decided we would book the additional tour. We waited for the first safe opportunity when a brief stop was made, to approach the guide to book the extra tour for us. His response was “It would’ve been better if you’d said that an hour ago”. We felt that we had become a nuisance. Minor point but the brochure refers to snacks being provided, they did not eventuate.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I would like to clarify a few points regarding your experience, as I believe some important context is missing from the review.
Regarding the hotel pickup, our commercial vehicle was parked directly outside the hotel. Because of the size of the vehicle and the nature of our pickups, our drivers generally remain with the vehicle rather than leaving it unattended to enter hotel lobbies. When I notified you that I had arrived, I was outside with the vehicle ready for your pickup. I apologize if there was any confusion regarding where we would meet.
I would also like to clarify the optional Martha’s Vineyard island tour. I asked on multiple occasions whether you wanted to add the three-hour island tour, and each time you initially declined. Approximately two hours later, you changed your mind and asked if the tour could still be arranged.
My comment that it “would’ve been better if you’d said that an hour ago” was not intended to be rude or dismissive. The island tour is operated separately and has to be coordinated with the guide on Martha’s Vineyard. I simply didn’t want you to miss the opportunity. Thankfully, we were still able to make it happen for you.
It is also important to understand that this experience is designed as a Martha’s Vineyard day trip from Boston. We provide transportation from Boston to the ferry, ferry tickets, transportation logistics, commentary along the way, snacks, water, food/apparel discount cards, and transportation back to Boston at the end of the day. Once on Martha’s Vineyard, guests may explore independently or prepurchase the optional three-hour narrated island tour. The island tour is not automatically included unless it is selected and paid for prior to departure from Boston.
Regarding the snacks and water, both were available in the vehicle. I certainly would have been happy to provide anything you needed during the trip had I known you were looking for them.
I always want our guests to have an enjoyable experience, and I take feedback seriously.
I’m sorry that certain aspects of the experience did not meet your expectations, but I hope this clarification provides a more complete picture of what occurred that day.
Overall, the tour itself was good. It was somewhat redundant, for my taste but it delivered what it offered.
For me, once you’ve seen 3 or 5 luxury houses that you really can’t see because of the foliage, etc. it becomes a long drive with the guide repeating stories or talking too long. I suggest a guide that is willing or able to be flexible to the groups desires (within reason of course). For ex, if they voted to spend more time seeing and walking along the shores of the ocean than riding along meadow after meadow, then possibly that could be accommodated.
Matt, the contact and tour guide to the ferry was lovely. His personality and intentionality provided a great vibe. I suggest at least two varieties of snacks to offer for those who may be gluten intolerant, etc
Again, if you are the type that likes to go where the wheels roll, then this tour will suite you.
On the other hand, if you are one who prefers flexible options where/when possible, then definitely communicate that before purchasing your ticket and find a company that leans into that option.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour overall, and I especially appreciate your kind words about me and the experience getting you to the ferry.
The island tour is designed as a guided overview of Martha’s Vineyard, covering several towns, historic areas, coastal scenery, and some of the island’s well-known homes and landmarks. Because the tour operates within a limited timeframe and must coordinate with ferry schedules, traffic, and other guests, the guide does have a planned route and unfortunately cannot always adjust the itinerary based on individual preferences or a group vote.
That said, your suggestion about allowing more time along the coastline when possible is a good one, and we appreciate the feedback. We also appreciate your suggestion regarding additional snack varieties and accommodating dietary restrictions. That is something we can certainly take into consideration.
Most importantly, thank you for recognizing the care and intentionality we put into the experience. We know every traveler enjoys exploring differently, and feedback like yours helps future guests determine whether this particular style of tour is the right fit for them.
It was good. We enjoyed our trip down there. You could go on your own but from downtown Boston you’ll prob pay just as much for an uber one way as you would for one person to go on this trip. If 2 are going you’ll prob spend about the same amount on an uber round trip. (Not incl island tour) So it’s prob about the same price as Ubering but if you go on the trip you hear the driver telling you things about the area that are interesting and they can arrange for the optional tour for you which I highly recommend. We almost didn’t do it and I booked it last minute and glad we did. I almost didn’t do it but I don’t know what we would’ve done there for 5 hours. You don’t really see that much on the island tour mostly some houses and trees but it fills a lot of the time. And the tour guide was interesting telling us things about the island.,They do have free buses on the island if want to figure out things to do but 5 hours is a long time without a plan for something to do. I read bad reviews about other island tours but this one was good in a comfortable AC van. It was through Martha’s Vineyard tours. I recommend this tour. We had a good time. Also note your pickup time may be as early as 6:30 AM. They will tell you the day before.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review and recommendation! We’re glad you enjoyed the trip and that you decided to add the island tour.
You also made a great point about the value of traveling with us versus arranging everything independently. When you factor in a rental car or round-trip Uber from downtown Boston to Woods Hole, ferry tickets, parking if renting a vehicle, bottled water and snacks, and the logistics of coordinating everything yourself, the costs can add up very quickly.
With our trip, your transportation to and from the ferry, round-trip ferry tickets, bottled water and snacks, historical commentary along the way, and discount cards for participating island businesses are all included. We also handle the timing and ferry logistics and can help arrange the optional island tour, so guests can simply enjoy their day rather than figuring everything out themselves.
We completely agree about the island tour as well. Five hours can be a long time to explore without a plan, and the tour is a great way to see much more of Martha’s Vineyard than you could reasonably see on foot. We’re happy to hear you found the van comfortable and the guide informative.
And yes—the early pickup is important! Depending on ferry schedules, traffic, hotel locations, and the other pickups that day, departure from Boston can be early. We provide each guest with their specific pickup information the day before.
This was a lifelong dream trip and Matt and his company made it more than I could even hope for! You will be so happy you did it
Had to get up earlier and reroute and walk to the ferry due to a run. Got to see the race begin! First ferry ride for us all and we enjoyed it. Jon was amazing! The tour was very informative and fun. The land is simply beautiful. We enjoyed it very much. We missed the ferry coming back. There was a mix up with the time provided my Rory and the person who took the info and we had a very hard time getting back.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re glad you were able to make the best of the early start and even catch the beginning of the race. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your first ferry ride and had such a great experience with Jon on the island.
We are very sorry about the miscommunication regarding the return ferry time. We understand how stressful that must have been, especially after such an enjoyable day. We appreciate your understanding and your kind words despite the difficult ending, and we’ll certainly use your feedback to help prevent this type of mix-up in the future.
Disappointed as the description states will pick us up at front door of our hotel and ours was listed in the pickup section (day before they texted a diff location pick up would be so we had to uber to location both directions). When we questioned they stated in the booking details pickup location was not guaranteed. Never saw the Nobska point lighthouse or stopped there. Honestly was just a very expensive uber to the ferry for the day. Martha’s Vineyard was fine. Would not recommend
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed. As stated in our booking details, while we offer pickup from select Boston hotels, pickup locations may occasionally need to be adjusted when there are too many scheduled stops or when a location would significantly impact our ability to reach the ferry on time. Our priority is ensuring every guest makes their scheduled ferry, which is why changes are communicated in advance.
Nobska Lighthouse is a time-permitting highlight, not a guaranteed stop. Traffic, pickup timing, and the ferry schedule determine whether we can safely make that stop without risking the ferry departure.
We respectfully disagree that the experience is simply an expensive Uber ride. Transportation is only one part of the service—we coordinate hotel-area pickup, round-trip transportation to Woods Hole, ferry tickets, snacks, water, food discount card, Black Dog apparel discount card, logistics throughout the day, and the Martha’s Vineyard island tour.
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed Martha’s Vineyard, but we’re sorry the overall experience did not meet your expectations.
There were a few setbacks, but our guide Rory was flexible and calm throughout. I took the island tour and it was worth every penny. I was a great way to see the island and made me want to come back and do more exploring. Definitely worth the money.
Travel down did not agree with tour itinerary. (Eg: no visit to lighthouse). No ice for water and no snacks provided. Another passenger needs a charger — no charger available.
Martha Vineyard tour upped the overall score as guide carried the day. Offset the disappointing trip down and back. However A/C in vehicle not working properly.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear your Martha’s Vineyard guide made the island portion of your experience enjoyable.
We would like to clarify a few points. All of our vehicles are stocked with complimentary water and snacks. We previously provided phone chargers as an additional courtesy; unfortunately, after repeatedly having them taken from our vehicles, we are no longer able to provide them.
The lighthouse is a time-permitting bonus stop, as our priority is ensuring guests arrive at the ferry on schedule.
Regarding the A/C, air conditioning is essential this time of year, and each of our vehicles is fully equipped with it. If you felt you needed additional cooling or airflow during the trip, we wish you had simply let your driver know, as they would have been happy to increase the circulation for your comfort.
We appreciate your feedback and are pleased that your Martha’s Vineyard guide helped make your overall experience enjoyable.
Fantastic experience. Picked up right at the hotel we were staying at and had a smooth ride to Cape Cod. Everything was well organized to take the ferry and then catch the bus tour around the island. John was an awesome guide and shared some great perspective that only a local like him would know. We got a great tour of the island and still had time to do some wandering on our own before heading back. Thank you all for the great time!
Driver show on time, we made a safe trip to cape cod and from there a ferry to Martha Vineyard.. when we comeback he was waiting for us and comeback to the hotel
Amazing introduction to the entirety of Martha's Vineyard. Harry provided a fabulous experience once on the island. As a lifelong resident of the area, his stories and detailed descriptions of the locations, homes, and points of interest brought the island to life, and really made you want to stay longer, and explore more in-depth. Or transfer driver from Boston, Rory, was just as entertaining and informative with plenty of stories and recommendations for both Boston and the Cape areas. Could not recommend this tour any higher.
From the shuttle to Woods Hole, the Ferry and the 3hr MV tour, everything was perfect. It was a great day and everything was set up for us with great ease. From Matthew on the Boston side to John on the MV side, both were very knowledgeable and engaging! Will definitely use them again.
From the Hotel pickup by Matt to the island tour by Paul it was wonderful.. and fun and entertaining views exceptional
Roury with New England tours was EXCELLENT!!! However when we got to Martha’s Vineyard … we were transferred to Martha’s Vineyard tour and we only had 2 stops for 10 min each. We would have wanted to stop in Edgar town instead of just driving through!!! Very disappointed in that. However the tour guide was great!!! Feel like I didn’t get the entire experience!
Matt was excellent - very knowledgeable entertaining and professional - the whole trip was very well organised and ran smoothly I would definitely recommend this tour company.
Both the driver and the tour guide were exceptional . Both knew so much about the city of Boston and the Island. It rained so hard on the way back. Our driver handled the road was calm and made the trip so enjoyable.
The Martha’s Vineyard trip was a memorable one. Rory our guide/driver was very punctual, very through with his explanation which made the bus ride enjoyable.
At the Vineyard, Mark was waiting for us and we toured the island in his minibus. Being a local he was very knowledgeable, giving us fun facts.
Amazing and well coordinated experience. The 3-hour guided tour was exceptional….learned a lot about MV.
Enjoyed the tour and saw the value of it for a first time visit. Tour guide is totally invested and loves the island. Not enough time to explore on your own or have a relaxing sit down lunch. We had an hour on our own after we disembarked before the tour finished.
Everything was great except the weather on the way back caused the Ferry to cancel and we had to spend the night on Martha’s Vineyard. Matt had no control over it but it was crazy! Otherwise, the tour itself was great.
We really enjoyed this trip. Matthew was a great host, entertaining and informative, made the trip to the ferry and back again very fun.
Communication with our driver Rory was very easy, he was incredibly friendly and helpful, explained everything and answered any question that we had. Everything was very easy and understandable.
It was awesome experience the tour guide was fabulous gave a lot of gold nuggets about places to visit and eat…Be prepared for the weather!
Matthew does an amazing job providing history about Boston and the surrounding area. He navigated us around traffic, taking alternative routes through picturesque towns.
We arrived in Woods Hole with plenty of time to shop a little and have a comfort stop before loading on the Ferry. The return trip was great and he provided us with a list of great restaurants in the Boston area.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Cara, thank you so very much for the review. I’m happy you guys enjoyed the day. As expert, regional guides, we know the ins and outs of the area. We do the best we can to provide a high value, safe, enjoyable experience. I’m happy you had fun in Woods Hole. We always strive to get our guest there early enough to have a coffee/breakfast and some light shopping at one of the many family owned establishments. We DO NOT and NEVER would we take our guest to Burger King or McDonalds, like other tour companies do. We value top pier experiences and that in our opinion, is not top pier. Same goes for our island tours. We ONLY use 12 passenger high top mini coach vans for tours. Never a school bus. The idea behind our tours is to make it intimate enough where you can be a part of our family, ask questions, delve in good local food, and shops, while giving you the freedom to explore on your own . We want to make your excursion as high value as we possibly can. Please be sure to call me next time you are in Boston for a 10% discount on whatever tour you decide to book in the future. Thank you.
If you suffer a disabilty and need special accomodations, when you arrive at the island the tour driver will tell you he doesnt care, to get a better attitude and stop acting like a bitch. The three of us were removed from the van and left at the ferry. I am 62. I called the first driver crying and that company put me in touch with Sue who apologized and sent another driver to take my party around the island. Paul our new driver was great and very considerate.
The driver to Martha’s Vineyard was very knowledgeable and friendly. He did recommend the tour on Martha’s Vineyard which was very helpful
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