We plan on taking Hy-Line cruise from Hyanis to Nantucket in early August. If we depart Hyannis at 12:00 on high speed arriving at about 1:00, are we giving ourselves enough time to get a feel for the island. Or should we plan on a 9:10 departure returning at 4:35? If we leave at 9:10, depart at 4:35 is there enough to do on Main Street to keep us busy and entertained for almost six hours?
Definitely take the morning boat (9:10am)–there is PLENTY to do in the heart of Nantucket Town to occupy you for 6 hours. Pick up a copy of Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket for the map and fabulous events calendar to help plan your day. In 6 hours you can:
Visit the Whaling Museum
Have lunch at the beach: pick up a takeout lunch at one of the many downtown eateries and walk or take the NRTA Shuttle one of several beaches close to town.
Stroll around the wharves
Have a cup of locally roasted Nantucket Coffee Roasters coffee at The Bean, 4 India Street.
Take a 90-minute van tour with Gail’s Tours, led by Gail, whose family has lived on Nantucket for generations, or take a walking tour with Bill of Nantucket Walking Tours (his tour schedule is listed in Yesterday’s Island — you don’t need reservations)
Visit the shops, galleries, and antique shops in town.
We’re betting that you’ll wish you had more time on Nantucket Island when you have to head back to the docks.