Reasons to Visit for the Kayaker

Nantucket offers a plethora of options for kayakers with every level of experience from first-timers to the much more advanced.

Many of the island's fresh-water ponds offer a more laidback kayaking experience while the open ocean -- especially on the south shore of the island -- demands a more experienced kayaker.

If you're new to the sport or just traveling without gear, there are several outdoor experience shops on the island that rent kayaks and all the gear needed to hit the water.

Kayaking in Nantucket Harbor offers a peaceful and scenic experience. Since Nantucket Harbor is shielded from the Atlantic, the waters are relatively calm, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate kayakers. However, it's important to be aware that the harbor experiences boat traffic, especially during peak seasons, which could make it less serene than some of the island's other kayaking spots.

The Nantucket Harbor offers beautiful views like picturesque beaches, the historic Brant Point lighthouse, and the iconic views of Nantucket’s charming waterfront homes and historic wharfs.

For kayakers looking for a quiet and scenic outing, head over to the calm waters of Polpis Harbor to explore the marshes and small coves. Located on the eastern side of Nantucket, Polpis Harbor is a great spot for wildlife watching and perfect for beginner or intermediate kayakers.

Located on the western side of the island, Madaket Harbor is a more remote spot that offers incredible sunsets and a quieter paddling experience. The harbor opens up to the ocean, so the conditions can vary based on tides and weather. But beware this area is best for more intermediate to advanced kayakers due to the changing tides and currents of the ocean.

Hummock Pond is a coastal pond located in the southwestern part of Nantucket, stretching approximately 2 miles in length and covering roughly 142 acres. With an average depth of 6 feet, it provides a calm environment suitable for kayakers of all skill levels and is ideal for those seeking a serene experience surrounded by nature.

Access to Hummock Pond is available via public landings and conservation areas. It's advisable to check local maps or consult with the Nantucket Land Bank for specific access points and parking information.

Another freshwater option on the island, Miacomet Pond is long and narrow and located near Miacoment Beach. It’s perfect for a laidback kayaking experience, with peaceful waters and views of the dunes, beaches, and natural wildlife.

Located on the eastern side of the island in the neighborhood of Quidnet, Sesachacha Pond is a saltwater pond that is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow opening, giving kayakers a chance to explore both the pond and coastal areas. The pond offers calm waters and views of the surrounding marshlands and wildlife. In certain conditions, you may even be able to paddle out to the ocean, but beware this pond may be best for intermediate to advanced kayakers.

Located north of Nantucket Harbor, Coatue and the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge are the perfect kayak outing for nature lovers. Paddle out from Nantucket Harbor and explore the remote shores and wildlife-rich refuge. Enjoy the secluded beauty of Coatue’s beaches, dunes, and marshes where you can spot wildlife such as ospreys, seals, and shorebirds. Since this is a longer paddle excursion, it’s best for intermediate to advanced kayakers.

Located on the northwest side of Nantucket, Eel Point offers scenic paddling along the coast with access to calm waters, especially at low tide. It’s a more remote area, perfect for those who enjoy solitude, nature and birdwatching, in particular.

For more adventurous and advanced paddlers, a trip to Great Point at the northern tip of Nantucket can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Great Point Lighthouse and its surrounding beaches provide a remote, scenic spot to explore by kayak, but the paddle to Great Point can be challenging due to changing currents and tides. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the beaches and various sea birds in their natural habitat.