FAQs

Q: How do you get to Nantucket?

A: Located roughly thirty miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is accessible by air and sea. Several major cities, New York, Boston, and Washington DC, offer season air travel to the island. Year round ferry service from Hyannis to Nantucket is provided by HyLine Cruises and the Steam Ship Authority. Seasonal ferry service from New York, New Bedford, and New Jersey is also offered via SeaStreak Ferry.

Get more details on our location and how to get here.

Q: Where does the name ‘Wauwinet’ come from?

A: The Wauwinet takes its names from the Wampanoag tribe, the original inhabitants of Nantucket. Learn more about the history of The Wauwinet!

Q: What is the best time to visit Nantucket?

The best time of year to visit Nantucket is the summer when the temperatures are warm, the beaches are sunny, and the town is buzzing with energy. But summer is also the busiest time of year for a Nantucket vacation, and island is crowded with tourists. The spring and fall months are quieter and perfect for a relaxed getaway with most shops, restaurants, and attractions still open. The Wauwinet is open from late April through the end of October. Check out the calendar of events on Nantucket for fun things to do in every season.

Q: How do I get around on Nantucket from The Wauwinet?

A: Located approximately 10 miles from the center of Nantucket town, The Wauwinet provides a complimentary shuttle between the hotel and town each hour. The Wauwinet also provides bicycles to guests to enjoy the miles of paved bike path traversing the island. Vehicle parking is available at The Wauwinet.
Nantucket offers a seasonal public transit system, car rentals, and taxi services. With many options for transportation on the island, traveling with a vehicle is not necessary.

Q: What activities are available to guests at The Wauwinet?

A: Guests at The Wauwinet will enjoy private beaches along the Nantucket Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Coskata Wild Life Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse are also in close proximity to the hotel. The Wauwinet also offers a seasonal schedule of on-site signature Nantucket activities from May through June and September through October.

Q: What is The Wauwinet Lady?

A: The Wauwinet Lady The Wauwinet’s own private 21 passenger boat. In addition to guest use through our seasonal activity schedule and seasonal transfers from White Elephant hotel for dinner and lunch reservations at TOPPER’S we also offer private charters aboard The Wauwinet Lady, as well as special hors d'oeuvres and customized drink selections. For more information click here.

Q: Are pets allowed at the Wauwinet?

A: Sorry, pets are not permitted at The Wauwinet. However, our sister property on Nantucket Island, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, allows dogs in designated accommodations.

Q: Can the hotel assist in planning activities in Nantucket?

A: Our Pre-arrival Concierge can contact you prior to arrival to make restaurant and spa reservations, arrange car and bicycle rentals, book island excursions, and assist you in planning the perfect Nantucket vacation.

Q: Where can I take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard?

A: Hy-Line Cruises offers ferry service from Nantucket Island to Martha's Vineyard, departing from Straight Wharf. The Wauwinet offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the ferry terminal for your convenience.

Q: How far is Jetties Beach from the hotel?

A: Jetties Beach is a little over 9 miles from The Wauwinet, a 25-minute car ride. Ask our concierge about complimentary shuttle service to and from Jetties Beach.

Q: What are the best restaurants are in Nantucket?

A: TOPPER'S, located on-site at The Wauwinet, is the only restaurant on Nantucket to be awarded Five Diamonds by AAA and a great dining option. One of our favorite places to eat on the island include Brant Point Grill, located at our sister property, the White Elephant, and renowned for its Lobster Bloody Mary served in a lovely harborside setting. For additional dining options, ask our knowledgeable staff for recommendations or browse a full list of restaurants in Nantucket.

Q: When does the hotel close for the season?

A: The Wauwinet and TOPPER'S restaurant will close for the season beginning on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Guests can continue making reservations for stays in the 2019 and we look forward to serving you when the hotel and restaurant reopen on Thursday, April 18, 2018.

Q: How do I get to Nantucket from NYC?

A: The easiest way to get to Nantucket from New York is on the new high-speed ferry service, Seastreak, which operates from the end of May through the beginning of September. The catamaran seats 500 passengers, has three decks, and the trip takes about 6 hours. Round trip fares start at $260. You can also fly with CapeAir from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY to Nantucket Memorial Airport.

Q: How long is the ferry to Nantucket?

Two ferry lines - Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority - offer year-round service from Hyannis, Mass. to Nantucket. The trip on these high-speed passenger catamarans is approximately one hour. The high-speed Seastreak also offers seasonal ferry service from New York and New Jersey, which takes 6 and 7 hours.

Q: What is there to do in Nantucket?

Nantucket blends historic charm with an idyllic island feel for incredible vacation experiences. Explore beautiful beaches and historic lighthouses. Go fishing, sailing, and kayaking on the bay. Enjoy shopping and dining in Nantucket Town. Hike through the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Tour the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Enjoy a day of golf, whale watching, biking and sightseeing on this magical island off the coast of Cape Cod.

Q: Where is Nantucket located?

Nantucket is an island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, across the Nantucket Sound. This charming and historic summer vacation destination is accessible by ferry from Hyannis on the HyLine Cruises and the Steam Ship Authority, as well as on the SeaStreak Ferry seasonally from New York, New Bedford, CT, and New Jersey. New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC, also offer season air travel to Nantucket.