If you love the idea of visiting Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but dread the thought of crawling along Route 6 or the Mid-Cape Highway just to reach a ferry, sailing from the South Coast is your perfect alternative. Departing right from historic New Bedford, the seasonal high-speed catamaran gets you to the island quickly, easily, and stress-free.
Skipping the Cape Traffic
If you love the idea of visiting Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but dread the thought of crawling along Route 6 or the Mid-Cape Highway just to reach a ferry, sailing from the South Coast is your perfect alternative. Departing right from historic New Bedford, the seasonal high-speed catamaran gets you to the island quickly, easily, and stress-free.
📅 2026 Schedule
The South Coast route is operated exclusively by Seastreak on a seasonal basis.
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2026 Operating Season: April 16 through October 12, 2026.
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Average Crossing Time: Just under 50 minutes to Martha’s Vineyard
- Average Crossing Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Nantucket.
⚓ The Journey: Departing from New Bedford
Ferries depart from State Pier (49 State Pier, New Bedford, MA 02740).
⚠️ 2026 Port Notice: Ongoing structural improvements are taking place at State Pier this season. Seastreak is operating safely and on time using a temporary boarding barge configuration. Please give yourself an extra 15 minutes to navigate the terminal area and check in.
Parking Options & Logistics
Because the high-speed ferry is passenger-only (no cars allowed), you will need to park your vehicle in New Bedford.
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Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot (Recommended): Located at 532 Acushnet Ave. Parking costs $15 per day. A complimentary, air-conditioned shuttle picks you up directly from your car and drops you off right at the ferry slip.
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On-Site State Pier Valet: Available right at the pier for immediate access. Rates are $30 per day ($40 during holiday weekends).
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180 MacArthur Blvd Lot: Serves as an official overflow lot with its own dedicated shuttle system during peak summer weekends.
🏝️ Arriving on the Vineyard: Where Do You Land?
Depending on when you travel during the 2026 season, your arrival port on Martha’s Vineyard will change to accommodate summer crowds.
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Early Spring & Late Fall: The ferry docks primarily at Vineyard Haven, a year-round working harbor surrounded by great local coffee shops, clothing boutiques, and the famous Black Dog Tavern.
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Peak Summer (Mid-May to mid-September): The route shifts its primary arrivals to Oak Bluffs. This puts you immediately within walking distance of the historic Flying Horses Carousel, the iconic campground gingerbread cottages, and the lively bars and eateries along Circuit Avenue.
🏝️ Arriving on Nantucket: Steamboat Wharf
When you sail into Nantucket Harbor, the ferry drops you off directly at Steamboat Wharf.
This puts you right in the center of the action. You don’t need a vehicle here; the wharf is immediately within walking distance of downtown Nantucket’s world-class dining, historic whaling museums, boutique shopping, and local bike rental stands.
🎒 Boarding Rules & On-Board Amenities
Packing Guidelines
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Luggage: Each passenger is permitted one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item (like a backpack or purse) for free. Excess bags are $7.50 each way.
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Coolers: You are welcome to pack your own snacks and beverages in a soft-sided cooler bag. Hard-sided, plastic rolling coolers are strictly prohibited due to Coast Guard aisle safety regulations.
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Pets: Dogs are permitted on board! They must remain fully leashed or crated and are restricted to the open-air outdoor decks.
The On-Board Experience
The catamarans are built for comfort. Inside the main cabin, you’ll find plush, climate-controlled seating and clean restrooms. The vessel is equipped with a full service cash bar offering cocktails, local craft beers, sodas, and snacks. Best of all, the entire fleet features upgraded Starlink Wi-Fi so you can stay connected or stream during the brief 50-minute cruise.