Hyannis Oak Bluffs ferry

Hyannis Guide

Hyannis Ferry Port

Found on the hooked peninsula of eastern Massachusetts that curves around the famed Cape Cod is the picturesque village of Hyannis. Despite its relatively small size, Hyannis is widely regarded as the “Capital of the Cape”, with major transport links to both the US mainland and the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard a short way off the North Atlantic coast. Though a village in its own right, Hyannis is actually the largest of seven settlements forming the town of Barnstable. The entire village is shaped around a sweeping natural harbour popular with yachters due to its calm waters and beautiful offshore views of the Dunbar Point beach. Hyannis is known for its shopping districts too. All year-round visitors flock to the tree-lined boulevards for a spot of retail therapy, their thirst quenched within the quaint cafes and stores selling everything from vintage clothes to local art. The ferry terminal in Hyannis is found on the western edge of the harbour, just down the road from the multi-coloured cabins of Bismore Park. It’s a relatively small facility in keeping with the village’s traditional colonial architecture. The pretty pastel-grey ticket office forms part of the Hy-Line Landing; a charming section of the waterfront that is home to a coffee house, an ice-cream parlour and even a restaurant selling oysters on the half-shell. Free Wi-Fi and toilets can also be found nearby. There are plenty of transport links in Hyannis and getting to the port is easy. The terminal has its own bus station that offers regular services deeper into the heart of the village, while the local train station is just a 5-minute drive away to the north. The Barnstable Municipal Airport is just over a mile away too, from which passengers can catch a flight to a variety of destinations including New York City and Boston. A couple of ferry routes currently operate from the port in Hyannis. Services hosted by Hy-Line Cruises sail south out of the harbour and Lewis Bay to the neighbouring islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket on a regular, daily basis.

Oak Bluffs Guide

Oak Bluffs Ferry Port

Situated on the north east coast of the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Oak Bluffs is a town belonging to Massachusetts, United States. There are nine daily sailings from the port, supplied by Hy-Line Cruises, crossing to Hyannis and Nantucket and lasting around an hour.

What is there to do in Oak Bluffs?

The infrastructure and architecture in Oak Bluffs can resemble a postcard from the 19th Century; dollhouse style buildings with meticulously maintained lawns line the streets, while the beaches are home to glorious golden sands next to azure blue waters. For a selection of enviable photos, the sightseeing tours are the perfect way to witness the most notable landmarks that Oak Bluffs has to offer. Being a coastal town, Oak Bluffs has plenty to offer tourists along its shoreline; boat tours are available throughout the day with official companies, and Inkwell Beach is the perfect place to while away a few hours under the afternoon sun. Whilst near the beach, it is worthwhile heading to the East Chop Lighthouse for a view of one of the town’s most striking buildings. After a day of sightseeing or excursions, copious restaurants are dotted around the streets, typically serving delicious seafood as the chef’s special.

How do visitors get around Oak Bluffs?

Part of the beauty of Oak Bluffs, other than the picturesque streets, is the compact layout making the entirety of it accessible by foot. Alternatively, there are car and bike rental companies or taxis available for quick and convenient transport.