Port information & tips for Kupreanof Island (AK)
Oak Bluffs is the charming jewel of the legendary island of Martha's Vineyard and delights visitors with its nostalgic Victorian charm and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The famous colorful Gingerbread Cottages in the Campground district transport guests directly into a fairytale world, while the historic Flying Horses Carousel, as America's oldest carousel, fascinates young and old alike. The expansive Ocean Park also invites you to linger by the sea and offers a magnificent view of the Atlantic thanks to its location. Cruise ships usually use the Oak Bluffs Town Wharf as a central pier for tender boats, from where the lively shopping streets of Circuit Avenue and the vibrant center are easily accessible in just a few minutes on foot.
Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard is a charming island destination that is primarily accessible from the DACH region via a combination of flight and ferry. As there is no direct bridge connection to the island, the ferry crossing is a central part of the journey. Cruise ships cannot dock directly in Oak Bluffs, so passengers are usually tendered ashore.
Airplane
The nearest airport on the island is Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) in West Tisbury, located about 3 miles south of Vineyard Haven. MVY offers year-round direct flights from Boston (BOS) with Cape Air, as well as seasonal connections from New York (JFK, LGA, HPN), Washington D.C. (DCA), and other cities in the USA, including JetBlue and American Airlines. The flight time from Boston is approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxis, rental cars, and the public VTA bus are available for onward travel from MVY airport on the island. The larger international airports, Boston Logan (BOS) and Providence T.F. Green (PVD), are located on the mainland, approximately 85 miles and 44 miles away respectively, and are the main arrival points for international guests.
Ferry & Transfer
The most popular method of reaching Martha's Vineyard is by ferry from the mainland in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. The Steamship Authority offers year-round car and passenger ferry service from Woods Hole (Cape Cod) to Vineyard Haven and seasonally to Oak Bluffs. The crossing from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard takes about 45 minutes. Reservations are absolutely required for vehicles, especially in high season, as they book up quickly. There is no direct parking at the Woods Hole terminal; you must use the Steamship Authority's external parking lots in Falmouth or Cataumet and take a free shuttle to the terminal. Plan at least one additional hour for this. Other seasonal passenger ferries operate from Falmouth (Island Queen, approx. 35 minutes travel time), Hyannis (Hy-Line Cruises, approx. 55 minutes), New Bedford (Seastreak), and Quonset Point, Rhode Island (Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry, approx. 75 minutes) directly to Oak Bluffs. From Boston Logan Airport (BOS), you can easily reach the Woods Hole ferry port by bus with Peter Pan Bus Lines or Plymouth & Brockton in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The CapeFLYER train runs seasonally on weekends from Boston to Bourne, where a free shuttle to the Woods Hole terminal is offered. From Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD), transfer options via taxi, Uber, or Lyft are available to the ferry terminal in Quonset Point, which is only about 15 minutes away.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region with long-haul flights, we recommend staying overnight on the mainland, for example in Boston or near a ferry terminal such as Woods Hole or Hyannis. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise vacation and provides a sufficient buffer for potential travel delays. Alternatively, a pre-cruise overnight stay directly on Martha's Vineyard in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven is an attractive option to explore the island before embarkation. Plan your trip carefully in the high season, as hotels and ferry tickets can book up quickly.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as port stay and departure times can change at short notice.
Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard is a charming island destination that is primarily accessible from the DACH region via a combination of flight and ferry. As there is no direct bridge connection to the island, the ferry crossing is a central part of the journey. Cruise ships cannot dock directly in Oak Bluffs, so passengers are usually tendered ashore.
Airplane
The nearest airport on the island is Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) in West Tisbury, located about 3 miles south of Vineyard Haven. MVY offers year-round direct flights from Boston (BOS) with Cape Air, as well as seasonal connections from New York (JFK, LGA, HPN), Washington D.C. (DCA), and other cities in the USA, including JetBlue and American Airlines. The flight time from Boston is approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxis, rental cars, and the public VTA bus are available for onward travel from MVY airport on the island. The larger international airports, Boston Logan (BOS) and Providence T.F. Green (PVD), are located on the mainland, approximately 85 miles and 44 miles away respectively, and are the main arrival points for international guests.
Ferry & Transfer
The most popular method of reaching Martha's Vineyard is by ferry from the mainland in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. The Steamship Authority offers year-round car and passenger ferry service from Woods Hole (Cape Cod) to Vineyard Haven and seasonally to Oak Bluffs. The crossing from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard takes about 45 minutes. Reservations are absolutely required for vehicles, especially in high season, as they book up quickly. There is no direct parking at the Woods Hole terminal; you must use the Steamship Authority's external parking lots in Falmouth or Cataumet and take a free shuttle to the terminal. Plan at least one additional hour for this. Other seasonal passenger ferries operate from Falmouth (Island Queen, approx. 35 minutes travel time), Hyannis (Hy-Line Cruises, approx. 55 minutes), New Bedford (Seastreak), and Quonset Point, Rhode Island (Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry, approx. 75 minutes) directly to Oak Bluffs. From Boston Logan Airport (BOS), you can easily reach the Woods Hole ferry port by bus with Peter Pan Bus Lines or Plymouth & Brockton in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The CapeFLYER train runs seasonally on weekends from Boston to Bourne, where a free shuttle to the Woods Hole terminal is offered. From Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD), transfer options via taxi, Uber, or Lyft are available to the ferry terminal in Quonset Point, which is only about 15 minutes away.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region with long-haul flights, we recommend staying overnight on the mainland, for example in Boston or near a ferry terminal such as Woods Hole or Hyannis. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise vacation and provides a sufficient buffer for potential travel delays. Alternatively, a pre-cruise overnight stay directly on Martha's Vineyard in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven is an attractive option to explore the island before embarkation. Plan your trip carefully in the high season, as hotels and ferry tickets can book up quickly.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as port stay and departure times can change at short notice.
The harbor of Oak Bluffs is located directly in the heart of the charming coastal town and, thanks to its central location, offers you an ideal starting point for discoveries on Martha's Vineyard.
On foot
The famous colorful Gingerbread Cottages and the lively Circuit Avenue can be reached in less than 5 minutes. A leisurely stroll leads you directly from the quay into the historic center and to the adjacent parklands.
VTA buses
The island buses of the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) stop directly at the harbor and reliably connect Oak Bluffs with places like Edgartown or Vineyard Haven. This public transport system is a convenient way to get to know the island's scenic diversity.
Taxi and ridesharing
Official taxi ranks are located in the immediate vicinity of the ferry terminal and at Ocean Park. Additionally, you can conveniently use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft throughout the island to reach your individual destinations quickly and safely.
The return trip to the harbor of Oak Bluffs is very relaxed and safe thanks to the compact town structure and the excellently organized local transport on Martha's Vineyard.
VTA buses
The purple buses of the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) regularly serve the central transfer point at Ocean Park and take you directly back to the harbor area from destinations such as Edgartown or Vineyard Haven. Thanks to the high frequency and clear schedules, you will reach the pier punctually and comfortably.
Taxi
Taxis are available at fixed stands along Lake Avenue and directly at the Steamship Authority terminal. In addition, rides can be easily coordinated via local taxi companies, ensuring you return to your ship safely and on time, even from more remote beaches.
On foot
From the lively center around Circuit Avenue, you can walk through the picturesque Ocean Park directly back to the pier in just a few minutes. The path is easy to find thanks to the striking architecture of the Gingerbread Cottages and is also very safe, as the harbor promenade is well-frequented and clearly laid out.
The Gingerbread Cottages of Oak Bluffs
The famous "Gingerbread Cottages" in the historic district of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association are located just a short, five-minute walk from the harbor and enchant visitors with their colorful, Victorian architecture. This cultural highlight offers a fairytale-like backdrop for photos and can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the adjacent Circuit Avenue, where you will find charming cafes and local specialties. Thanks to the immediate proximity to the pier, you can enjoy a relaxed experience here and even integrate the oldest carousel in the USA, the Flying Horses Carousel, into your tour. Ideally, visit the district in the morning to fully enjoy the tranquility of the site and return to the ship in a relaxed manner in the afternoon.
The return journey to Oak Bluffs Harbor is very relaxed and safe thanks to the compact structure of the town and the efficient bus system.
Local Buses (VTA)
The purple buses of the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) regularly serve the central stops at Ocean Park and near the harbor. Route 13 in particular connects the popular towns of Edgartown and Vineyard Haven directly with Oak Bluffs, allowing you to return to the ship on time.
Taxi and Rideshare
Designated taxi stands are located at the ferry terminal on Sea View Avenue and directly across from the historic Flying Horses Carousel. Local drivers are accustomed to cruise guests and will bring you back to the pier quickly and safely from remote beaches or sights.
On Foot
Since the charming Gingerbread Cottages and the bustling Circuit Avenue directly border the harbor area, you can easily reach the pier with a short walk. The path through the historic district is easy to find thanks to the clear street layout and also offers a beautiful view of the ocean.
