• I took an hourlong ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, a stunning island in New England.
• The Seastreak ferry had a full-service bar on board, and I enjoyed ocean views throughout the ride.
• After this fun and efficient experience, I'm planning to take more day trips to Martha's Vineyard.

Martha's Vineyard, an island 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, has been a popular summer destination for years.

Only accessible by boat or plane, the island is known for its beautiful scenery and selection of mom-and-pop shops.

Many visitors have made it their seasonal escape, whether they're renting cozy cottages or staying in their own multimillion-dollar estates. Several celebrities, including James Taylor, Carly Simon, and the Obamas, have even owned properties on the island.

When I visit, I usually take a Seastreak ferry from New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the island. Here's what the experience is typically like.

I purchased my ticket from New Bedford to Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard the day before my departure on the Seastreak ferry website.

Passengers can also purchase walk-up tickets, but the ferries can sell out, so I'd recommend buying them in advance.

At the time of my visit, I paid $79 for a round-trip ferry ticket. Since then, round-trip ticket prices have increased to $84 for adults.

My husband dropped me off at Seastreak's New Bedford terminal, which had a lobby area with a ticket counter and a sign directing passengers to the docks.

Like most folks, I lined up under the covered waiting area on the pier.

I saw a lot of people carrying suitcases and large bags, but I packed light. Ferry passengers can each bring a carry-on and a personal item, and any larger bags must be checked (for no extra cost).

To board the ferry, a staff member scanned my digital ticket. The line moved quite fast.

The exact boat model Seastreak uses to transport passengers from New Bedford to Martha's Vineyard varies depending on the time of year.

Seastreak ferries used during the peak season, like the Martha's Vineyard Express or the Whaling City Express, usually have a 149-passenger capacity, so it can get pretty crowded.

The ferry I took offered four-person seating nooks with tables on the enclosed lower deck, and seats were taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of the single seats on the ferry were arranged similarly to those in an airplane cabin.

I chose a seat in the main cabin just a few rows from the snack bar. Fortunately, the ferry was only about half full, so there was plenty of room.

Once I got settled, I went to the ferry's top deck to take in the views. I loved seeing the blue water as we headed to our final destination.

I then headed to the snack bar, where I saw chips, pastries, bars, nuts, and other prepackaged goodies. I got a coffee, though I saw some passengers were ordering Bloody Marys and mimosas at a full-service cash bar.

Travelers can also bring their own food aboard, so I saw a handful of people with coolers.

The onboard restrooms were clean and spacious, and moving around the boat was easy if I wanted to get fresh air outside — though there were whipping winds when we were cruising.

I had to get some work done, so I returned to my seat, pulled down the tray table, and comfortably situated my laptop on top. 

Before I knew it, I heard an announcement that we were preparing to dock in Oak Bluffs, a town in Martha's Vineyard. As we approached, I packed my belongings and went outside to see the island's stunning coastline. 

Docking at the Seastreak ferry terminal at Oak Bluffs was smooth and orderly. An announcement prompted passengers to prepare to disembark, and the entire process took about five minutes.

Once again, I was impressed by how efficient the ferry's operations were. When I arrived, I headed to my final destination: the Martha's Vineyard Food and Wine Festival.

Taking the Seastreak ferry was the quickest, cheapest option for me to get to Martha's Vineyard. Its flexible schedule, affordable fares, and no-hassle ticketing made my experience stress-free. 

For under $100 for a round-trip, my ticket felt like a great value, and I'd definitely take this ferry again for a fun day trip to the island.

It was well worth the price to feel a world away, even if I ended up just a few miles from mainland Massachusetts.

This story was originally published on July 30, 2024, and most recently updated on May 13, 2026.