Visiting Aquinnah Respectfully: The Wampanoag Homeland at the Island's Edge (2026)
The Gay Head Cliffs are sacred Wampanoag land, not just a viewpoint. What visitors are welcome to in Aquinnah, what the rules protect, and how to be a good guest.
The Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard is how most visitors reach the island, a 45-minute crossing through Vineyard Sound that runs 365 days a year. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.
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2026 Fares
Half the pleasure of the crossing is the window seat: a coffee, the wake behind, the island growing ahead.
Passengers (one-way): Adult $11.00, Child (5–12) $5.75, Under 5 free. Bicycle $5.25. Round-trip is double.
Cars (one-way, car + driver, under 17ft): Off-season $73.50, Shoulder $115.50–$127.00, Peak Fri–Sun $168.00 (May 15–Sep 14). Approximately 5% increase from 2025.
Reservations
Foot passengers: NO reservation needed. Buy at the terminal or via the eFerry app. Arrive 30 minutes early on busy weekends.
Cars: advance reservation REQUIRED. Summer reservations opened February 3, 2026 and sell out fast. No general standby. A wait list checks for cancellations automatically.
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Routes
Year-round: Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven (45 min, up to 14+ daily sailings).
Summer (May 14–Oct 22): Woods Hole → Oak Bluffs (also 45 min). Sailings alternate between VH and OB throughout the day, so check which one before boarding.
The Fleet
M/V Island Home (2007): ~1,200 passengers, 76 vehicles, elevator, snack bar, Wi-Fi. M/V Martha's Vineyard (1993): ~1,274 passengers. Larger vessels have a café with beer, wine, hot food, comfortable indoor seating, and outdoor deck.
Parking at Woods Hole
No parking at the terminal. Use off-site lots with free shuttle buses: Palmer Avenue Lot (closest), Thomas B. Landers Lot, or Cataumet overflow lot. Daily rate ~$25–$33. All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible with bike racks. Parking info: (508) 457-PARK.
Pets and Accessibility
Pets ride free: leashed or in carrier, not in food areas. Major vessels are fully ADA accessible with elevators. Accessibility Pass available for discounted fares.
New Terminal
A $32–$38 million reconstruction of Woods Hole terminal targets substantial completion in May 2026: geothermal heating, modern passenger building, elevator access.
For the complete guide to reaching Martha's Vineyard without a car, including bus connections from Boston, see our car-free travel guide. Once on-island, the VTA bus is free.
Island Tip of the Day · Timing
Visit Edgartown on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Same beautiful town, maybe 30% of the weekend crowds. Most restaurants have availability without reservations.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of writing. Beach conditions, hours, prices, lifeguard schedules, ferry fares, and business operations change frequently and without notice. Ocean swimming carries inherent risks including rip currents, undertow, and cold water shock. Always verify current conditions with official local sources before your visit. MV Vacation assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, supervise children at all times near water, and follow all posted safety signs.
