Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard: The Complete Town Guide (2026)
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Island Alpaca on Martha’s Vineyard: Visiting the Oak Bluffs Alpaca Farm
Posted: August 11, 2025 | Time to read: 4 minutes
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Island Alpaca Company is a 19-acre farm in Oak Bluffs, home to over 50 Huacaya alpacas. The animals are gentle and curious, and the farm is set up so you can wander among them at your own pace. It works with kids, on a date, or on your own, and the visit tends to run long once the alpacas take an interest in you.
How the Farm Started
Barbara Ronchetti founded Island Alpaca in 2004, starting with a dismantled 18th-century barn brought over from Pennsylvania. It took two years to rebuild the barn, clear the pastures, and settle in a first herd of eight alpacas. Today the farm keeps over 50 registered alpacas, each with its own pedigree and, as you'll notice quickly, its own personality.
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Breeding Program and Sustainability
The breeding program focuses on fleece quality, color diversity, and ethical animal care. All alpacas are registered with the Alpaca Registry, Inc., so every animal's lineage is documented.
Things to Do at the Farm
- Self-Guided Tours: Walk among the alpacas at your own pace.
- Educational Workshops: Learn about alpaca care, fiber arts, and sustainable farming.
- Alpaca Yoga (Seasonal): Yoga in the pasture with alpacas wandering through the class.
- Alpaca-Grams: Send someone a visit from an alpaca along with a custom gift bag.
Watch: Life at Island Alpaca
The Alpaca Hilton and Gift Shop
The restored barn (the farm calls it the "Alpaca Hilton") houses the on-site gift shop. Everything is made from 100% alpaca fiber: sweaters, socks, hand-dyed yarns, and rovings. It's a good stop if you want a Martha's Vineyard souvenir that isn't a t-shirt.
Community Involvement and Education
The farm is a regular part of island life:
- Hosting school field trips and educational programs
- Participating in island festivals and events
- Offering internships for aspiring farmers and animal caretakers
Plan Your Visit
Location: 1 Head of the Pond Road, Oak Bluffs, MA
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, year-round
Phone:508-693-5554
Website:www.island-alpaca.com
Gallery: Life at Island Alpaca
More Martha's Vineyard Experiences
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: MV Vacation is not affiliated with Island Alpaca Company. All information is based on personal visits and publicly available sources. For the latest updates, operating hours, and pricing, please visit Island Alpaca's official website.
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Continue Exploring Martha's Vineyard
Exploring the town? Start with our complete Vineyard Haven guide: food, beaches, parking and the local rhythm, all in one place.
Island Tip of the Day · Timing
Gay Head Lighthouse opens daily 10 AM–4 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day), with sunset viewing Thursday and Friday evenings 6–8 PM. $6 admission. Reopens Memorial Day 2026 after restoration.
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.
