Martha's Vineyard Jaws Tour: Walk the Real Amity Island with a Local Guide
Take a guided Jaws tour of Martha's Vineyard with local guide Mike Currid. Walk the real Amity Island in Edgartown and book the "Amity" Walking Tour.
When the summer crowds leave and Martha's Vineyard settles into its winter rhythm, the island becomes something rare — a place of genuine stillness. The year-round population of about 20,500 replaces the summer peak, trails empty out, and the landscape reveals itself in ways the busy season never allows. This walk captures that feeling.
What You'll See on a Winter Walk
Winter strips Martha's Vineyard to its bones — bare oak canopies, frost on stone walls, harbor towns without a single tour group. The island gets about 25 inches of snow annually, roughly half of what Boston sees, and temperatures usually hover in the mid-30s to low 40s°F. Most winter days climb above freezing, but the wind is persistent — averaging 15-21 mph from the northwest — so dress in layers and bring something windproof.
The quiet changes everything. Trails through Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary and Long Point Wildlife Refuge that bustle with hikers in July become places where the only sounds are wind through bare branches and waves on rock. Beaches that require resident passes in summer — Lambert's Cove, Lucy Vincent — open to everyone in the off-season.
Winter Wildlife
The off-season is actually peak wildlife season. Gray seals haul out on the beaches near Chappaquiddick, snowy owls hunt the south shore dunes, and the annual Christmas Bird Count regularly tallies 120-130 species in a single December day. White-tailed deer are everywhere once the undergrowth dies back. See our Wildlife guide for details on where and when to spot them.
Planning a Winter Visit
The Steamship Authority ferry runs year-round to Vineyard Haven. Hotel rates drop 30-60% from peak season. Many restaurants and shops close, but a solid core stays open — including Black Dog Tavern, Offshore Ale, and the Martha's Vineyard Museum.
For the complete planning resource — weather data, every open restaurant, trail details, accommodation rates, and more — see our Martha's Vineyard in Winter: The Complete Off-Season Guide.
Check our live webcams to see current island conditions before you plan your trip.
⛴️ Island Tip of the Day — Ferry
Seastreak from New Bedford ($49 one-way, 50 min) completely bypasses Cape Cod bridge traffic — ideal for summer weekends when the Bourne and Sagamore bridges are jammed.
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.
