Fourteen acres of Japanese garden in the middle of a barrier island: a bench, a raked path, and the particular quiet that only arrives after a ferry ride.
Plate 01
Chappaquiddick Island, Chappy to everyone here, is the quiet island off the end of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard: remote beaches, a shoreline that moves every winter, nesting shorebirds, and a garden and two reservations kept by The Trustees of Reservations. It is the emptiest corner of the Vineyard, and that is the reason to go.
This guide was written and photographed by MV Vacation, based on years of on-island filming, ferry coverage, and field research across Chappy's beaches, trails, and wildlife refuges.
If you're already visiting Edgartown, Katama and South Beach are on the same side of town.
Steps down to one of the island's undeveloped beaches.
Finding Chappaquiddick
The Essentials
The essentials on Chappaquiddick
08 STOPSFourteen acres of ponds, bridges, island plants and shaded paths. The quietest place on the Vineyard.
Over 500 acres of beach, cedar woods, dunes and osprey nests. The Cape Poge Lighthouse at the far end has guided tours and a view of open ocean.
Eroding fast, with long empty shoreline, strong surf and serious surf fishing. The ground changes shape from one year to the next.
The wooden bridge from main Chappy over to Cape Poge, and the way through to East Beach and the refuge. It has its place in island history.
Calm water for kayaks, birds and the sunrise.
The short ride across the harbor mouth between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick. It runs continuously in season, with cars lined up at busy hours.
Flat roads with hardly any traffic. The easy way to reach the beaches, Mytoi and the quiet corners.
A 
B 
C A: Edgartown Light seen from the On Time deck; B: Dike Bridge, the gate to Cape Poge; C: the wooded trails that fill the island's middle.
Getting to Chappaquiddick
The only way over is the Chappy Ferry from Edgartown Harbor, which runs continuously in season. Cars wait in line in July and August; on foot or on a bike you usually go straight on. Check with The Trustees of Reservations for OSV permit rules and beach conditions before you plan a day around the far beaches.
Know Before You Go
Know before you go
In July and August, vehicle wait times can exceed 30 minutes. Walking or biking is often faster.
Chappy has no restaurants, gas stations, or convenience stores. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and beach gear.
Over-Sand Vehicle permits are required for Cape Poge and parts of East Beach. Available through The Trustees. Check closures, tides, and sand conditions before driving.
Many areas host nesting shorebirds and protected species. Respect closures and seasonal restrictions.
Early morning and late afternoon are the hours for photographs on the dunes and out at Cape Poge.
Autumn oak against Nantucket Sound, the kind of shoreline you get to yourself on a weekday.
History
The name comes from the Wampanoag "Cheppiaquidne," usually translated as "separate island." The Chappaquiddick Wampanoag are still part of the island's community today, and have long relied on its ponds, woodlands, and fisheries.
The Chappy Ferry has run for more than a century. Before it, people crossed between Edgartown and Chappy by rowboat.
Shifting sands have changed the island repeatedly. Norton Point Beach, which sometimes connects Edgartown's South Beach to Chappaquiddick, breaches and reforms depending on storms and long-term coastal change.
Questions
Questions about Chappaquiddick
How do I get to Chappaquiddick?
On the Chappy Ferry from Edgartown Harbor. It runs continuously, no timetable.
Are there stores or restaurants on Chappy?
No. There is nothing to buy on Chappy. Bring water, food and whatever else you need.
Is Cape Poge Lighthouse open?
Yes. Access is through guided vehicle tours or via OSV travel with a valid permit.
Can I drive on the beach?
Yes, on certain sections of Cape Poge and East Beach, with a Trustees OSV permit. Conditions vary by season.
The Record
Fun Facts about Chappaquiddick
+37 View more island visuals in our full Photo Galleries.
Explore more Chappaquiddick stories and guides across MV Vacation.
Three free downloads · 2026 The Beach Guide, the Fall Guide and Where to Stay Every beach decoded, the fall season date by date, and every town and price band for sleeping over: three PDFs, free with the island letter. No spam, one click to leave. See a sample first Chappaquiddick and Edgartown on film
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