Island Queen
75 Falmouth Heights Road, Falmouth | 508.548.4800 | IslandQueen.com
“Sail away from Falmouth, sail away on the Island Queen.”
For 60 years, the iconic seasonal ferry has been shuttling passengers, bikers and dog walkers from Falmouth Marina to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard and back. And the best part? They do it in less than 40 minutes.
The trip is quick, but still feels like an adventure. Grab some libations and snacks at the first deck snack bar and then kick back, relax and enjoy the scenic ride through Falmouth Harbor to Vineyard Sound before stepping off in picturesque Oak Bluffs.
The ferry operates from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and passengers can choose to ride topside, the best vantage point to spot the occasional leatherback turtle, or choose seating in the more-sheltered middle deck, or choose to stay completely out of the elements in the enclosed bottom deck. From the bench seating on the very stern of the boat, riders can watch the boat’s wake form and disappear. The whole experience, from parking to baggage drop-off to the trip itself, has been called “easy breezy” by passengers.
Local nonprofits and organizations often secure the ferry’s services for sunset or fireworks cruises, which are always a hit. Even with the summer crowds, the Island Queen is a well-oiled machine and the staple cinching Oak Bluffs and Falmouth together in the height of the season.