Nantucket’s 12 Best Tours & Things To Do: Which To Choose?

Nantucket is a fascinating blend of history, scenery, and seaside charm, making it a perfect destination for unique tours and activities. Whether you want to explore the island’s famed lighthouses, learn about its whaling past, or cast a line in the Atlantic, there’s something here for every traveler.

We especially like the Nantucket: Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour for its engaging stops and knowledgeable guides, making history come alive with sweeping sea views and quaint cottages.

For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Private Nantucket Beach Fishing Activity with a Guide offers a private, hands-on adventure perfect for families or small groups.

And if you’re eager to see Nantucket from a different perspective, the Nantucket: Guided Bike Tour combines exercise, scenery, and storytelling in a memorable way. Whatever your style, our list covers the best tours to help you make the most of your time on this charming island.

Quick Overview

On this list, you’ll find a variety of options: bus tours, bike rides, guided drives, walking explorations, and even self-guided tours with audio guides. There are also specialized adventures like fishing trips and scavenger hunts.

Each offers a different way to experience Nantucket’s historic sites, scenic vistas, and local culture. Dive into the details below to find the perfect fit for your travel plans.

1. Nantucket: Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour

At number 1, the Nantucket: Historical Landmarks Sightseeing Bus Tour stands out for its engaging, 1.5-hour journey through the island’s most picturesque and meaningful sites. Priced at $53 per person, it’s a great value for an overview of Nantucket’s story.

The tour makes stops at notable locations like a 17th-century fishing village (Siasconset), the iconic Sankaty Lighthouse, and the Old Mill believed to be the oldest operating windmill in the U.S.

The tour’s highlights include feeling history come alive amid rose-covered cottages and panoramic sea views. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, making it ideal for first-timers or anyone wanting a quick, comprehensive introduction. The reviews praise the friendly guide and the scenic stops, with a 4.8/5 rating from 52 reviews confirming its popularity.

Bottom line: This tour offers a compact, informative look at Nantucket’s landmarks, perfect for travelers short on time or wanting an easy way to see the island’s highlights.

2. Private Nantucket Beach Fishing Activity with a Guide

For a truly personalized experience, the Private Nantucket Beach Fishing Activity with a Guide is hard to beat. This 4-hour trip costs $625 for up to four people, making it an intimate adventure. Your guide leverages local knowledge to find the best beaches and fishing spots, ensuring you catch fish and learn techniques, whether you’re a novice or seasoned angler.

Included fishing gear simplifies the process, and the guide’s stories and tips elevate the experience. Reviewers consistently note how accommodating Steve was, with comments like “treated us like family” and “unique driving on the beach.” The tour’s private nature makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want a quiet, tailored fishing outing.

Bottom line: This activity offers expert guidance and a private setting—perfect for those eager to fish and explore Nantucket’s coastal waters at their own pace.

3. Nantucket: Guided Bike Tour

The Nantucket: Guided Bike Tour is a favorite for active explorers. For $160 per person, the 2.5-hour ride covers key sites like the Brandt Point Lighthouse, Jetties, and Galley beaches. The tour’s highlight is a balanced mix of natural beauty and local history, with visits to the Cliff Range Beacons and Steps Beach lookout.

Led by the island’s top-rated guide, the tour provides insights into Nantucket’s past while offering stunning views. Biking allows access to quieter, scenic areas impossible from a car. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and relaxed pace. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and looking for a comprehensive, outdoor experience.

Bottom line: This guided bike tour is a lively way to cover Nantucket’s highlights while soaking in its scenery, making it ideal for active travelers.

4. Nantucket: Downtown Walking Tour

For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Nantucket: Downtown Walking Tour offers a two-hour stroll through the island’s historic core. Priced at $120 per person, it’s a chance to learn about Nantucket’s transition from whaling hub to modern-day seaside town.

The tour’s highlights include stories of the island’s architecture, notable residents, and key landmarks like the Atheneum and the Hadwen House. The guide provides colorful tales about Nantucket’s past and its cultural rebirth. With a 5/5 rating from four reviews, it’s perfect for history buffs and those wanting a relaxed, immersive experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for history lovers who want a detailed narrative while exploring Nantucket’s charming downtown streets.

5. Nantucket: Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour

The Guided Scenic Island Driving Tour offers a 2.5-hour overview of Nantucket’s most scenic spots for $160 per person. The route covers the largest cranberry bogs in the world, Sconset Village, Low Beach, Sankaty Lighthouse, and the Old Mill, with plenty of stops for photos and exploration.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides insights into the island’s history, from its geological origins to its current status. The drive past the historic mansions of whale oil magnates along Main Street is particularly memorable. Reviewers highlight the scenic beauty and comprehensive nature of the tour.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic overview of Nantucket in comfort, with plenty of local stories.

6. Historical Tour of Nantucket

As the longest-standing tour company, the Historical Tour of Nantucket stands out for its depth—covering everything from the earliest days of Quaker settlement to the whaling industry’s decline. Priced at $57, it’s an excellent choice for history enthusiasts.

Running about 1.5 hours, this narrated bus or van tour takes you to the Nantucket built in 1881, the Old Mill, and Sankaty Head Lighthouse. The reviews praise the driver’s storytelling and the detailed account of Nantucket’s evolution. It’s especially good for those interested in the island’s social and economic history.

Bottom line: This tour offers a thorough and engaging overview of Nantucket’s past, ideal for history buffs and curious travelers.

7. Nantucket Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour

For independent explorers, the Coast to Coast Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour is a budget-friendly option at just $12.99. It takes about 2 hours and guides you through key landmarks from Madaket to Sconset, with stops at the Jethro Coffin House, Madaket Beach, and the Maria Mitchell house.

You’ll learn about Nantucket’s cranberry history and the island’s geological formation along the way. The tour includes tips and points of interest, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace. Reviewers mention occasional navigation issues but praise the value and content.

Bottom line: Best for self-starters comfortable with navigation who want an affordable, flexible way to see Nantucket’s highlights.

8. Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour of Nantucket

The Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Walking Tour is a straightforward, low-cost option for exploring Nantucket’s historic streets at your own pace. For just $9.99, you get an audio guide that takes you past landmarks like the Whaling Museum, the Atheneum, and Straight Wharf.

This tour suits travelers who prefer flexibility and want to avoid large groups. Reviewers mention it’s an easy, informative way to discover Nantucket’s evolution from a whaling metropolis to a tourist hotspot. It’s a good choice if you’re comfortable walking and want to skip scheduled tours.

Bottom line: An economical, self-paced way to learn about Nantucket’s history and see key sites without the pressure of a group.

9. Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Biking or Driving Tour

This Discover Nantucket Self-Guided Tour offers another flexible way to explore. At $13, it’s similar to the coast-to-coast tour but emphasizes a broader look at the island’s natural and historic highlights over three hours.

From lighthouses to beaches, you’ll get insider tips and recommendations. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full-day exploration with the freedom to customize their route and pace. The tour’s detailed points of interest help maximize your time on the island.

Bottom line: Great for independent explorers wanting a comprehensive yet flexible sightseeing experience.

10. Nutty Nantucket Scavenger Hunt

For a fun twist, the Nutty Nantucket Scavenger Hunt turns your sightseeing into a game. Costing $29 per person, it involves solving clues via your smartphone while driving around the island, with the option for car-free routes.

It’s perfect for families or groups looking for an interactive, less conventional activity. The tour challenges you to find secret local spots and learn about Nantucket’s hidden corners. The reviews note it’s an entertaining and engaging way to discover the island’s lesser-known sites.

Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a lively, interactive experience that combines exploration with a little friendly competition.

11. Beyond the Cobblestones Self Guided Audio Tour of Nantucket

This audio tour (see details here) offers a cost-effective way to explore at your own pace. For $10, you will walk down Main Street, listening to stories about the island’s transition from whaling to tourism. It covers iconic landmarks like the Atheneum and Straight Wharf.

It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy self-guided walks and want to control their schedule. The reviews mention how easy it is to follow and appreciate the insights into Nantucket’s architecture and evolution. It’s a good choice for budget-minded visitors or those who prefer independent exploration.

Bottom line: A lightweight, affordable option for history and architecture enthusiasts looking for a self-paced tour.

12. Private Professional Photoshoot in Nantucket

Finally, for those wanting to preserve memories of their trip, the Private Professional Photoshoot in Nantucket offers a one-hour session capturing the island’s scenic beauty. The cost is $335.45 per person, making it a special treat.

The photographer guides you through stunning landscapes and iconic spots, providing tips to get the best shots. While there are no reviews yet, the experience is perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting high-quality photos amid Nantucket’s charming scenery.

Bottom line: An excellent way to create lasting mementos while exploring some of Nantucket’s most scenic locations.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When picking the best activity in Nantucket, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If you want a quick, rundown, the bus tour captures the highlights, while biking options like the guided bike tour suit active travelers craving a more intimate experience. For a flexible, independent adventure, self-guided audio tours or self-guided biking are economical choices.

Those interested in local lifestyle and hidden spots might prefer the scavenger hunt, while history lovers will get a rewarding experience from the historical bus tour. For romantic or family photos, a professional session offers memorable keepsakes.

Booking early is recommended during peak summer months to secure your preferred date and time, especially for private activities like fishing or photoshoots.

Final Thoughts

From classic sightseeing and active biking to private fishing and scavenger hunts, Nantucket offers a wide range of tours and activities suited to different tastes and schedules. For a quick overview of the island’s highlights, the bus tour is perfect. Active travelers will enjoy the guided bike tour, while history buffs can dive deep with the historical tour.

If you prefer exploring at your own pace, the self-guided audio tours and self-guided biking tours are affordable and flexible. For a memorable keepsake, consider scheduling a professional photoshoot.

No matter your travel style, Nantucket’s diverse offerings mean you can craft a personalized adventure. Just remember to book early and enjoy the rich scenes and stories that make this island special.