Nantucket
 

Which fast ferry is the best to take from Hyannis to Nantucket. I will be there this September.

There are two ferry lines - Hy-Line and Steamship Authority.

A "fast ferry" costs considerably more, but saves a lot of time.

The "slow" ferry is a leisurely trip, though, and the views as you approach Nantucket harbor are sensational.

On either, you'd want to be at the front of the boat with your camera as it reaches the island.

We usually park our car at the airport in Hyannis and take the slow ferry over, then fly back (which costs just about the same as the fast ferry).

Note that it's chancy to book the last fast ferry. Sometimes trips with these smaller vessels are cancelled due to the weather or ocean conditions, when the larger slow ferry and planes are not.

If you miss the last fast ferry (you must allow plenty of time to park your car and get to the dock for departure), you'd have to take the slow ferry (if there is another) or fly (if it's not too late to do that) or find a room and wait until the next day.

Accomodations on Nantucket have strict cancellation policies.

We always fly back so as to be able to spend more time on the island before departing for home. There are many more flights than ferry crossings (especially in September) and the schedule is more flexible.

THank you, but is there one fast ferry better than then the other. Which one have you taken?

Hy Line's Gray Lady high speed catamaran is definitley nicer: it's like a cocktail lounge that moves.
The SSA's Flying Cloud has been plagued with mechanical difficulties since it began service to and from Hyannis. i wouldn't risk getting stranded in the middle of Nantucket Sound!!

Thank you for the information. Penny