Headed to Nantucket for the day, taking the Ferry from Hyannis. The earliest Ferry (8:45am)arrives at 10:30am, but the two tours listed on the Nantucket website have departure times of 10am or 12:30/1pm. Are there other van tours located near the Ferry Dock that leave soon after the Ferry's 10:30 arrival? Really don't want to hang around the shops for 2 hours before the tour.
Thanks

Slip the van tours and take the shuttle bus (which is like a large van with nice big windows) out to Sconset. You can get out and walk all over the village of Sconset, then take the shuttle back to town. The shuttles go all over the island and cost $ 1.00.

Unless you are elderly you'll probably enjoy being on your own and exploring.

I agree. Unless you want actual historic sites pointed out to you - you are much better off exploring the town yourself. It's so small you can walk everywhere. Check out the Whaling museum, Mitchell Observatory, Library...etc. Great lunch spots in town. Then hop on the shuttle for $1 to Sconset -walk the neighborhood/village and see the big, beautiful homes as well as the charming cottages. For a first time visitor I would think it better to get a real feel for the island on your own instead of sitting on an bus all day. This way you can stop wherever you want, shop, look at the archetecture, and enjoy the views.
Just a suggestion...... Not sure of any other tours. I would go to Nantucket.net and look into other tours or check with the chamber of commerce.
Have fun!

One more thing...there should be earlier ferry times than 8:45. I believe there should be some as early as 6:00 or 7:00.
Check with the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises.

Ferry time is taken from Hy-Line's web site schedule.

If we do go with the shuttle bus to Sconset -- that's great for wandering arount that town, but .... how do you see any of the beaches? lighthouses?

Thanks for the new info & great ideas.

The beaches are everywhere! When you get to 'Sconset, you only have to walk a few hundred feet from the bus stop for an ocean view, and less than an eight of a mile to be on the beach.

Get a little Nantucket map, which should be available on the ferry. In Sconset check out the tiny cottages on Broadway, walk the shell road behind broadway, go to the beach, walk all the way down Baxter Rd. to Sankaty Lighthouse.

Also go in the other direction towards the Summerhouse. Lots of gorgeous homes and great views.

Steamship ferry leaves at 7:00.

You can also walk to Children's Beach (practically in town) and Brant Point Lighthouse from the ferry dock. They are very close. Walking around town is very enjoyable in ACK because of the beautiful homes, cobblestone streets.

Also you can walk to the docks for the private boats. There are some incredible yachts that dock in ACK. It's fun to stroll the docks and check them out. Ignore the signs that say "For yachtsmen and their guests only", everyone else does.

You can easily spend 2 hours in town without going into a store. There are whaling mansions to tour and the museum.

My personal favorite was the old church that would let you climb to the top of its steeple for a $2 donation. Its the highest point on Nantucket and you get a view of the entire island. They have binoculurs set up as well as enlarged photos to help you identify what you are looking at. I found this church through the tourist newspaper that I picked up at the ferry office in Hyannis. I'm sorry that I can't remember the name. I thought it was great because it fulfilled a childhood curiosity of what the heck was up there in all those church steeples. (Doesn't take much to entertain me)

I agree that the Whaling Museum is excellent!
However, if you don't want to sit at a beach, what is the point of going to Sconset? There is absolutely nothing there but a liquor store, one fancy restaurant, one casual joint, and a bus stop.
Personally, I like the bus tour. I think it leaves more frequently in high season. Give them a call.
You could also spend the extra bucks and get to the island in one hour on the high speed Grey Lady.