Vineyard Haven

Vineyard Haven harbor sits in a natural indentation on Martha's Vineyard's northern shore. This geography provides shelter from southwest winds, which are blocked by the island itself. Northeast and easterly conditions present different challenges. These wind directions blow more directly toward the harbor entrance and can create swells that make the approach and docking more difficult. During significant northeast storms, ferries may occasionally divert to Oak Bluffs if conditions there are more favorable, though this depends on many factors. The approach to Vineyard Haven requires vessels to navigate through the harbor entrance, which can be affected by wave action during certain conditions. Captains assess these conditions for each arrival and make decisions accordingly. Fog affects visibility in the harbor area, particularly during temperature transitions in spring and fall.