What to Expect on a Nantucket Sunset Cruise

There’s a moment — right around the time the sun begins to melt into the harbor — when everything on a Nantucket sunset cruise just clicks. The light turns gold, the water shimmers, a glass gets raised, and someone inevitably says, “This is exactly what I needed.”

If you’ve been searching for things to do in Nantucket that go beyond the usual tourist checklist, a sunset cruise aboard Chugalugatug might be the experience you didn’t know you were looking for. Here’s everything you need to know before you step aboard.

The Boat: Chugalugatug

Before we get into what happens on the water, it’s worth a quick introduction to the star of the show: Chugalugatug, a lovingly restored 1980 Crosby Tug built at the legendary Crosby Tug yard right here in Massachusetts.

This boat has a story. She spent her first 45 years on Lake Wawasee, a small lake outside Chicago, commissioned by a man named Jerry who had one dream: a tugboat for his family. He outfitted her with a beer tap and a fire pit and built her a custom boat barn for the winters. When Jerry passed away, the boat sat untouched for five years until Matthew and Erika — the new owners of Nantucket Tug Company — found her, purchased her, and trailered her all the way to Nantucket to open the 2025 season.

The result is a vessel with real soul. Chunky, classic, and completely charming, Chugalugatug is the kind of boat that turns heads in the harbor and sparks conversations before you’ve even cast off.

The Experience: Golden Hour on Nantucket Harbor

The Nantucket Sunset Harbor Cruise is perfectly timed to capture the best light of the day. As you ease out of the dock and into the open harbor, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Nantucket’s iconic waterfront — the weathered shingles, the church steeples, the graceful sailboats, all bathed in amber and rose.

This isn’t a narrated tour with a headset and a script. It’s an intimate, unhurried experience designed for up to six guests who want to actually be present — to talk, to laugh, to clink glasses, and to watch the world glow.

BYOB — and Then Some

One of the things guests love most about Chugalugatug is the bring-your-own-beverage policy. Pack a bottle of rosé, a six-pack of local craft beer, or your favorite spirit. 

The sunset cruise is a natural fit for a charcuterie board and drinks before dinner. Start your evening on the water and let the cruise do the heavy lifting for ambiance. You’ll arrive at your restaurant table already in the best mood of the trip.

What to Bring

Packing for a sunset cruise is simple. Here’s the short list:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses — the afternoon sun on the water is bright

• A light jacket — evenings on the harbor can be breezy even in summer

• Your camera or a fully charged phone — the photo opportunities are everywhere

• Your BYOB drinks and snacks, securely packed

• Comfortable, non-slip shoes

Nantucket Tug Company always has ice, cups , cutlery, and napkins on board, so you’re covered on that front.

Practical Details

The sunset cruise departs from Town Dock in Nantucket. There’s a town parking lot directly across the street — note that the first few rows are reserved for permit holders, but there’s free public parking toward the back. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to find a spot, especially in peak summer. (It’s Nantucket, after all.)

Capacity: 6 guests maximum, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations. All passengers, including infants and toddlers, count toward the total.

Restroom: Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Weather: Your captain makes the final call. If the trip is canceled due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund. No-shows and non-weather cancellations are non-refundable.

Extra time: Want to extend the magic? You can add 30 minutes or a full hour to your booking. Just contact us in advance.

Who Is the Sunset Cruise For?

Honestly? Almost anyone. The Nantucket Sunset Harbor Cruise is perfect for:

• Couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or just a special night out

• Friend groups looking for a genuinely memorable experience

• Families wanting a unique way to spend an evening

• Visitors to Nantucket who want to see the island from the water

• Anyone who loves a good sunset and a cold drink

There’s something about being on the water at golden hour that cuts through the noise of a busy vacation and makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

How to Book

Bookings fill up fast, especially during peak summer weeks. We recommend reserving your spot as early as possible. Custom pickup locations (private docks, other landings) are available for an additional fee — just reach out ahead of time to arrange it.

Ready to sail? Book your Nantucket Sunset Cruise at nantuckettugcompany.com