Chappaquiddick Island
Island Small barrier island near Martha's Vineyard, secluded beaches
Chappaquiddick Island, off Martha’s Vineyard, offers quiet beaches, dunes and small harbors accessible by ferry; visitors come for shoreline walks, birdwatching and the island’s low-key summer cottages.
Chappaquiddick Island is a small island off the eastern end of Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States, connected to the main island by seasonal ferry and, at times, a barrier beach. It is known for its sandy beaches, dunes, tidal inlets and protected wildlife areas.
Key features include extensive beaches, salt marshes and the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, all of which attract birdwatchers, walkers and sea kayakers. Local transport is limited and visitors typically arrive via the short ferry from Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard; car access is restricted by seasonal and local rules.
The island is part of the Martha’s Vineyard archipelago off the southern coast of Massachusetts and lies immediately east of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard.
- Access from Edgartown: A short passenger ferry runs from Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard to the island during the main season; vehicle access is limited and depends on seasonal services.
- Natural highlights: The island includes the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Poge Lighthouse area, with dunes, tidal inlets and long beaches that are popular for walking and birdwatching.
How to Get to Chappaquiddick Island #
The island is reached from Edgartown via the Chappaquiddick/Edgartown ferry, a short crossing from the south end of Edgartown (near South Water Street). Ferries accept pedestrians and vehicles; check seasonal schedules at the Edgartown town website. In summer, parking in Edgartown can be limited-plan to arrive before 9am or after 4pm. There is no bridge to the island; private boats may land at designated beaches but the town discourages ad hoc landings to protect nesting birds.
Tips for Visiting Chappaquiddick Island #
- Take the short vehicle ferry from Edgartown rather than trying the private boat landings-ferries run frequently in summer and save time finding parking.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid daytrippers from Martha's Vineyard; the dirt roads and beaches empty out by 6pm.
- Bring a map or offline GPS: many roads are unpaved and unnamed; cell service can be spotty on parts of the island.
- Don't skip Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge for its wind-sculpted dunes and rare piping plover habitat; there's a short walk from the parking area.
Best Time to Visit Chappaquiddick Island #
Best visited late spring through early fall; summer brings the crowds but also peak ferry service.
Weather & Climate near Chappaquiddick Island #
Chappaquiddick Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
