Elizabeth Islands (buzzards bay)

[chris95040]

Hi folks,

Any time I take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard I'm captivated by the Elizabeth Islands, I think they are privately owned by the Forbes family (with the exception of Cuttyhunk).

Are there any decent spots to overnight on them? Any beaches / etc where you can spend the day?

I know Cuttyhunk is a popular destination but I'm hoping for something quieter.

[Outdoorrecmann]

Tarpaulin Cove is a great spot especially in a SW breeze. Hadley's Harbor directly across from Woods Hole is another great spot. As you correctly said, the islands are private and are not open to the public. They do allow the public on Bear Island in Hadley's and the beech forest there is amazing.

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[Cormorant]

Last summer we were allowed to walk around on Penikese. It was between being a school for troubled teens and I think now an adult rehab center (?). There were a few workers and staff people on the island fixing the main building up for its new role, and they said it was okay to walk around.

Fascinating place -- former leper colony, with the ruins of the old "leper laundry building," some huge brick cisterns, and a leper graveyard. Beyond that, it's just a beautiful little island, lightly trodden upon by modern times.

[Cormorant]

Oh yeah . . . . under the heading of "beaches where you can spend the day" -- as you pass through Quick's Hole there's a nice anchorage and beach on the Nashawena side. Good place to drop the hook, have a peaceful lunch, take a stroll, take a swim, and then continue on to a better overnight anchorage. I recall there are signs saying it's okay to be on the beach but don't go inland.

[Outdoorrecmann]

Cormorant is spot on about the southern side of Quicks Hole. Always a smart sailor hanging out overnight there. Make sure you have good ground tackle!

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[Night_Sailor]

Originally Posted by Outdoorrecmann

Tarpaulin Cove is a great spot especially in a SW breeze. Hadley's Harbor directly across from Woods Hole is another great spot. As you correctly said, the islands are private and are not open to the public. They do allow the public on Bear Island in Hadley's and the beech forest there is amazing.

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I agree on Tarpaulin Cove. A pretty spot.

On Naushon Island, at Hadley Harbor the little island is Bull Island not Bear. The Forbes estate does own it and does not let people land on Naushon. If while anchored in Hadley Harbor, you need to walk your dog, Bull Island is commonly called Dog **** Island.


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