Martha’s Vineyard: All Island Tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the island’s rich history and natural beauty. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the comprehensive 3-hour excursion explores the island’s diverse cultural heritage, from its African American roots to the legacy of the indigenous Wampanoag people. Participants can explore the island’s connection to the iconic film Jaws, visiting notable filming locations. With ferry pickup, air-conditioned vehicles, and ample photo opportunities, this tour promises an immersive and captivating experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a movie enthusiast, the All Island Tour provides a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted tapestry that is Martha’s Vineyard.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 3-hour tour led by local island guides to explore Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Aquinnah Cliffs.
- Opportunity to learn about the island’s rich African American heritage and role in the Underground Railroad.
- Discover indigenous history and the impact of Thomas Mayhew’s conversion of Native Americans to Christianity.
- See filming locations for the movie Jaws, including the iconic Jaws bridge in Edgartown.
- Enjoy photo opportunities at scenic spots and amenities like ferry pickup/drop-off and air-conditioned vehicles.
Overview of the Tour
The All Island Tour of Martha’s Vineyard provides visitors with a comprehensive 3-hour experience to explore the island’s beautiful views and unique character, led by local 4th and 5th generation island guides.
This tour is likely to sell out, as it offers an opportunity to see sights including Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and the Aquinnah Cliffs, while learning about the island’s rich African American heritage and its role in the Underground Railroad.
Participants will also discover the indigenous history and the impact of Thomas Mayhew’s conversion of Native Americans to Christianity, as well as the locations where the iconic film Jaws was filmed.
The tour includes ferry pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicles, and photo opportunities.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Martha S Vineyard.
Highlights of the Tour
This tour offers visitors a chance to witness several notable sights across Martha’s Vineyard. Participants can explore the picturesque towns of Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, marvel at the striking Aquinnah Cliffs, and learn about the island’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad and its indigenous history.
The tour highlights include:
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Seeing locations where the classic film Jaws was filmed, offering a unique cinematic experience.
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Discovering the African American heritage of the island and how it became a stop on the Underground Railroad.
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Hearing about the indigenous peoples and how Thomas Mayhew converted the Native Americans to Christianity.
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Enjoying photo opportunities at various scenic spots throughout the tour.
Inclusions and Amenities
The tour includes ferry pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicles, and a screen to show what certain sites looked like in the 1800s, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s rich history.
Photo opportunities are also provided throughout the tour.
Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses to enjoy the tour comfortably. Smoking isn’t permitted in the vehicles.
The tour company offers a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
Parking for the Steamship Authority is available at the Palmer Ave Parking Lot in Falmouth, as visitors can’t park in the Woodshole Parking Lot.
Meeting Point and Directions
The meeting point for the All Island Tour of Martha’s Vineyard is located at 1 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, USA, across from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority ticket office and parked alongside the police station, under the big American Flag.
If the ferry is diverted to Vineyard Haven, the tour will start at 11am instead.
Visitors can’t park in the Woodshole Parking Lot for the steamship authority and must instead park in the Falmouth Palmer Ave Parking Lot.
The meeting point is designed to be convenient and easily accessible for tour participants. It is:
- Located directly across from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority ticket office
- Parked alongside the Oak Bluffs police station
- Marked by a large American flag
- Offers easy access for ferry pickup and drop-off.
African American Heritage
Among the many facets of Martha’s Vineyard’s rich history, its role as a stop along the Underground Railroad and the island’s African American heritage stand out as particularly significant.
The tour highlights the island’s African American heritage, including how Thomas Mayhew, an early settler, converted the Native Americans to Christianity.
Visitors on the All Island Tour can learn about how the island became a refuge for those escaping slavery, as well as the lasting impact of the island’s Black communities.
Guests will also discover the vital role the island played in the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven for those seeking freedom from the oppression of slavery.
Indigenous Peoples and History
Alongside the island’s rich African American heritage, Martha’s Vineyard also holds deep connections to its indigenous peoples, whose profound impact on the island’s history and culture endures to this day.
The island was originally home to the Wampanoag tribe, who were among the first Native Americans encountered by European settlers. Thomas Mayhew, an early colonial leader, played a significant role in converting the Wampanoag to Christianity in the 17th century.
Key elements of the indigenous legacy include:
- Wampanoag place names, such as Aquinnah, which means ‘end of the island’ in their language.
- Traditional hunting and fishing practices that have shaped the island’s ecology.
- Oral histories and folklore passed down for generations.
- Ongoing efforts to preserve Wampanoag culture and language.
Filming Locations for Jaws
Martha’s Vineyard served as the primary filming location for the iconic thriller film Jaws, with several iconic scenes shot across the island.
Director Steven Spielberg chose the island for its picturesque beach towns, dramatic cliffs, and expansive ocean vistas, which provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s suspenseful shark attacks.
Visitors can explore the infamous Jaws bridge in Edgartown, where the film’s climactic showdown took place. The iconic shot of the shark’s fin cutting through the water was filmed off the shores of Menemsha, and the town’s harbor also served as the setting for the film’s final scenes.
Fans of the movie can enjoy the Jaws legacy by visiting these iconic locations and imagining the terrifying events that unfolded on the silver screen.
Important Tour Information
The tour provides several important details for participants. Comfortable shoes and sunglasses are recommended to fully enjoy the sightseeing experience. Smoking is prohibited inside the air-conditioned vehicles used for the tour. Visitors must park at the designated Palmer Avenue Parking Lot in Falmouth, as the Woodshole Parking Lot near the Steamship Authority isn’t an option.
The tour offers the following important information:
- Cancellations made 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund.
- If the ferry is diverted to Vineyard Haven, the tour will start at 11am.
- The meeting point is across from the Oak Bluffs Steamship Authority ticket office, parked alongside the police station, under the big American Flag.
- Participants will have ample opportunities for photo ops throughout the tour.
Recap
The Martha’s Vineyard: All Island Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and natural beauty.
From the African American heritage and indigenous Wampanoag history to the iconic Jaws filming locations, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience led by knowledgeable local guides.
With convenient transportation and ample photo opportunities, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Martha’s Vineyard.
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