About

It is the oldest business on the waters of Martha’s Vineyard, and quite probably the third or fourth oldest on the Vineyard itself.

 

The Chappy Ferry is a historic ferry service that has connected Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard with Chappaquiddick Island for more than two centuries. Its earliest documented operation dates to 1807, when passengers were ferried across the narrow 527-foot harbor by rowboat. The first motorized ferry entered service in 1929, and today the crossing is made by the small On Time ferries, which carry passengers, bicycles, and up to three vehicles at a time. Privately operated throughout its history, the Chappy Ferry has become one of the oldest continuously operating businesses on Martha’s Vineyard and an iconic part of island life. It has endured hurricanes, fires, and even appeared in the 1975 film Jaws, while continuing to serve as the vital year-round link between Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick.

Starting at 6:30am daily the captains and crew of the ferry begin their day. 18 hours, three crew changes and hundreds of crossings later the ferry has completed another day of operations. That does not mean its over, there is always at least one captain on call throughout  the night to respond to emergency service calls. There ferry has served Chappaquiddick for centuries and will continue to do so for many more.

Fares

Passenger: $5 round-trip. Car and driver: $17 round-trip. Bike and rider $8 round-trip. Moped (includes operator): $10 round-trip. Motorcycle (includes operator): $10 round-trip.
Learn more

VINEYARD SEA HISTORY

Available at island book stores.

CHAPPY FERRY BOOK

THE CHAPPY FERRY BOOK:

Back and Forth Between Two Worlds ~ 527 Feet Apart By Tom Dunlop, with photographs by Alison Shaw, and a short film on DVD by John Wilson

Available at island book stores.

Ferry Schedule

Winter: Continuous operation from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, then 11:00 pm to 11:15 pm

Summer: 6:30 a.m.– midnight

On call after hours for emergencies only

Summer Schedule: starts on the Thursday before Memorial Day and continues through the Saturday in mid October when the MV Derby ends.

Winter Schedule: starts on the Sunday after the MV Derby ends and continues through the Wednesday before Memorial Day.