
Historical Tour of Nantucket
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 236 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Historical Tour of Nantucket worth booking?
Historical Tour of Nantucket is a 1.5-hour experience in Nantucket, United States, from $57 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 236 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (236)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $57 per person
We are unique as we are the oldest tour company on the historic island of Nantucket. From the early days when Chester Barrett founded the company and drove a horse and buggy, to today, we are ready to give you a great truthful and historical view of Nantucket. We are you premier choice for bus tours, van tours, and wedding transportation in Nantucket, MA You will see a narrated tour where we show you old lighthouses, the village of Siasconset on the East end of the island, rose cover cottages, as well as the old railroad and either the oldest or 2nd oldest house on island. You will really enjoy seeing the island from this perspective. The 1.5 hour time is just enough time to see the sights and plan where to spend the rest of your visit on island. We can also do private and large group tours, inquire by calling.
What you get
About this experience
We are unique as we are the oldest tour company on the historic island of Nantucket. From the early days when Chester Barrett founded the company and drove a horse and buggy, to today, we are ready to give you a great truthful and historical view of Nantucket. We are you premier choice for bus tours, van tours, and wedding transportation in Nantucket, MA You will see a narrated tour where we show you old lighthouses, the village of Siasconset on the East end of the island, rose cover cottages, as well as the old railroad and either the oldest or 2nd oldest house on island. You will really enjoy seeing the island from this perspective. The 1.5 hour time is just enough time to see the sights and plan where to spend the rest of your visit on island. We can also do private and large group tours, inquire by calling.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Nantucket
Built in 1881, the line closed in 1917. It brought travelers to the Surfside and Siasconset.
2 minutes here
Nantucket Founders Burial Ground
Nantucket was founded by Quakers and we will pass by the Quaker burial ground, a cemetery mostly without tombstones of the unmarked graves of the many island Quakers
Pass by without stopping
Old Mill
Said to have been built in 1746, the Old Mill is believed to be the oldest operating windmill in the United States. It is the only surviving mill of the five that once stood overlooking Nantucket Town.
2 minutes here
Siasconset
Travel to the East end of the island to see the rose covered cottages and old community
Pass by without stopping
Sankaty Head Lighthouse
The Sankaty Head Light is a lighthouse located on Nantucket Island. It was built in 1850, was automated in 1965, and is still in operation. It is located at the easternmost point of the island, in the village of Siasconset. It was one of the first lighthouses in the United States to receive a Fresnel lens.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Nantucket
In your GPS you can put the store Faherty. We park directly in front of Faherty on the left hand curb. The address is 0 Candle Street. Candle Street ends at Main St and Easy St begins at Main St
Meeting point
Nantucket
Look for Barrett's Tours at the corner of Easy St & Main St. The tour may be done in a van or a bus depending on availability. Van & Bus Tours will meet at the corner of Easy St & Main St. You may be notified of change the day of the tour prior to tour based on Nantucket parking availability.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Ends at
In your GPS you can put the store Faherty. We park directly in front of Faherty on the left hand curb. The address is 0 Candle Street. Candle Street ends at Main St and Easy St begins at Main St
Ends at
Look for Barrett's Tours at the corner of Easy St & Main St. The tour may be done in a van or a bus depending on availability. Van & Bus Tours will meet at the corner of Easy St & Main St. You may be notified of change the day of the tour prior to tour based on Nantucket parking availability.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Barrett's Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We can accommodate wheel chair if foldable.
- No restrictions, recommended for all travelers.
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 233 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
233 verified traveler reviews for Historical Tour of Nantucket. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very interesting and fun...
Very interesting and fun tour! Saw so many things and they were explained well Fun facts and a little trivia too
via Viator
Awesome tour
The tour was perfect. Our guide Jason was very informative and funny! Since we were just there for the day we really got a good feel for the island.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful trip!
We had a fabulous trip, our man Jason was just brilliant, he was extremely knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic, a really lovely guy, total asset to your company, he really made our trip!
via Tripadvisor
Great Look at the Island
It takes you around the island. We liked it because we didn’t have a car and we saw so much more than we would have. Patricia gives an excellent informational tour, including things only a local would know. She also entertained us with song, which was a real treat. If you take the tour, ask for Patricia. She is a delight.
via Viator
Get the history of Nantucket.
A great way to see Nantucket beyond the downtown area. Our guide was very good at telling the history of the island.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 83
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Historical Tour of Nantucket: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nantucket.
How much does Historical Tour of Nantucket cost?
+
Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Nantucket usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Historical Tour of Nantucket take?
+
Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Nantucket is not rushed.
Is Historical Tour of Nantucket worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 236 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Nantucket, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Historical Tour of Nantucket?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Historical Tour of Nantucket suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Historical Tour of Nantucket?
+
Around 83 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Nantucket can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Nantucket and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Historical Tour of Nantucket start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Nantucket within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Nantucket?
+
On Outty we rank every Nantucket experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Nantucket Beach Fishing Activity with a Guide, Nantucket Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: Beyond the Cobblestones, Nantucket Coast-to-Coast Self-Guided Audio Driving or Biking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Nantucket?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Nantucket?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Historical Tour of Nantucket?
+
Included: Private transportation; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tour Guide. Not included: Tea and coffee; Snacks; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Historical Tour of Nantucket include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Nantucket. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Historical Tour of Nantucket offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Historical Tour of Nantucket?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Historical Tour of Nantucket wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Historical Tour of Nantucket if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Historical Tour of Nantucket?
+
Across 236 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Historical Tour of Nantucket.
Pick your date




