Nantucket has some of the most beautiful and pristine shorelines in the world. For gentle surf, head to north shore beaches like Jetties, Steps Beach, Dionis, and Brant Point. If your family includes a senior member, Sconset Beach is among the easiest to access, though parking is limited. If you prefer surf and colder water, go south to Madequecham, Surfside Beach, Nobadeer, and Cisco are some south shore favorites. And if it’s adventure you seek, take your 4WD (with proper permits) and drive to Great Point and Coatue.
Please respect the Nantucket’s fragile environment and the beauty of our island. Clean up your litter, respect private property, and use only designated entry points. In areas where dune reclamation is taking place, please do not cross the rope or fence barriers protecting the dunes.
The beaches on the north shore of the island tend to have a gentler surf suitable for children, with the notable exception of Brant Point which has a strong current. Many of these are easily accessible from town and all have great views of either Nantucket Sound or the harbor. Great Point is also visible from some of these locations.
On the Atlantic side of the island; water temps tend to be cooler than on the North Shore Beaches. Most South Shore beaches on Nantucket can have heavy surf, strong currents, and shifting sands. Swimmers should be aware of rip tides and know how to handle themselves if caught in one.
Included here are inner harbor beaches and beaches for the more adventurous. Siasconset is accessible by bike path or shuttle bus. There is limited parking. The outer beaches require beach permits to drive to them and 4-wheel drive. Some car rental companies can provide you with a permitted vehicle.
Beach Conditions are made available during the summer season, they are indicated by a flag icon on each beach that has available conditions. Absence of flags does not assure safe waters.
For your information we are providing general safety guidelines for enjoying our beaches.
Rip Currents are the major cause of surf accidents. They are characterized by a strong flow of water rushing back out to sea. Rip currents occur when large amounts of water accumulate near shore due to natural wave action. Since water seeks its own level, the broken waves take the path of least resistance. This powerful flow of water can pull even strong swimmers into deep water. Generally, the size and strength of the rip currents are in proportion to the size and frequency of the wave action – the larger the waves, the stronger the rip currents. Depending on lateral currents, rip currents can be fixed at one location or can occur at more than one point along the beach. Large rip currents can be recognized by the sandy discoloration of the water.
Flow parallel to the beach. They range in speed from fast-flowing to subtle movement. These currents pose little threat to the average swimmer, but weaker swimmers can be pulled into rip currents and heavy surf simply by the force of lateral currents
Undertow usually occurs with high tides on beaches that rise sharply away from the water’s edge. Backwash occurs when the water remaining on the beach returns forcefully to the surf beneath later incoming waves. It is particularly dangerous for small children playing near the water’s edge. Even in the short distance between breaking waves and deep water, backwash is powerful enough to knock people off their feet.
Shore Break can occur at high tide when heavy surf conditions cause large waves to break on the beach with little or no water under them. Shore break can be particularly dangerous to a swimmer who is caught in such a wave because the wave can slam the swimmer on the beach, causing injury. Shore break is the most frequent cause of serious back, neck and shoulder injuries at the beach. Avoid body surfing during shore break conditions.
When you arrive at the beach – note your Beach Access Location Number which will be posted at the beach entrance. In case of emergency, when calling for assistance, give the operator this Beach Access Location Number so emergency vehicles can find you quickly.
Can cause serous injuries or drowning
Bottom drops off abruptly, You Could drown.
Waves break in shallow water, serious injuries could occur, even in small surf
You could be swept away from shore and could drown
Stings are painful, stay out of the water
Nantucket’s beaches are a treasure for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Beach vehicle drivers must help ensure that Nantucket’s fragile ecosystem remains healthy and strong by following the Town’s beach access and driving rules and regulations. All beach vehicles must have an annual sticker issued by the Town of Nantucket. For more information on how to obtain a beach sticker and on the rules and regulations of beach vehicle driving, please click here.
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