The Menemsha bike ferry surpasses the Chappaquiddick Ferry in Edgartown for the shortest ferry trip on-Island. Depending on weather, the ride can finish in under a minute.

On the Menemsha side, the ferry docks on a strip of land near the Menemsha Galley that is actually owned by the town of Aquinnah. On the other side it docks at the tip of West Basin, where lobster pots usually outnumber people. 

The ferry is owned and run by the Taylor family, started in 1990 by Hugh Taylor. His son Isaac has been helping out since it’s inception. Isaac said it’s not only a means of alternative transportation, but provides the community with a peaceful moment. 

The ride is brief, but sweet.

Ray Ewing

The ride is brief, but sweet.

Ray Ewing

“It’s a strange part of everyone’s day...they are spending a moment in time when they’re just in this limbo space on the water. And it’s a lovely little space where people are completely immersed in this little channel environment,” he said

“It’s almost a kiddie ride at the fair,” his father added.  

On a recent afternoon, Hudson Hart, 8, and his sister Maddy Hart, 6, were taking the ferry with their grandma, Kathy Hart, and their au pair from Munich, Laura Huebner. The kids each held black-and-white frappes purchased from the Galley a few minutes prior. They were heading back to their summer home in Aquinnah.

Ms. Hart estimated that they take the ferry roughly 15 times per year.

Maddy said she likes the water and spotting fish from the boat. Hudson agreed that the ferry is fun and also convenient, especially after a day at the beach when they are tired and sweaty.

Hugh Taylor said he first came up with the idea of creating the ferry back in the early 1960s, when he was just 10 years old. Back then, spending summers on the Island (the Taylors lived in North Carolina in the off-season) he would take his family’s 13-foot Boston Whaler out for a ride and often find people stranded at West Basin in Aquinnah. Many were straddling their bicycles wondering how to get across the harbor to the fish markets.

Passage is $1 for Aquinnah residents.

Ray Ewing

Passage is $1 for Aquinnah residents.

Ray Ewing

“I’d just throw the bikes on the front of the Boston Whaler, take them over, and, if I was lucky, they’d give me a buck or two,” he said. 

Nearly 30 years later in 1990, Hugh, who also owns the Outermost Inn, turned his childhood side hustle into an official operation. It’s become a lifeline for many a biker who otherwise would have to cycle an extra seven miles or so around Menemsha Pond, navigating narrow, hilly and winding roads often shared with fast-moving cars. 

“We all are acutely aware of the dangers of the road from Beetlebung corner to the Aquinnah town line,” Hugh said. “Why go all the way around when you can just take that little jump across?”

The ferry operates all summer long, now mostly captained by Sean McGowan, who travels up-Island from Oak Bluffs each morning, to take the helm six days a week. Isaac and Hugh work the seventh-day shift.

Mr. McGowan said that although the ride can be under a minute long, there are a lot of logistics. Beneath the water is a sand bar and a rocky area.

“You gotta judge the tides and the current, because it whips about four or five knots in here,” Mr. McGowan said. 

A single ride costs $5 cash, but Aquinnah residents pay a discounted rate of $1. Hugh said the ferry only makes enough to support itself. He said that he tried to give the operation over to the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority, free of charge, a couple years back, but the VTA declined the offer.

Sean McGowan mans the boat most days.

Ray Ewing

Sean McGowan mans the boat most days.

Ray Ewing

Still, the Taylors remain dedicated to the ferry, not for profit, but for the purpose of helping their neighbors. 

“It’s a service,” Isaac said. “We’re so happy to do it because it’s so convenient and fun.”

Just then Luca Rotond and Leo Russell were welcomed onboard. They were headed to Menemsha to purchase fishing rods. 

“We’re hoping to catch some sea bass,” Luca said. 

“It’s a pretty good view,” Leo added, looking out on the channel. 

More Pictures.