The crowds are gone. The weather is perfect. The courts are waiting.
September on Nantucket is the island's best-kept secret. The summer crowds have left, the beaches are empty, and the restaurants don't have a wait. The air is warm, the light is golden, and the pace slows down to something you forgot existed.
For 28 years, this is where Performance Paddle Camp has called home. The Nantucket Resort & Spa Association courts provide the setting. The island provides everything else — a place where you can sharpen your game in the morning and decompress on the beach in the afternoon.
Many campers bring their spouse or partner. Many come back every year. Some book consecutive sessions. It's a paddle camp and a September getaway in one trip.
Nantucket is accessible by ferry from Hyannis, MA (about 75 minutes from Boston) or by small aircraft from several regional airports. Most campers drive to Hyannis and take the Steamship Authority or Hy-Line ferry.
Steamship Authority — The traditional ferry. About 2 hours and 15 minutes. Lower cost. Book early as September still runs popular schedules. You can bring your car but most campers don't need one. steamshipauthority.com
Hy-Line Cruises — High-speed option. About 1 hour. Slightly higher cost but saves time. No cars on the fast ferry. hylinecruises.com
By Air — Cape Air, JetBlue (seasonal), and Nantucket Airlines offer flights from Boston, Hyannis, and select cities. Flight time from Boston is about 30 minutes.
Nantucket town is compact and walkable. Most lodging, restaurants, and shops are within a 10-minute walk of the ferry terminal. The NRSA courts are a short drive or bike ride from town.
Many campers rent bikes, use the NRTA shuttle bus, or arrange rides with fellow campers. A rental car is convenient but not essential.
If you're staying at or near the Nantucket Hotel or White Elephant, you're well-positioned for both the courts and downtown dining.
September rates are lower than peak summer. Book early for the best selection.
Full-service hotel in the heart of town. Pool, restaurant, and easy access to everything. Popular with campers and has hosted camp social events in past years.
Harborfront property with waterfront dining. Upscale option for those who want a premium Nantucket experience alongside the camp.
VRBO and Airbnb have strong inventory in September. Great for groups who want to share a house. Look for properties in town or near Surfside for convenience.
September means uncrowded beaches, great weather for biking the island's trails, and reservations at restaurants that were fully booked all summer. The island's museums, lighthouses, and historic downtown are all within reach.
Many campers bring their spouse or partner. While one person is on the courts, the other is on the beach, shopping on Main Street, or exploring the island. Evening social events — including a pro exhibition match — bring everyone together.
🏖️ Beaches — Surfside, Cisco, and Madaket are all accessible and uncrowded in September.
🚲 Biking — Miles of paved bike paths connect town to beaches. Bike rentals available everywhere.
🍽️ Dining — Some of New England's best restaurants. September means available tables.
🏛️ History — Whaling Museum, historic lighthouses, cobblestone Main Street.
⛵ Water — Sailing, kayaking, fishing charters available through early fall.
Four sessions in September. Limited courts available.
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