Tarpaulin Cove (Gosnold, MA)

Location: Tarpaulin Cove – N41°28.504′ W70°45.621′

Duration: Monday, 6/22/26

Reason:  Impromptu Few Hours Anchorage Stop by Naushon Island

Pros: Anchor Hold, Calm Waters, Location, Mud & Sand Bottom, Near Channel, Peaceful, Secluded, Scenic View, Scotch Highland Cattle Sightings, Quiet, Spacious, Swing Room, Trees, Water Depth (10′ – 12′), & Wildlife

Cons: None

Comments: Drop your tender for a walk and photo opportunity at Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse (Gosnold, MA). 

• Apart of Dukes County, which also includes Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
• Boaters are welcome to anchor in the cove and use Tarpaulin Cove Beach, but walking inland past the beach property line is restricted.
• Entirely exposed and dangerous during strong storms coming from the southeast through the northeast.
• Fires and overnight camping on the beach are illegal.
• Gosnold is a unique town comprised entirely of the Elizabeth Islands chain: Cuttyhunk, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, and several smaller islands.
• Historically, one of the busiest maritime rest stops in the world.
• Known to easily accommodate 75+ vessels at a time.
• Located on the Vineyard Sound side of Naushon Island.
• Predatory coyotes are said to have swam over from Cape Cod, MA. Killing the islands sheep.
• Provides a great lee and protection from typical New England southwesterly breezes.
• South side of Naushon Island, faces Vineyard Sound.
• Water depth inside the cove is perfect for anchoring, but drops dramatically to 80′ feet’ just outside.

Stay Again: Yes

About Naushon Island:

• Coastal beaches: Kettle Cove, West Beach, and Tarpaulin Cove. Open for public use.
• Home to the Tarpaulin Cove Lighthouse.
• Interior of the island is closed to the public.
• Largest of the Elizabeth Islands.
• Late John Murray Forbes (1813 – 1898), American Merchant & Railroad Magnate purchased the island (1842).
• Privately owned by the Forbes family (1842).
• Property is managed and preserved through a private entity known, Naushon Island Trust, Inc.
• Roughly 7 miles long.
• Serves strictly as a private summer retreat for family members, featuring around 35 homes, with no commercial development permitted.
• Trust enforces unique rules to keep the island in its natural state, by prohibiting motorized vehicles; guests and residents get around by bicycle, foot, or horseback.
• Visitors are to follow the strict leave-no-trace rules.