Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour

In 1975, director Steven Spielberg came to the sleepy island of Martha’s Vineyard to film JAWS with actors Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and a young Richard Dreyfuss. Little did they know that they were making one of the most iconic movies of our time, giving birth to “Amity Island,” and making Martha’s Vineyard a must experience for Jaws fans. It’s a mandatory addition to our Vineyard Bucket List video series Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour Actors Robert Shaw Roy Scheider Richard Dreyfuss Fight Jaws Aboard The Orca
Quint, Chief Brody and Hooper Aboard The Orca | Universal Pictures

Much of the Island has remained the same over the years, and many of the backdrops for Jaws still exist today. From South Beach to State Beach to Edgartown Village to East Chop to Menemsha, we’re heading out on an all-island Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List Jaws movie location adventure.

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour State Beach Amity Island Martha's Vineyard Museum Photo Archive
State Beach Panic After Jaws Attacks | MV Museum Archives

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour – Chappy And Beyond

When doing this Vineyard Bucket, I learned so many things about Jaws. Did you know that in addition to being featured in the film, the Chappy Ferry was also used as a camera boat for filming? When you are on the ferry, you’re experiencing living movie history.

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour
Chappy Ferry
Martha's Vineyard
Universal Pictures
Vineyard Bucket List 
Amity Island
Confrontation With Mayor Larry Vaughn On Chappy Ferry | Universal Pictures

Of course, we include “Big Bridge” aka “Jaws Bridge” in our video adventure. This is one of the most popular places for not only Jaws fans but Islanders and visitors alike because jumping off the bridge (though not allowed) is a right of passage for many people.

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour – Author Crispin Haskins Joins The Tour

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour Gay Head Lighthouse Author Crispin Haskins
Aquinnah
Martha's Vineyard
Crispin Haskins
Martha's Vineyard Mysteries 
Vineyard Bucket List
Martha’s Vineyard Author And Jaws Expert Crispin Haskins

We were lucky enough to have Jaws expert and Martha’s Vineyard Mystery writer, Crispin Haskins, join us and share some of his wealth of knowledge on all things Jaws. He was on the Island when Jaws was being filmed and has been collecting knowledge ever since. You can also see his love of Jaws in some of the books he’s written. He captures his enthusiasm in his blog My Favourite Things About JAWS.

This was the first time that I was made aware of all the Up-Island and Down-Island locations from the film that are still around and able to be enjoyed today. It was fun to go on-location and think back to the movie and see how it looks the same, and other places how it’s changed. While you can see many of the classic Jaws locations in our newest Vineyard Bucket List video, it’s also good to know that you can actually visit many of these movie locations as well, in person.

Jaws Locations 
Aquinnah Lighthouse 
Martha's Vineyard
Gay Head Lighthouse 
Vineyard Bucket List
The looming decision of having the beaches open on Amity Island

We recommend watching the movie (again) before you head out on your own tour (you can find Jaws on streaming services and often playing on a large screen on the Vineyard in the summer).

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour Aquinnah Menemsha South Beach State Beach Edgartown Village Amity Island
There’s Trouble Ahead On Amity Island | Universal Pictures

Though a memorable movie, there are so many emotions shared by the characters at these locations in the film, and you will feel more connected to the film and the locations if it’s fresh in your mind.

Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour  The Orca
Amity Island
Martha's Vineyard
Universal Pictures
Vineyard Bucket List
Watch your stern | Universal Pictures

We hope you enjoy our Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour. The Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is our ongoing curated collection of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation experiences and first-hand travel adventures. From exploring the island by tall ship, bike or biplane to touring its African American Heritage Trail and historic lighthouses to discovering the best beach walks, sunsets, and farm-to-table adventures, the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is your ultimate insider guideClick here to see the entire library.

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6 thoughts on “Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: Jaws Movie Location Tour”

  1. Hi! My husband and I were interested in visiting “Amity Island” in June 2025 in celebration of the 100th Annual Regatta. Have plans been set in motion yet on the festivities? Any suggestions on where to stay? Are there any package deals?
    Thanks!

    1. Hi there –
      I would reach out to the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce and they may know of plans for 2025 – info@mvy.com
      Also, please reach out to our rental team about potential rentals!

      We look forward to seeing you!

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