Almost half of Nantucket is protected from development. I was most interested to explore the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, which occupies much of the island’s far northeast. The best way to do this is on one of the tours run by The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit organization.

Led by a naturalist with an evident love of the island, we skirted beaches where seals frolicked in the waves, learned about the ever-changing pattern of the dunes in their intricate pas de deux with the sea and visited the Great Point Light. Climbing to the top of the 70-foot tower, we were confronted by a sweeping ocean panorama that encompassed Martha’s Vineyard, an off-limits seal colony and a vast stretch of unspoiled beach alive with terns, oystercatchers and harriers. I’ve always had a fondness for wild and isolated places at land’s end; this one is now a firm favorite.

To book one of the three-hour tours, call (508) 228-0006.