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Block Island

Jewel of an Island
Block Island can be the perfect getaway. It has great beaches, bars, restaurants, biking, hiking, diving, swimming, surfing, and some of the best fishing in the Northeast. And it’s easily accessible from Long Island, Connecticut, Pt. Judith, and Newport.

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Marine Services
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Local Knowledge

Block Island has so much to offer, and New Harbor provides a perfect refuge for any boater. There is a large anchorage, as well as a number of mooring fields and three full-service marinas.

New Harbor Marinas
Champlin’s, the largest of the three, offers everything from a swimming pool to shopping and tennis courts, and is usually the busiest. Block Island Boat Basin offers all the basic services you’d expect and a terrific bar/restaurant, The Orr. Also, check out Payne’s Dock. Cliff Payne and his son, Sands, run this rustic full-service marina that is nestled in the northeast corner of New Harbor. All marine services listed on this page can be viewed on the map above.

While it has become somewhat commercialized over the years, Block Island remains a relatively unspoiled getaway, with pristine beaches, breathtaking cliff top views (On a clear day, you can see three states from the bluff at Dorry’s Cove), and unique collection of shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Block Island also offers some of the best fishing in Northeast, the waters around Block Island are ripe with Blue Fish, Striped Bass, Blue Fin Tuna and more.

When to Go
The best time to cruise to Block Island is in late May, June, or September. From July 4th to Labor Day, especially on weekends, Block Island is extremely crowded.  If you plan to visit in the height of summer, do so during the week in order to enjoy all the island has to offer without fighting the crowds that daytrip by ferry on weekends.

Anchorages & Dockage

Prominent Features
Block Island North Light (41°13'39"N., 71°34'33"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a brown tower on a gray granite dwelling on Sandy Point at the north end of the island.

Anchorages
Old Harbor, frequently used as a harbor of refuge, is an artificial harbor formed by two breakwaters on the east side of Block Island, 1.4 miles northward of Block Island Southeast Light. The controlling depths are 7.2 feet (13.2 feet at mid-channel) in the entrance channel, and 12 to 15 feet in the anchorage basin. Depths of 11.3 to 15 feet were available in the inner harbor.

The harbor is occupied by pleasure craft during the summer. The eastern part of the inner harbor is left clear for the passage of the ferry to the wharf. The basin in the southeast corner of the inner harbor is usually occupied by fishing boats and local craft that tie up along the sides. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and berths are available. The harbormaster has an office at the Old Harbor town dock.

The east breakwater extends about 300 yards northward of the entrance of the inner harbor, and is marked at its end by a light and fog signal. A bell buoy is 0.55 mile northward of the breakwater. A light marks the end of the breakwater on the west side at the entrance to the inner harbor.

Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), on the west side of Block Island, is the best harbor in Block Island Sound for vessels of 15-foot draft or less. In easterly gales when the sea is too heavy to enter Old Harbor, a landing can be made at Great Salt Pond. The entrance, about 2 miles south-southwestward of Block Island North Light, is a dredged cut through the narrow beach. The southwestern side of the entrance is protected by a jetty, which is marked by a light and a fog signal at its outer end. The controlling depth is about 5.4 feet in the left half of the channel and 1.3 feet in the right half, with shoaling in the right outside quarter just shoreward of the inner end of the breakwater. Local knowledge is advised before entering.

The best anchorage in Great Salt Pond is near the southeast end, off the ferry landing, in 15 to 48 feet, taking care to leave a fairway to the landing. A channel with an 8-foot depth leads to Trim Pond, where local fishing craft are moored.

Small-craft Facilities
Several companies in Great Salt Pond provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine supplies. The marina about 0.3 mile westward of the ferry landing has a depth of 16 feet at the face of the dock. Sail and engine repairs are available nearby.

Excursions

Bevy of Beautiful Beaches
While there is much to see and do around Block Island (see Harbor Best for our faves), the island’s beaches are extraordinary.

Scotch Beach
This pristine, white sand beach is just north of Block Island Town Beach on Corn Neck Road. There are few rocks and great body surfing. Access the beach via a small parking lot adjacent the road or park at the state beach and walk down the road or the beach for access.

If you are anchored in New Harbor, you can take a small boat to the dinghy beach (or swim) to the eastern most point of New Harbor. From there it’s short walk across Corn Neck Road to Scotch Beach.

Mansion Beach
As you continue north or Corn Neck Road, next stop is Mansion Beach. A dirt road leads to a decent size parking lot at next to the beach. From there is a short hike to this spectacular spot. On weekends in the summer this beach can become crowded, but it boasts beautiful sand, crystal clear water, and great surf. Jerry’s Point, which is at the north end of the beach is a great spot for surf casting, snorkeling and spear fishing.

Clay Head
The last stop on Corn Neck Road before you begin path to North Light is Clay Head. Clay Head Park has a marvelous nature trail that leads out to a beautiful and secluded beach. Situated in the shadow of Clay Head, a sheer clay cliff face that’s one of Block Island’s most prominent features, this beach is often empty. Take note: Swimming here can be risky as the surf and current in this area are usually fairly severe due to the deep drop off. But if you are looking for a spot to with a spectacular view and real privacy, the short hike out to Clay Head Beach is more than worth it.

Payne’s Overlook
Just north of the Southeast Lighthouse and named for one of the more famous families on Block Island, Payne’s Overlook offers a breathtaking 180-degree view of Block Island Sound. From the observation deck, you descend a 100-step staircase to a wonderful little beach that has great swimming and is usually not crowded due to the climb required to access it.

Charlestown Beach
As you enter the man-made cut into New Harbor, on your right you’ll see Charlestown Beach, a sandy, peaceful beach that is popular with fishermen. The beach is expansive and the waters tranquil. Beachgoers will find plenty of solitude. The jetty is an interesting walk. From here, you can watch boats entering New Harbor and get a close-up look at the Coast Guard Station (where you'll find parking).

Black Rock Beach
This great beach is at the southeast corner of the island, and only accessible by walking or bike. The best approach is from the Rodman’s Hollow nature trail, which begins at southwest corner of the island. When you reach the parking lot that overlooks Black Rock you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous view of Block Island Sound. The beach is rocky and has only a few sandy patches. Swimming here can be challenging when the surf is up. This area is popular among surfers on rough days and spear fishermen and surf casters on calm days.

Block Island Summary Forecast

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Block Island, photo by Onne van der Wal www.vanderwal.com
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