Home » Harbor
Business Directory
Bravo Marine Associates
Select your harbor
Barrington & Warren [view »]

Bristol

Bristol Harbor is a delight for boaters of all strips, whether you’re paddling a kayak or a steering a cruising yacht. Lots of boating history was made here, most notably by the Herreshoff family of yacht designers, and as a result, the place retains a dignity and grace that you’ll immediately sense and appreciate. That, along with the calm water, as it’s well protected from swells, and its adjacency to several islands that are wildlife sanctuaries.

Click on any of the section below to expand and view more information.
Marine Services
Select the map tab to view these locations.

Marinas & Boatyards

Emergency Services

  • Sea Tow RI
    (401) 294-2360
    7.35 mi from harbor center
  • Safe/Sea
    (401) 295-8711
    10.99 mi from harbor center
Shoreside Services
Select the map tab to view these locations.

Eat & Drink

Shop

Explore

Local Knowledge

“Those fortunate to sail in Bristol Harbor are always rewarded by special pleasure here and the adjacent Narragansett Bay,” says Halsey C. Herreshoff, naval architect and a sailor who has served as navigator during several defenses of the America's Cup.

“About every summer day, the morning calm suitable for boat work is replaced by an afternoon "sea breeze" of about 15 knots. This is perfect for sailing especially in our protected water with sufficient wind, without serious waves and with only enough current for racing interest. Racecourses are varied and interesting out to Hog Island, Prudence Island etc. So, together with its most attractive surroundings, Bristol is a sailor's paradise!”

Anchorages & Dockage

Bristol Harbor, between Bristol Neck on the east end and Popasquash Neck on the west, is in a cove about 2 miles long and 1.3 miles wide at its southern end, narrowing to 0.4 mile wide at its northern end. The harbor proper, the northern part of the cove, has depths of 15 to 17 feet.

Bristol is a town on the eastern side of the harbor. In approaching the harbor the most prominent mark is Mount Hope Bridge. Also prominent are the navigation lights, a stone tower, a stack, and an elevated tank on high ground back of the town. The town has bus service. A ferry operates daily from Bristol to Prudence Island.

Hog Island is in the middle of the entrance to Bristol Harbor. A natural channel with depths of 19 to 25 feet extends on each side of the island. Excellent anchorage may be found in the harbor abreast the town in depths of 15 to 17 feet, soft bottom. A general anchorage is in Bristol Harbor.

Usher Rocks, about 0.7 mile northeastward of Popasquash Point, are bare at low water. A buoy is eastward of the rocks and a lighted bell buoy is on the western side of the western passage to the harbor.

Tides
The mean range of tide at Bristol is 4.1 feet. Depths alongside the piers and wharves range from 9 to 13 feet.

Marine Services
Bristol Marina and the Bristol Yacht Club are on the west side of the harbor. Guest moorings, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are available. A mobile hoist at the marina can handle craft to 42 feet long. Launching ramps are available on the east side of the harbor. Water depth to the marina is 8 ft.

A Coast Guard station is operated at Bristol Harbor. The Coast Guard pier is marked by a light.

0.83 mi from harbor
The Lobster Pot
The Lobster Pot is an iconic Bristol restaurant. It has a great atmosphere and gorgeous views of Hog Island and Narragansett Bay. The Lobster Pot has the best baked stuffed lobster on the east bay and their steamed mussels are a must try.

Bristol Summary Forecast

Click the weather icon above for a detailed forecast
Bristol Harbor. Image by Onne van der Wal - vanderwal.com
The Herreshoff Museum
The Herreshoff Museum docks
Thames Waterside Bar & Grill on Bristol Harbor
Click to expand a section. Hover over an item to view it on the map. Click the link to view the item's page.
Marine Services

Marinas & Boatyards

Shoreside Services

Eat & Drink

Shop

Explore

Harbor's Best
Javascript is required to view this map.
Developed by Whitelancer Web Development