Block Island's Marine Activities Site

It is no wonder that Block Island is one of New England's most popular vacation destinations! With its two beautiful harbors, over 300 fresh water ponds, and 20 miles of beautiful beaches, Block Island is a truely a Mariners Paridise. We hope that the information provided below will help you find out more about Block Island's marine activities including fishing, sailing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking or just relaxing on your boat at anchor or in one of the Island's marinas.

Block Island's Marina Facilities

1	Champlin's Marina, 466-2641
2	Block Island Boat Basin, 466-2631
3	Payne's Dock, 466-5572
4	Block Island Maritime Institute
6	Old Harbor Town Dock, 466-3235
A	New Harbor Public Boat Launching Ramp

Block Island Marine Services

A	A. H. Edwards Marine Repair, 466-2655
A	Block Island Marine, (marine repair service) 466-2028
	Block Island Sail and Canvas, 466-8981

Block Island Marine Stores

2	Block Island Boat Basin, (marine store), 466-2631
A	Block Island Marine, (marine store) 466-2028
B	Oceans and Ponds, The Orvis Store, 466-5131, (800) 678-4701
5	Twin Maples, (Bait and Tackle) 466-5547

Block Island Harbors

Block Island is one of the premier yachting destinations in New England. It has two fine harbors:

New Harbor on the West Side of the Island, in the beautiful Great Salt Pond. Advantages: Completely enclosed salt pond has 3 large marinas, 100 town moorings and anchorage for 1000 yachts. Disadvantages: 3 minute taxi ride or 15 minute walk to town or to Crescent Beach.

For a "near live" image of New Harbor check out the New Harbor Web Camera!

Old Harbor on the East Side of the Island is protected by a breakwater and has limited space for dockage at the town dock. Advantages: Actually in the center of town. Disadvantages: Commercial ferry landing, limited dockage, little anchoring space inside the breakwater. See Chart above.

Activities

Fishing

Block Island, which is situated 12 miles south of the Rhode Island coastline, is renouned for its fresh and salt water fishing.

Depending on the time of year and the type of fishing you enjoy, you can always catch something in Block Island's Great Salt Pond, surf-casting off the 20 miles of island beaches, or by taking your friends on a fishing charter trip offshore. Most beaches have public access and skiffs or kayaks are available to rent for the day or the hour.

For more information, you can find a listing of the bait and tackle shops under Sports and Recreation in the Block Island Business Directory.

Reprint of "Block Island: Bermuda of the North" from Salt Water Fly Fishing Magazine Courtesy of Oceans and Ponds, The Orvis Store

Sail Boat Rentals

Block Island is not only a popular destination for sailors, the Great Salt Pond and the Island's local waters are perfect for day sailing activities. For those who wish to rent or charter a sailing vessel, there are a number places where you can find one. The numbers in the table below refer to the locator tags on the chart above.

D	Block Island Club, 466-5939
A	Block Island Maritime Institute, 466-2133
B	Oceans and Ponds, The Orvis Store, 466-5131, (800) 678-4701
6	White Rose Custom Sail Charters, 466-SAIL, 782-1954 (departs Old Harbor)

Kayak Rentals

A kayak offers the perfect means to explore the Great Salt Pond and the beautiful inner ponds which flow into it. Available for rent by the hour or the day from a number of locations, kayaking on Block Island is an activity that the entire family will enjoy.

A	The Barrington Inn, 466-5510
1	Champlin's Kayak and Paddle Boat Rentals, 466-7777
A	Oceans and Ponds, The Orvis Store, 466-5131, (800) 678-4701
A	New Harbor Kayak Rentals, 466-2890

Shell Fishing

Parasailing

(this page under construction (4/4/00) much more to come!

Block Island, RI Harbors and Marine Activities Index