offer. Private boats are welcome in either of
the Island's harbors, both of which provide
public moorings as well as private marinas.
Launch service is available during the sum-
mer months, and there are bathroom facili-
ties and restaurants at all marinas.
whether you are looking to depart on a
private fishing charter or a sunset cruise.
Charter captains are happy to teach the
beginner angler the finer points of fishing or
to point out sights on a romantic trip around
the Block.
Club offer sailing lessons and rentals, and
there are a couple of kayak rental business-
es. Explore the Island's inner ponds at your
leisure or take a guided tour and see the
Island from a whole new perspective.
and accommodates seasonal Newport and
New London ferries as well. Nestled within
the bustling downtown, the harbor provides
easy access to the Island's hotels, restau-
rants and retail shops. The town provides
free pumpout service as well.
from the federal government, Old Harbor
was completed in 1872. In addition to public
anchorage and the town dock, private marina
services are also offered by Ballard's Marina.
Many private charter boats leave from here
as well.
Public Anchorage and Town Dock
VHF Channel 12 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
(401) 334-1997 (winter)
VHF Channel 13
docking and anchoring spot for most private
boaters. Docks, marinas and anchoring
services await boats in the southwest corner
of New Harbor, as well as shops, restaurants
and hotel accommodations. Free pumpout
service is provided by the town.
expense of keeping a breachway open be-
tween the Great Salt Pond and Block Island
Sound caused it to be abandoned in 1705. A
new breach was cut and a breakwater was
constructed to establish a permanent access
point in 1896. More than 100 years later,
boaters can pull into full-service marinas or
sit on the dock sipping their favorite cocktails
as the sun sets over the Great Salt Pond.
Pond.
(401) 466-3204
VHF Channel 12 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Boat Basin
(401) 466-2631
VHF Channel 9
Champlin's Marina
(401) 466-7777 or (800) 762-4541
VHF Channel 68
Payne's Dock
Block Island Maritime Institute
(401) 466-7938
(sailboat rentals and lessons)