Anchorage

Block Island Hotel

Shelter: NW, N, NE, W, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: rock, mud
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage off Old Harbor on the east side of Block Island, Rhode Island, an artificial harbour formed by two breakwaters.

Mooring buoys
Pontoon

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Old Harbor is reached through a marked entrance channel between the breakwaters, with about 7 feet in the channel and 12 to 15 feet inside. Keep the eastern part of the inner harbour clear for the ferry. The harbourmaster works VHF channel 12. The basin gives all-round shelter; the bottom is rock and mud.

Practical

The town maintains dock space in Old Harbor and boats may anchor in the western corner of the basin. Champlin's Marina lies 1.3 nautical miles to the north-west with fuel, a launch service and berths.

Ashore

The shops, ferry landing and restaurants of Old Harbor village are by the town dock. Block Island's beaches and the Mohegan Bluffs sea cliffs on the south shore are within reach by bicycle, with rental available in the village.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 41.17444, -71.55681 (41°10.47'N 71°33.41'W)
Country: United States
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: rock, mud
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Mooring buoys, Pontoon
Boaters' rating: 5.0/5
Updated: July 7, 2026