block island catamaran

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Ferry Transportation

Block Island Ferry : provides year-round service from Point Judith, RI.  This is the only Ferry that can take vehicles to the island and reservations for vehicles are required.  Passenger reservations are recommended.  For information please visit  www.blockislandferry.com  or call (401) 783-4613.

Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry : A state-of-the-art High Speed Catamaran, the high-speed ferry sails mid-May through mid-Oct.   The ferry departs from the State Pier in Point Judith, R.I.  and docks in Old Harbor in under 30 minutes.  Please visit  www.blockislandferry.com  for schedules and more information or call (401) 783-4613

Newport to Block Island Ferry:  The high speed "Islander" ferry is currently running through August.  The ferry runs from Downtown Newport (Perrotti Park) and Old Harbor, Block Island, taking one hour.  For schedule and fare information visit  www.blockislandferry.com .   Block Island Express:  Connects New London, CT and Old Harbor, Block Island in just over one hour on a high-speed catamaran.  The terminal in New London is located next to the train station and limited parking is available with a municipal garage across the street.  This ferry runs May through September only.  Visit   www.goblockisland.com  for schedules and more information.

Block Island Express - Orient Point : Connecting Orient Point, NY and Block Island.  To travel between Long Island and Block Island there are two options. You can connect via Cross Sound Ferry from Orient Point and transfer to the Block Island Express in New London and starting June 23, 2023, improved direct service between Orient Point and Block Island! Schedule at www.goblockisland.com

Viking Fast Ferry:  Connects Montauk, NY to New Harbor, Block Island in about one hour via high speed ferry.  Ferry runs Memorial Day through Labor Day only.  For schedule information and directions visit  www.vikingfleet.com .

Airport and Airline Information

Taxi transportation.

News: BlockIslandTimes.com

• Getting Here

Getting to Block Island

More than 20 million people are within a four-hour drive of the ferries and airlines that bring visitors to Block Island, and 10 million can reach a ferry or airplane in under two hours.

COMING AND GOING

By Ferry Block Island Ferry/Interstate Navigation provides year-round service from Point Judith, Rhode Island (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, R.I.) to Old Harbor, Block Island. This is the only ferry that can take vehicles to the island, and reservations for them are required (the sooner you can do this the better). Passengers do not need reservations for the roughly one-hour trip. You can find schedules and travel and reservation information for Interstate Navigation at (866) 783-7996 or blockislandferry.com .

Block Island High-Speed Ferry/ Interstate Navigation runs a high-speed catamaran from mid-May through mid-October that gets you from Point Judith (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, R.I.) to Old Harbor, Block Island, in 30 minutes. A second high-speed catamaran offers daily service from Fall River, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island to Block Island during the summer. For schedules and more information call (866) 783-7996 or visit blockislandferry.com .

Block Island Express gets you to Old Harbor in just over one hour on a high-speed catamaran from a terminal in New London (2 Ferry St., New London, Conn.) that’s right next to the Amtrak train station. It runs May through September. Block Island Express also offers connections to Block Island from Orient Point, Long Island, via its Cross Sound Ferry service. The two services have matched-up schedules making it convenient and quick to take the fast ferry from Orient Point to New London and connect to the ferry to B.I., all in 2 hours and 45 minutes,including layover. Schedules and connection information for Block Island Express are at (860) 444-4624 or goblockisland.com .

Montauk Ferry runs between the tip of Long Island, New York  (462 West Lake Drive, Montauk, N.Y. ), and Block Island during the summer. The trip takes just under two hours. Schedules and information at (631) 668-5700 or vikingfleet.com .

By Private Boat Dock your own boat at one of four full-service marinas or anchor in either Old Harbor or New Harbor. For more information on marinas, moorings, and anchorage, please visit blockislandinfo.com .

By Commuter Plane New England Airlines has provided daily scheduled air service to Block Island from Westerly, Rhode Island, since 1970. The airport (56 Airport Road, Westerly, R.I.) is just off Interstate 95 and is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in New England. (Amtrak serves Westerly with daily trains between Washington/New York and Boston.) Flight time is 12 minutes. For schedules and information call (800) 243-2460. www.block-island.com .

By Private Plane Block Island State Airport welcomes private prop planes on its one-lane runway. There is no control tower, but pilots should announce themselves on frequency 123.00. For more information check the Airport Facility Directory for the Northeast or call airport manager Landmark Aviation at (401) 466-5511.

On the Island

Block Island is so manageable, you do not need a car.

On Foot. The sneaker express is an easy way to enjoy the shops, restaurants and hotels in Old Harbor. A 15-minute walk from the ferry will take you to the main beach.

On Bikes. Bicycles are an affordable and enjoyable way to explore the island. Rental stands offer bikes to fit the needs of the entire family or bring your own over on the ferry.

On Mopeds. Mopeds can be rented around the island, and can accommodate one or two passengers. Mopeds may be driven on all paved island roads, but are not allowed on dirt roads. 

By Taxi. Taxi service is available island-wide. A taxi stand is located by the ferry docks in Old Harbor, and taxis regularly wait for customers at New Harbor and the airport. Most offer island tours as well.

By Car (if you really need to). Depending on your itinerary, you may or may not require a vehicle while here. In the busy summer months, keeping the number of cars on-island to a minimum is encouraged. However, the spring and fall provide comparatively empty roads.

© 2023 BlockIslandTImes.com RI Media Group

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Our Pt Judith High-Speed Ferry is running through December 1! Click here for the schedule!

High Speed Ferry

The high-speed ferry ISLANDER was acquired by Interstate Navigation in the spring of 2012.The Company acquired ISLANDER with the intent of establishing a high-speed ferry service from downtown Newport, RI to Old Harbor, Block Island in half the travel time, of the former traditional ferry Nelseco (1 hr. vs. 2 hrs.). The aluminum catamaran was constructed in 2000 by Yank Marine, Inc. of Tuckhoe, NJ, and was designed by Blanke Marine Services, Inc. Interstate Navigation purchased the vessel after she was dry-docked at a shipyard in Savannah, GA. During the winter of 2012/2013, Interstate engaged in a complete refurbishment of the vessel’s hull and superstructure, and a complete rebuild of the propulsion and vital systems. The ISLANDER was delivered to New England in June 2013 and began passenger ferry service to Block Island. Under her former ownership, the vessel operated extensively as a commuter ferry between New Jersey & New York, and then later as a ferry on inter-island routes in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The vessel is powered by (4) Caterpillar 3412E marine diesel engines, coupled to Hamilton Waterjets and delivering a total of 4,400 HP with a service speed of 28 knots. The ISLANDER is USCG Subchapter “K” certified, 90 feet in length, breadth of 32 feet, 96 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 300. The air conditioned/heated passenger cabins on the vessel feature a food and beverage concession, LCD flat screen satellite televisions, comfortable airline style seating as well as limited table and bench seating. The wheelhouse features state of the art navigational equipment as well as full electronic control of the engines and associated systems. The vessel is accessible for passengers with disabilities or requiring assistance. The exterior decks of the vessel feature bench seating on all sides of the cabin, as well as the uppermost deck. The passenger ferry ISLANDER operates a full seasonal schedule with several departures daily from Perrotti Park in Newport and Block Island beginning in June and running through Labor Day weekend.

BLOCK ISLAND TOURISM

40 Center Road, Block Island, RI 02807

www.blockislandinfo.com

401-466-2474

THE BLOCK ISLAND APP

theblockislandapp.com

401-859-1330

BLOCK ISLAND FISHWORKS

40 Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807

www.sandypointco.com

401-466-5392

NORTH LIGHT FIBERS

129 Spring Street New Shoreham, RI 02807

northlightfibers.com

401-466-2050

BLOCK ISLAND MARITIME INSTITUTE

216 Ocean Avenue

www.blockislandmaritime.org

401-500-3501

POOR PEOPLE´S BUB

33 Ocean Ave.

www.pppbi.com

401-466-8533

ALDO'S BAKERY

130 Weldons Way, Block Island, RI 02807

www.aldosbakery.com

401-466-2198

Aldo’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

130 Chapel St, Block Island, RI 02807

aldosrestaurantblockisland.com

401-466-5871

MCALOON’S RESTAURANT

596 Corn Neck Road, New Shoreham, RI 02807

mcaloons.com

401-466-2928

CAPTAIN NICK'S

34 Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807

www.captainnicksbi.com

BLOCK ISLAND OYSTER BAR

79 West Side Road, Block Island, RI 02807

blockislandoysterbarandgrill.com

401-466-2110

238 Ocean Ave, Block Island, RI 02807

www.kimberlysblockisland.com

401-466-8600

ATLANTIC INN

P.O. Box 1788, Block Island, RI 02807

www.atlanticinn.com

401-466-5883

42 Water Street

www.ballardsbi.com

West Side Road, Block Island, RI 02807

champlinsresort.com

401-466-7777

GANSETT WRAPS

70 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882

gansettwraps.com

401-792-9292

BLOCK ISLAND BEACH HOUSE

32 Dodge Street

blockislandbeachhouse.com

Block Island, RI 02807

titosvodka.com

WESTERLY HOSPITAL

25 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891

westerlyhospital.org

401-596-6000

456 Chapel Street, Block Island, Rhode Island

www.elisblockisland.com

401-466-5230

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126 Corn Neck Road Block Island, RI 02807

tigerfishbi.com

401-466-2300

Jerry’s Paint and Hardware

116 Pt. Judith Road Narragansett, RI 02882

jerryspaintandhardware

401-783-4666

Block Island Parasail and Watersports

1 Old Harbor Dock, Block Island 02807

www.BIParasail.com

401-864-2474

Southeast Light Delights

122 Mohegan Trail New Shoreham, RI

blockislandlobsterrolls.com

401-487-0422

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New London to Block Island, RI Ferry New London to Block Island, RI Ferry New London to Block Island, RI Ferry New London to Block Island, RI Ferry

160-foot high-speed catamaran passenger ferry. Air conditioned cabins, outdoor seating, and innovative culinary offerings. Arriving in Old Harbor within walking distance of shops, restaurants, beaches.

Tour time: Just over an hour

Other amenities: Concessions

Dates of Operation

Other amenities.

• ADA Compliant

Departs from 2 Ferry St. New London , CT 06320 United States

Map & Directions

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While You're in the Neighborhood

Travel planning assistance 888-CTvisit (288-4748)

Connecticut Office of Tourism

450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 5 Hartford, CT 06103

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About Jessica W

As the fastest ferry between Block Island and the mainland, the Jessica W has a cruising speed of more than 35 knots (40 mph) and is equipped with comfortable, modern airline-style seating on two enclosed air-conditioned passenger decks. For those who prefer the great outdoors, an outside passenger deck is available for viewing the scenery on the trip between New London and Block Island. Other passenger amenities include a satellite television entertainment system, culinary offerings that include homemade pastries, personal pizzas, hot soft pretzels, other snack options along with and a selection of craft beers, wine, and specialty cocktails including Cross Sound Deli’s famous Bloody Mary.

At approximately 160 feet (49 meters) in length, the Jessica W is a wave-piercing catamaran equipped with a state-of-the-art motion control system that incorporates patented T-Foils and Interceptors from Maritime Dynamics to ensure smooth travel in all sea conditions.

The Jessica W was repowered in 2014 with new Caterpillar high-speed diesel engines that are certified to EPA Tier 3 emissions standards making the vessel more efficient, with lower emissions, fuel savings and lessening the vessel’s overall carbon footprint. With this repowering, the vessel has performed incredibly well with less vibration making for a smoother and quieter ride while improving overall passenger comfort.

Built in 1990 and introduced into service in 1991 on the United Kingdom to Channel Islands service under the name Condor 9, it was renamed when purchased by Block Island Express and honors Jessica Wronowski, who co-owns BIFS with her brother, Adam Wronowski.

About Sea Jet

The first high-speed passenger ferry added to the fleet. Its patented Wave Piercing Catamaran design and upgraded ride control system ensure a high level of passenger comfort in all sea conditions. Built by Nichols Brothers Shipyard in the state of Washington, the Australian designed InCat once served as part of a Hawaiian inter-island commuter service and dinner cruise boat. After service between the California coast and Catalina Island, Cross Sound acquired the vessel in 1995, where it has served reliably ever since between New London and Orient Point as well as seasonal service between New London and Block Island. In 2015, the vessel was put into service as a lighthouse cruise excursion vessel offering two hour sightseeing tours of the region’s lighthouses narrated by local experts as to the history and significance of these iconic structures. A gift shop offering specialty items themed to our lighthouse cruises and the ferry services is available onboard. The Sea Jet is powered with Caterpillar 3512 CHD high-speed diesel engines certified to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 emissions standards and recent cabin refurbishments have improved passenger comfort during the crossing.

About Cecelia Ann

The CECELIA ANN, our newest member of the fleet, is a 43.5-meter (143 feet) Catamaran built by Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama in 2003. The vessel, originally named ZEPHYR, first operated in and around the waters of New York City where it joined the fleet of Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. and transported passengers each day to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The vessel also served as a nighttime entertainment venue cruising around lower Manhattan. Acquired by Cross Sound Ferry in 2017 and renamed the CECELIA ANN for Adam and Jenny Wronowski’s daughter, the vessel has two climate-controlled, comfortably appointed interior passenger cabins in addition to a full outdoor sundeck and other outdoor viewing space. The interior cabins include panoramic windows to enhance your viewing experience. The vessel has a capacity of 600 passengers and cruises at speeds up to 30 knots. The addition of a Naiad Dynamics computer-controlled ride control system enhances passenger comfort. Other passenger amenities include full Cross Sound Deli snack bar with culinary offerings in addition to signature cocktails and craft beers. A gift shop offering specialty items themed to our lighthouse cruises and the ferry services is available onboard. The vessel will primarily perform lighthouse cruises for Cross Sound Cruises in addition to duty on the ferry services’ other routes, which include New London – Orient Point, Long Island and service between New London and Block Island.

Tour Block Island by Bike

There's no better way to take in Block Island's beauty than by bicycle, with one of our two loop tours - and you'll be rewarded with short videos at every stop! Read more >

Make a Thursday Dinner Run

Save big on a deliciously quick vacation. Zip out for a Thursday night dinner, and get two fares for the price of one. Read more >

Do Some Block Scheduling

Trying to pick the perfect time to visit? Get block Island highlights for every week of the summer with free weekly emails. Sign up today >

Been to Dead Eye Dick's?

The food and craft beers alone are worth a trip, but the sunset view from the deck makes this favorite a real must-see Read more >

Have you tried our Deli?

Snacks. craft beers, and cocktails. Our sumptuous selections make Block Island Express even more enjoyable Read more >

Coming by Train?

The Block Island Express Dock is right across from Amtrak's New London station, so it's easy to leave the car at home! And if you do drive, there's convenient parking. Read more >