Block Island Activities

Block Island Activities

Transportation on the island makes it easy to find all the different recreational activities that you can enjoy visiting this special spot on the Atlantic. Reachable by air and ferry service and having local transportation service consisting of car, taxis and limousines, there are also bike, moped, boat and sporting rentals.

Horseback Riding is also a popular activity by itself and not just for transportations purposes. The Rustic Rides Farm (tel (401) 466-5060) is the local provider of horse adventures different from any other because of the peculiar natural environment of Block Island.

As obvious as the surroundings, a large number of activities on the island are closely related to both ocean and seashore. There are several marinas serving Block Island, as well as fishing, sailing, parasailing, canoeing and kayaking activities, including also charter boats and other marine services.

Annual Block Island Race week attracts many visitors every June, including a colorful parade of spinnakers, endorsed by the Block Island Maritime Institute. Further information about the race can be found at this address www.blockislandraceweek.com.

If you need handy information of most of the maritime activities available at Block Island, check this resource list:

- Block Island Boat Basin, PO Box 369, (401) 466-2631, Race Week: (401) 466-2982

- Block Island Club, PO Box 147, (401) 466-5939

- Block Island Harbor Cruises, Payne's Dock, (cell) 742-1935

- Block Island Marine, PO Box G, (401) 466-2028

- Block Island Maritime Institute, (401) 466-2133

- Block Island Parasail, PO Box 216, (401) 466-2474

- Block Island Sails & Canvas, PO Box 268, (401) 466-8981

- Champlins Marina, Kayak and Paddle Boat Rentals, PO Box J, (401) 466-7777, 800-762-4541

- Fishing Charter G. Willie Makit, Old Harbor, (401) 466-5151

- Island Tours, PO Box 216, (401) 466-2474

- Payne's New Harbor Dock and Kayak Rentals, PO Box 112, (401) 466-5572

- Pond and Beyond Canoes, PO Box 224, 742-5460, (401) 466-5467

In addition, from Rhode Island, you can access several sport water facilities serving Block Island:

- Persuader Sport fishing Charters, Narragansett, Rhode Island, (401) 783-5644

- Sport Fishing on the "Sakarak", Block Island, Point Judith, Rhode Island, (401) 789-8801

- White Rose Sail Charters, Naragansett, Rhode Island, (401) 466-SAIL, (401) 789-0181

In fact, Block Island Tours Operators can help you out to get the most out of your visit with a range of services including sightseeing, day trips and outdoor adventures. Some activities are exclusive of local hotels, however, through a tour operator you can access them, included in hotel packages.

For further information, you may contact Block Island Holidays, PO Box 803, (401) 466-3137, Fax (401) 466-3115 or Block Island Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-383-BIRI

Jim Kaczynski, an area expert stated, "Fluke anglers from four surrounding states run their boats from the mainland just to fish Block Island". Therefore, if you are seeking astounding fishing adventures, this island is the right place. Because all the shoreline is flooded with doormat fluke, the catch of this species is a popular and challenging activity, avoiding the spiny dogfish in water depths greater than 40 feet.

Of remarkable interest is the Block Island Maritime Funding, a non-profit organization, whose purpose is the financial support of marine science programs, as well as the creation and development of new ones for New England children in grades K through 12.

In addition, this organization supports the American Sail Training Association, Rhode Island Red Cross, Atlantic Challenge, Maine Island Trail Association, The Community School, The Norman Bird Sanctuary, Piers Park Sailing Center, The Paul Cuffee School, The Fulton Project, Sail Block Island, Schooner Sound Learning, and the Carpenter's Boat Shop.

During your visit, do not forget to pay a break to the Block Island Maritime Funding to learn more about the island’s facts and programs supported by the organization, an interesting and different traveling experience.

Block Island is also known as the "Nature's Treasure on the Sea" so one of the most popular activities not water related is biking and discovering why this island is the pride of residents. Visitors looking to escape the city will also find the many hiking trails enjoyable.

Payne's Dock is open from May to November offering maritime activities, but visitors may stop by to enjoy the Snack Bar. This dock offers breakfast and lunch with home made donuts, clam cakes, chowder and soft ice cream. The Mahogany Shoals Bar at this location offers dockside cocktails and refreshments.

This Island is also one of the premier yachting destinations in New England, with 2 fine harbors enclosing salt pond with 3 large marinas, anchorage for 1000 yachts, and 100 town moorings. The New Harbor is located on the West Side of the Island, in a beautiful Great Salt Pond, while the Old Harbor is close to the ocean front hotels.