Block Island Ferry & Island Tour

New Shoreham, Rhode Island · Accessibility score 1.1/5

Address: 40 Center Road, Block Island, RI 02807

Phone: (401) 783-7996

About

Block Island sits about 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, a windswept gem of rolling hills, dramatic bluffs, and quiet beaches that's been drawing visitors for generations. Getting there is half the adventure - the Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith in Narragansett, carrying passengers across Block Island Sound on a scenic crossing that takes about an hour.

Once you arrive, the island reveals itself slowly. Old Harbor greets you with its Victorian charm, a cluster of inns, shops, and restaurants steps from the ferry dock. From there, you can explore at your own pace. The Southeast Lighthouse, perched on the Mohegan Bluffs, offers sweeping ocean views. Crescent Beach stretches along the eastern shore with gentle waves and soft sand. The North Light stands at the island's quieter end, a historic beacon surrounded by wildlife refuge land.

For those who prefer a guided experience, tour operators like Starr Tours offer motorcoach excursions that combine the ferry crossing with a narrated island tour, often paired with stops in Mystic, Connecticut. These packages handle the logistics so you can simply enjoy the ride.

Block Island has a character all its own. There are no chain stores or fast food restaurants. The pace is unhurried. Bicycles outnumber cars on many roads. Local seafood shacks serve the day's catch, and farm stands pop up along dusty lanes in summer.

The island is compact enough that a single day trip gives you a real taste of the place, though overnight stays let you catch the spectacular sunsets from the western shore. Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when ferries run frequently and the island buzzes with energy. Shoulder seasons - late spring and early fall - offer cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and a more contemplative island mood.

Whether you're coming for the beaches, the history, or simply the pleasure of a boat ride on open water, Block Island delivers a genuine coastal New England experience.

Accessibility

The Block Island Ferry offers meaningful accessibility accommodations for the crossing. Passengers who use wheelchairs or have mobility limitations may remain in their vehicles during the voyage, avoiding the need to transfer to passenger decks. For those who prefer to ride above deck, crew members are available to assist with boarding and reaching the upper main passenger decks.

On Block Island itself, Town Beach provides wheelchair access with staff available to help visitors reach the sand. Beach wheelchair rentals are available there along with chair and umbrella rentals. If you're planning an overnight stay, be aware that most island hotels and inns do not have elevators - request a ground floor or garden-level room when booking to avoid stairs.

For guided tour options, Starr Tours maintains a limited number of wheelchair-accessible motorcoaches. They recommend contacting a travel advisor before booking to discuss specific accessibility needs and confirm vehicle availability for your travel dates.

Getting to the ferry terminal in Point Judith is possible via Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses, which feature low-floor kneeling capability and two dedicated wheelchair spaces at the front of each vehicle, equipped with safety belts.

Block Island's roads vary in condition - some are paved and relatively flat near the harbor area, while others are hilly and unpaved. The town center around Old Harbor is the most accessible area for mobility device users. Mohegan Bluffs and the Southeast Lighthouse involve steep terrain and stairs that may present challenges.

Contact the Block Island Ferry directly for current details on accessible boarding procedures, vehicle reservations for accessibility needs, and any seasonal changes to services.

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