A tiny island paradise off the Rhode Island coast, Block Island rewards its cruise visitors with dramatic clay bluffs, two historic lighthouses, pristine beaches, and miles of walking trails — all reachable by tender from Old Harbor.
Block Island has no cruise pier — all ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Old Harbor.
💡 Pro move: Passengers with mobility challenges should be aware that boarding and exiting tenders can be difficult in swells. Check the ship's accessibility briefing.
Block Island has no dedicated cruise terminal — all vessels anchor and tender passengers ashore to Old Harbor.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| American Cruise Lines & small ships | Anchor off Old Harbor, tender to Old Harbor pier📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition / coastal ships | Anchor in or near Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), tender to shore📍 | Tendered |
Block Island is made for independent exploration — rent a bike, hike the Greenway trails, or join a narrated taxi tour to hit all the highlights in one sweep.
Hike or bike to the dramatic 200-ft clay bluffs on the island's southeast coast. The 1875 Southeast Lighthouse — a National Historic Landmark moved about 245 ft inland in 1993 — sits atop the bluffs with sweeping Atlantic views.
Find Block Island tours →A 190-acre preserve on the northeast tip with bluff-top trails, a sandy beach, and an intriguing network of unmarked paths called The Maze. One of the best birdwatching spots on the Atlantic flyway.
Find Block Island hiking tours →Rent a bike or moped at Old Harbor and loop the roughly 19-mile perimeter road, stopping at lighthouses, bluffs, and beaches. Multiple rental shops operate steps from the tender dock.
Find Block Island bike tours →The 1867 granite North Light sits at Sandy Point in the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. A short walk along the shore leads to the lighthouse and its small museum, plus views back toward the mainland.
Find Block Island lighthouse tours →Two miles of sandy Atlantic coastline start just steps from Old Harbor. Ballard's Beach has a lively restaurant with umbrellas and chairs on the sand; quieter State Beach (Fred Benson Town Beach) has lifeguards and facilities.
Find Block Island beach day tours →Paddle around the protected Great Salt Pond (New Harbor) with a guided kayak tour. Fort Island Kayaks and Pond & Beyond Kayak both run eco-tours out of New Harbor, exploring salt marsh and wildlife habitat.
Find Block Island kayak tours →Block Island has over 28 miles of public Greenway trails plus an easy Old Harbor town walk — all free and well-marked.
From the tender dock, stroll the historic Victorian-era waterfront: check out the Spring House hotel (1852), browse shops and galleries on Water Street, and walk the breakwater. A self-guided walking tour map is available at the Block Island Tourism Council near the ferry.
From the bluffs parking area (reached by bike or taxi), walk the cliff-edge path above the 200-ft drop to the Atlantic, then loop to the Southeast Lighthouse. The wooden staircase descends to a small beach below. Dramatic photography.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Block Island, Rhode Island, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40°F / 4°C | 31°F / -1°C | 11 |
| Feb | 40°F / 4°C | 31°F / -1°C | 12 |
| Mar | 42°F / 6°C | 35°F / 2°C | 11 |
| Apr | 48°F / 9°C | 42°F / 6°C | 11 |
| May | 56°F / 13°C | 51°F / 11°C | 11 |
| Jun | 64°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 9 |
| Jul | 72°F / 22°C | 68°F / 20°C | 9 |
| Aug | 73°F / 23°C | 69°F / 21°C | 10 |
| Sep | 69°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 10 |
| Oct | 62°F / 17°C | 56°F / 13°C | 11 |
| Nov | 54°F / 12°C | 45°F / 7°C | 10 |
| Dec | 47°F / 8°C | 39°F / 4°C | 12 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Block Island, Rhode Island, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.