Welcome to Block Island: a charming New England paradise.
Have you ever dreamed of discovering the best places to paddleboard in Block Island?
Get ready to glide through picturesque harbors and crystal-clear waters.
Let’s embark on a Block Island paddleboarding adventure together. Are you in?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Block Island
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Great Salt Pond
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: New Harbor Boat Basin (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected waters, light to moderate winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, and occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Block Island Maritime Institute, Harbor vistas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow harbor regulations
Great Salt Pond is the go-to paddleboarding destination on Block Island. The bay’s calm and protected waters make it an ideal spot for paddlers of all levels.
Enjoy the scenic harbor views and be on the lookout for local wildlife as you explore the shoreline.
#2 Crescent Beach
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Fred Benson Town Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild surf, ocean swells, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, occasional dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: North Light, Great Salt Pond inlet
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim with caution, respect local rules and regulations
Crescent Beach offers paddleboarders a classic oceanfront experience. The beach stretches from Old Harbor to the Great Salt Pond inlet, giving you plenty of space to explore.
The picturesque North Light lighthouse serves as a beautiful backdrop during your SUP adventure.
#3 Andy’s Way
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Andy’s Way Beach Access (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow and protected waters
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, crabs, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Great Salt Pond, sand dunes, coastal views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect nature, seasonal dog restrictions, swim with caution
Andy’s Way is a tranquil bay area on Block Island’s eastern side. Its calm, shallow waters are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.
Explore the Great Salt Pond shoreline, and take in the scenic views of sand dunes with the occasional sighting of shorebirds and crabs.
#4 Mansion Beach
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Mansion Beach Access (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate surf, ocean swells
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic Mansion ruins, ocean views, nearby Clay Head Nature Trail
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim with caution, seasonal surf and currents, respect local rules
Mansion Beach is a more adventurous option for paddleboarders on the island’s northern coast. The historic Mansion ruins serve as a unique landmark while you tackle moderate waves and ocean swells.
After SUP, don’t forget to explore the nearby Clay Head Nature Trail for a scenic hike experience.
#5 Corn Neck Road Beaches
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Multiple beach access points along Corn Neck Road (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild surf, ocean swells
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic coastal views, Block Island Lighthouse
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim with caution, obey local beach rules
The Corn Neck Road beaches offer a series of paddleboarding spots along the island’s northeastern coast. Enjoy scenic views of the ocean and nearby Block Island Lighthouse as you paddle through mild surf and swells.
Make sure to follow local beach rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
#6 Payne’s Dock
- Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Payne’s Dock (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected waters, mild currents
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish, seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Great Salt Pond, boats and yachts
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow harbor rules
Payne’s Dock is a lively spot to paddleboard in the Great Salt Pond. Glide past boats and yachts docked in the harbor while taking in the bustling New Harbor atmosphere.
Make sure to be vigilant around boat traffic and adhere to harbor rules for a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Block Island?
You can paddle board at Great Salt Pond, Charlestown Beach, Crescent Beach and Andy’s Way in Block Island.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Block Island?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Block Island.
When is the best time to paddle board in Block Island?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Block Island is during the summer months, particularly from June to September.
