Although you might not want to venture far from your vacation rental when spending time in South County, you’ll have multiple options if you’re looking to get on the water. Spending a couple of hours cruising on the ocean is always enjoyable and adds another dimension to your holiday.
For instance, the Rhode Island Fast Ferry, which has a terminal at Quonset Point in North Kingstown, offers three different cruises that allow you to explore Narragansett Bay or head to Block Island or Martha’s Vineyard.
These ferries offer an excellent opportunity to do something unique during your vacation that you might not have expected. Taking a little excursion allows you to see more of this part of the world, creating an enjoyable day for the family.
Here’s a look at the three places you can visit via the Fast Ferry terminal in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Martha’s Vineyard Ferry
Perhaps the most popular cruise from Quonset Point is the boat heading to Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard has long been one of the country’s most amazing vacation destinations, and you can get there in an hour and 45 minutes on the ferry.
This cruise takes you through Block Island Sound and towards the Cape, where you’ll enter Vineyard Sound and view Naushon Island before landing in Oak Bluffs Harbor. From there, you can check out some restaurants, head to the beach, or rent a car and explore the island.
Island tours are also available through Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing, making it easy to learn about the island as you travel.
A round-trip ride to Martha’s Vineyard costs $89 for adults, $84 for seniors, and $66 for children during the off-peak season, with rates increasing by $20 during the summer. You can return to Rhode Island on the same day, so there’s no need for additional accommodation.
Block Island Ferry
Visiting Block Island is a must-do during your South County vacation because this tiny island is absolutely stunning. New Shoreham, the island’s main center, is home to beaches, restaurants, and other activities that are sure to add enjoyment to your vacation.
Downtown New Shoreham is walkable, so there’s no need for transportation, although you can rent bikes or mopeds if you wish to explore Great Salt Pond, the Clay Head Nature Trail, the Mohegan Bluffs, or some of the secluded beaches lining the island.
Scheduling and rate information is still in the works for this particular trip, but it’s sure to be a popular cruise once it’s up and running.
Narragansett Bay Cruise
Finally, you don’t need a destination in mind when taking the Rhode Island Fast Ferry because they offer the Rhode Island Lighthouse and Newport Harbor Tour into Narragansett Bay. This tour takes you to ten lighthouses, ten islands, and Newport Harbor, creating a fantastic sightseeing excursion for the entire family.
The cruise takes about 100 minutes, giving you more than enough time to see much of the bay and some of its top attractions. Lighthouses you’ll encounter include Plum Beach Light, Beavertail Lighthouse, Castle Hill Lighthouse, and Conanicut Lighthouse, and you’ll also see Fort Adams and the famous House on the Rock.
There’s no better way to experience Narragansett Bay than on a boat, as you can see everything and figure out if you want to visit any of the sights you come across later on by land.
Lighthouse Cruises are $35 for adults, $33 for seniors, and $21 for children if you book in advance. Walk-ins are sometimes available, but you’ll pay an extra $5 per person.
Making the Most of Your Rhode Island Vacation
Booking a vacation rental in South County puts some of the country’s most scenic beaches and vistas at your fingertips. It also provides the opportunity to take a cruise into the harbor or onto a neighboring island if you wish.
The Rhode Island Fast Ferry makes it easy to cruise the harbor in style, and it reaches the surrounding islands far quicker than you ever could have imagined.
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day while vacationing in South County, head to Quonset Point and book an excursion with Rhode Island Fast Ferry or one of the other regional tour operators.