Great Salt Pond
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Great Salt Pond

4.8
·39 reviews·New Shoreham, United States

A vast, protected harbor on Block Island, perfect for boating, wildlife spotting, and enjoying coastal New England charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Great Salt Pond

Great Salt Pond

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, protected harbor on Block Island, perfect for boating, wildlife spotting, and enjoying coastal New England charm.

4.8
(39 reviews)

"Excellent place to stay if you are lucky enough to visit Block Island by private boat."

Vertical photo
TIP

⚓ Secure Your Spot Early

Public moorings fill up fast in summer. Arrive early or book in advance if possible.

🚤 Dinghy Dock Access

A convenient dinghy dock is available for easy access to shore amenities and boat watching.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boating Paradise

Boating Paradise

Great Salt Pond

Anchor or moor in this expansive, well-protected harbor, perfect for a day of sun and sea.

Instagram
Marine Life Encounters

Marine Life Encounters

Great Salt Pond

Witness the thrill of spotting sharks and other fascinating marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Instagram+1
Clamming Adventures

Clamming Adventures

Great Salt Pond shores

Try your hand at clamming for a true taste of Block Island's coastal bounty. Remember your license!

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Block Island's Waters

The Great Salt Pond is a popular spot for boaters. If arriving by private boat, secure a mooring ball or anchorage early, especially in July. Public moorings are available, but fill up fast. For day-trippers, consider the ferry and plan to rent bikes or scooters to explore the island and access the pond's shores. Reddit

Seasonal Buzz and Wildlife

Summer brings vibrant activity to the Great Salt Pond, with boaters and beachgoers enjoying the season. Keep an eye out for marine life, including sharks, which have been spotted in the pond. Instagram+1 Dredging operations may occur, so check for any temporary access restrictions. Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
July evenings
Why
Boat watching, sunset views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Great Salt Pond in Maine is a hidden gem #hiddengems #hiddengem #prettyplaces #beautifuldestinations #beautifulplacestovisit❤️ #beautifulplaces #nature #nature_obsession #beautifulnature #beautifulnature❤️ #greatoutdoors
harah1998
1 likes • 220 views

⚓ Secure Your Spot Early

Public moorings fill up fast in summer. Arrive early or book in advance if possible. Reddit

🚤 Dinghy Dock Access

A convenient dinghy dock is available for easy access to shore amenities and boat watching. Reddit

July 3 2025 at Great Salt Pond BLOCK ISLAND.
captainjibjib
6.3K likes • 528.9K views
“We got a number of calls yesterday as people on Block Island, RI were treated to quite the scene, kicking off the 2025 summer season! We got some wonderful video but loved this one from Jen Seebeck who was enjoying dinner at Dead Eye Dicks when she noticed the fin slicing through the water inside Great Salt Pond. Can you guess what the species is?“ - @atlantic_shark #lastmangoboatworks #seethegoo...
lastmangoboatworks
0 likes • 186.9K views

🐚 Clamming License Needed

Don't forget your license if you plan to go clamming; enforcement is active. Reddit

🚲 Island Exploration

Rent bikes or scooters to easily get around Block Island and reach the pond. Reddit

Maintenance dredging began at Great Salt Pond in Block Island, RI, with the arrival of the government dredge MURDEN on June 1st. The dredge immediately commenced digging of critical shoals within the channel with placement to Sachem Pond. The dredge was docked last Wednesday for crew changes and the #USACE survey team conducted a progress survey in support of the completion of the work. Dredging w...
usacenewengland
29 likes • 929 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⚓ Secure Your Spot Early

Public moorings fill up fast in summer. Arrive early or book in advance if possible. Reddit

🚤 Dinghy Dock Access

A convenient dinghy dock is available for easy access to shore amenities and boat watching. Reddit

🐚 Clamming License Needed

Don't forget your license if you plan to go clamming; enforcement is active. Reddit

🚲 Island Exploration

Rent bikes or scooters to easily get around Block Island and reach the pond. Reddit

🦈 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for marine life, including sharks, in the pond during summer. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(39 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Great Salt Pond as an ideal spot for boaters, offering ample mooring and anchorage options with an easy-to-navigate channel. It's praised for its beautiful harbor, access to great restaurants, and the chance to witness marine life. However, some find shoreside showers challenging, and the need for a clamming license is a point of note for enthusiasts.

"Excellent place to stay if you are lucky enough to visit Block Island by private boat. There are a large number of public and private mooring balls, a good anchorage area for those that like to hang on the hook. There are also an assortment of marinas if you prefer to stay dockside. Easy well bouyed entrance channel that makes coming and going a breeze."

John Jerger

"Stayed here at anchor in July 2023. Great Dinghy Dock, a nice bar for a drink and people and boat watching."

Harvey Hensley

"Love this place, Block Island"

Valerie Lanphear

What People Like

Excellent mooring and anchorage
Beautiful harbor views
Great boat watching

What People Dislike

Shoreside showers challenging
Clamming license required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Great Salt Pond is located on Block Island, RI. Access is primarily by ferry from the mainland (e.g., Point Judith, RI). Once on Block Island, you can reach the pond by car, taxi, bike, or scooter. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your car on the ferry, but it's often recommended to leave it behind and rent bikes or scooters on the island for easier navigation, especially around the pond. Reddit

The primary ferry service is from Point Judith, RI, operated by Block Island Ferry. There are also seasonal ferries from other locations like Newport and Fall River. Reddit

Block Island has a limited bus service, but renting bikes or scooters is the most popular and convenient way to explore and get around to places like the Great Salt Pond. Reddit

The Great Salt Pond is a short distance from the main ferry terminal in Old Harbor. It's easily accessible by a short drive, bike ride, or scooter rental. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific ticket required to enter the Great Salt Pond itself. Access is generally free, though mooring balls and marina slips will have associated fees. Reddit

The Great Salt Pond is a natural body of water and is accessible at all times. However, amenities like marinas and restaurants will have their own operating hours. Reddit

Yes, there are fees for public mooring balls and private marinas within Great Salt Pond. Anchoring is also permitted in designated areas, which may have associated fees or regulations. Reddit

Information on mooring availability can often be found through the Block Island Harbormaster's office or local charter companies. It's advisable to check in advance, especially during peak season. Reddit

Yes, a permit or license is required for clamming in Rhode Island waters, including Great Salt Pond. Ensure you have the correct documentation before harvesting. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and clamming. It's also a popular spot for relaxing and watching boats. Instagram+1

Yes, there are several restaurants and bars located near the Great Salt Pond, offering dining with views of the water and boats. Dead Eye Dicks is a notable spot. Instagram

Visitors have reported sightings of sharks, conch, snails, and various other marine creatures. It's a vibrant ecosystem. Instagram+1

Yes, Great Salt Pond is generally family-friendly, offering opportunities for swimming and boating. However, supervision is always recommended, especially with young children. Instagram

Designated anchorage areas are available. It's best to consult with the harbormaster or local boaters for the most current and safest anchoring locations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of sailboats, the harbor entrance, marine life, and sunsets over the water. The interplay of boats and the natural landscape is picturesque. Instagram+1

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be great for capturing the vibrant blue of the water and the activity on the pond. Instagram

Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can photograph various marine life, including birds and potentially larger sea creatures. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the water and sky colors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great Salt Pond offers a fantastic family-friendly environment on Block Island. Boating and swimming are popular activities, providing hours of fun for children. Instagram The relatively protected waters of the pond make it a safer option for younger swimmers compared to the open ocean. Renting bikes or scooters is a great way for families to explore the island and access different parts of the pond. Reddit Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as the sun can be intense. Consider bringing beach toys and flotation devices for added enjoyment. Remember that a clamming license is required if your family wants to try their hand at harvesting shellfish. Reddit

⚓ Boaters and Sailors

For those arriving by private boat, the Great Salt Pond is an excellent choice. It offers a large number of public and private mooring balls, as well as a good anchorage area for those who prefer to 'hang on the hook.' Reddit The easy, well-bouyed entrance channel makes coming and going a breeze. Reddit There are also several marinas available if you prefer to stay dockside. The pond is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of boat traffic to observe. A dinghy dock provides convenient access to shore for supplies, dining, and exploring the island. Reddit Be aware of potential dredging operations that may occur seasonally, which could temporarily affect access or navigation. Instagram

🎣 Anglers and Clammers

The waters of the Great Salt Pond are a draw for both anglers and clammers. While specific fishing regulations should be checked, the pond offers opportunities for various types of fishing. For clammers, the pond is a prime location, but it's essential to obtain a Rhode Island shellfish license before harvesting. Reddit This ensures compliance with local regulations and helps maintain the health of the shellfish population. The experience of digging for fresh clams can be a rewarding part of a Block Island visit. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Boating and Marine Life

The Great Salt Pond is a haven for boaters, offering a large, protected harbor with numerous mooring balls and anchorage areas. Reddit It's a popular destination for private vessels, charter boats, and day-trippers arriving by ferry. The well-bouyed entrance channel makes navigation straightforward. Reddit Beyond the boating, the pond is a dynamic marine environment. Visitors have reported exciting sightings of sharks slicing through the water, adding an element of wildness to the experience. Instagram+1 Other marine life, such as conch and various snails, can also be found along the shores, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts. Instagram

For those interested in a more hands-on experience, clamming is a popular activity in the pond's shallows. However, it's crucial to remember that a clamming license is required, and enforcement is in place. Reddit The presence of marine life and the active boating community create a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer months. The pond also undergoes periodic maintenance dredging to ensure channel depths, which is a significant operation involving specialized equipment. Instagram

Exploring Block Island from the Pond

While the Great Salt Pond itself is a destination, it also serves as a gateway to exploring the rest of Block Island. For visitors arriving without a car, renting bikes or scooters is highly recommended. Reddit These provide the freedom to easily travel from the ferry terminal to the pond and explore the island's numerous beaches, trails, and charming towns. The pond's proximity to amenities means that after a day on the water, you can easily access restaurants and bars for refreshments and local cuisine. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy the simple pleasure of people and boat watching from the dinghy dock or a nearby eatery. Reddit The constant flow of vessels in and out of the harbor offers a dynamic visual spectacle. For those looking for a more active day, the surrounding areas offer opportunities for swimming and enjoying the coastal scenery. The island's natural beauty, combined with the vibrant activity on the pond, makes for a memorable visit. Instagram

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