Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for Bristol, RI

Bristol Harbor is a delight for boaters of all stripes, whether they’re paddling a kayak or a steering a cruising yacht. Lots of boating history was made here, most notably by the Herreshoff family of yacht designers, and as a result, the place retains a dignity and grace that you’ll immediately sense and appreciate. That, along with the calm water (it’s well-protected from swells), and its adjacency to several islands that are wildlife sanctuaries.

“Those fortunate to sail in Bristol Harbor are always rewarded by special pleasure here and the adjacent Narragansett Bay,‚Äù says Halsey C. Herreshoff, naval architect and a sailor who has served as navigator during several defenses of the America’s Cup.

“About every summer day, the morning calm suitable for boat work is replaced by an afternoon ‘sea breeze’ of about 15 knots. This is perfect for sailing especially in our protected water with sufficient wind, without serious waves and with only enough current for racing interest. Racecourses are varied and interesting out to Hog Island, Prudence Island etc. So, together with its most attractive surroundings, Bristol is a sailor’s paradise!‚Äù

Suggest an Edit

Boating in Bristol, RI Map View

Hog Island is in the middle of the entrance to Bristol Harbor. A natural channel with depths of 19 to 25 feet extends on each side of the island. Excellent anchorage may be found in the harbor abreast the town in depths of 15 to 17 feet, soft bottom. A general anchorage is in Bristol Harbor.

The Harbormaster, Gregg Marsili, can be reached by calling 401-253-1700.

Marine Services
Bristol Marine and the Bristol Yacht Club are on the west side of the harbor. Guest moorings, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are available. A mobile hoist at the marina can handle craft to 42 feet long. Launching ramps are available on the east side of the harbor. Water depth to the marina is 8 ft.

A Coast Guard station is operated at Bristol Harbor. The Coast Guard pier is marked by a light.

Navigation
Bristol Harbor, between Bristol Neck on the east end and Popasquash Neck on the west, is in a cove about 2 miles long and 1.3 miles wide at its southern end, narrowing to 0.4 mile wide at its northern end. The harbor proper, the northern part of the cove, has depths of 15 to 17 feet.

Bristol is situated on the eastern side of the harbor. In approaching the harbor the most prominent mark is Mount Hope Bridge. Also prominent are the navigation lights, a stone tower, a stack, and an elevated tank on high ground back of the town. The town has bus service. A ferry operates daily from Bristol to Prudence Island.
Usher Rocks, about 0.7 mile northeastward of Popasquash Point, are bare at low water. A buoy is eastward of the rocks and a lighted bell buoy is on the western side of the western passage to the harbor.