Island Hopping from Warwick: The Ultimate Rhode Island Bay Ferry Adventure

Warwick sits like a gateway to Narragansett Bay's island treasures, with multiple ferry options radiating outward to destinations that feel worlds apart despite being just a short boat ride away. Unlike the massive commercial ferries I've navigated through Indonesia's sprawling archipelago, Rhode Island's ferry system strikes that perfect balance between accessibility and adventure.

The ferry network here operates like a well-rehearsed water ballet during summer months, with vessels ranging from modern catamarans to charming traditional ferries. Before arriving, I recommend downloading the official Rhode Island Ferry app and bookmarking the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's ferry schedule page. For families with young kids who might get antsy about wait times, I always suggest bringing a good pair of compact binoculars to spot marine life while waiting at the terminals.

Most ferries accommodate bicycles for an additional small fee, which I highly recommend as the islands are perfectly sized for two-wheeled exploration. If you're visiting during peak season (July-August), book your tickets online at least a week in advance—especially for weekend sailings to popular destinations like Block Island.

My first ferry adventure from Warwick took me to Prudence Island, and I immediately felt like I'd traveled back several decades. With only about 200 year-round residents and virtually no commercial development, Prudence offers the rare experience of an island that tourism hasn't transformed.

The ferry to Prudence Island departs from Bristol (a short drive from Warwick) and takes just 30 minutes, but transports you to another world. There are no restaurants or shops here—just pristine nature, quiet roads, and the occasional deer watching you cycle past. The Prudence Island Lighthouse, dating back to 1823, stands as a silent sentinel over the bay with views that rival those I've photographed in far more exotic locations.

Families with children will appreciate the island's safe, traffic-free environment and the excellent tide pooling opportunities along the rocky shores. My waterproof dry bag proved invaluable here for keeping spare clothes and electronics safe during our shoreline explorations. The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers fascinating educational programs where kids can learn about marine ecosystems—something that reminded me of the lessons my grandfather shared during our snorkeling adventures back in Australia.

If Prudence Island is Rhode Island's hidden gem, then Block Island is its crown jewel—and rightfully so. The ferry journey from Point Judith (a quick drive from Warwick) takes about an hour and delivers you to what feels like a perfect blend of Martha's Vineyard and tropical paradise, minus the pretension and crowds of the former.

The moment you disembark in New Harbor, the island's relaxed rhythm takes hold. Families immediately gravitate toward the pristine beaches, where the water clarity reminded me of parts of the Great Barrier Reef—high praise from someone who grew up snorkeling Australia's northern coast. For the best underwater experience, I recommend bringing a quality full-face snorkel mask which eliminates the usual snorkel discomfort and allows even young kids to breathe naturally while exploring.

Mohegan Bluffs provides the island's signature view—dramatic 200-foot clay cliffs dropping to a secluded beach below. The 141 steps down are worth every bit of effort, though parents with very young children might want to admire from above. For wildlife enthusiasts, the island is a migratory bird paradise, and the waters around Block Island have become a haven for the once nearly-extinct North Atlantic right whale. During my visit last summer, I spotted several from the bluffs using my telephoto lens, a moment that connected me back to my whale-watching experiences in Baja California.

While technically a peninsula rather than an island, Newport deserves inclusion in any Narragansett Bay ferry adventure. The ferry ride from Providence (just north of Warwick) to Newport offers some of the bay's most scenic views and an excellent chance to spot harbor seals during spring and fall months.

Newport presents a fascinating contrast to the other islands—where they offer natural simplicity, Newport delivers historical opulence. The famous Cliff Walk combines both worlds, with crashing Atlantic waves on one side and Gilded Age mansions on the other. For families with children interested in maritime history, the International Yacht Restoration School offers fascinating tours where skilled craftspeople restore wooden boats using traditional methods.

The harbor itself buzzes with activity, from fishing boats to luxury yachts that would look at home in Monaco. For the best experience on the water, I recommend booking a sunset sail on the Schooner Aquidneck, a beautiful 80-foot traditional sailing vessel. Watching the sun sink behind the Pell Bridge while harbor seals pop their heads up around the boat created one of those perfect travel moments that stay with you.

Before returning to Warwick, make time for a seafood dinner at one of the harbor-front restaurants. I suggest packing a light packable jacket as the evening ferry rides back across the bay can get surprisingly chilly even in summer.

What truly elevates the Rhode Island ferry experience beyond mere transportation is the incredible marine wildlife you'll encounter along the way. Having witnessed marine ecosystems worldwide, I can honestly say Narragansett Bay offers some of the most accessible wildlife viewing opportunities for families with young children.

Save the Bay offers specialized eco-tours departing from several points near Warwick, including their popular seal watches during spring and fall. These educational tours are perfectly designed for children, with marine biologists explaining the ecosystem in engaging, age-appropriate ways. I was particularly impressed by how they incorporated conservation messages without overwhelming younger participants.

For independent wildlife spotting, I recommend bringing a quality waterproof action camera to capture unexpected encounters. During my summer visits, I've photographed harbor seals, porpoises, and once even a ocean sunfish (Mola mola)—a bizarre-looking gentle giant that can weigh up to 2,200 pounds.

Rose Island, accessible by ferry from Newport, hosts a surprising diversity of shorebirds that remind me of Australia's coastal habitats. The shallow waters around the island's lighthouse are perfect for young snorkelers, with water visibility often exceeding 15 feet on calm days. For families with children new to snorkeling, I suggest swim fins which provide stability without being too cumbersome for kids to manage.