Rye Harbor is located approximately 54 nautical miles north of Boston, 12 nautical miles north of the Merrimack River and 51 nautical miles south of Portland, Maine. When approaching from all points, pick up red lighted buoy RW “RH” Mo (A) WHIS, less than a mile outside the harbor, then proceed to GC “3”, which marks the harbor entrance. The harbor is wide and has a MLW depth of 8′.

The State Marina and launch ramp are located at the extreme western end of the harbor. The marina sells gas and diesel and features 2 piers. Recreational boaters can tie up to the south pier for 30 minutes, although the boat cannot be left unattended.

Dockage, Moorings & Service

Rye Harbor offers no facilities for transient boaters. The State Marina (603-964-9008) sells fuel and offers a 30-minute tie-up (boat must be attended), but is primarily reserved for commercial fishing and excursion boats. In other words, be ready to move your boat on short notice.

Nearby places to keep your boat include:


  • Hampton River Marina

    (603) 926-1422: Some 7 miles south of Rye; has transient slips. (See New England Boating destination section on Hampton Beach.)

  • Wentworth by the Sea Marina (603) 433-5050: Full-service facility offering transient slips in Little Harbor, some 4 miles north of Rye.

Anchorage

Anchoring within the harbor is not permitted due to space limitations. Anchoring off the nearby state beaches is not advised.

Launch Ramps

  • The state ramp next to the Rye Harbor State Marina & Pier (603-964-9008) off Route 1A offers easy access to the harbor and plenty of parking for trailers. Fee is $10 per day for both residents and non-residents. Kayakers can launch from this point to access the harbor, ocean and the creeks to the north and south.
  • Odiorne Point State Park (603) 436-1552: Ramp for non-motorized vessels only. No fee, but donations are encouraged. Parking lots closes at 8:00 p.m. from June to Labor Day. Call for current schedule earlier and later than those dates.

Harbormaster

  • (603) 365-0509

Boat & Kayak Rental

  • Portsmouth Kayak Adventures (603) 559-1000: Rents kayaks and offers guided excursions that include trips to Rye Harbor. Also runs a kids kayak camp in summer.

Provisions

Getting Around

  • No information available.

Where to Eat

Things to See & Do

  • Seacoast Science Center (603) 436-8043: At Odiorne Point State Park, the center offers numerous indoor exhibits that teach about the coastal environment.
  • Odiorne Point State Park (603) 436-1552: Huge state park located north of Rye Harbor. Offers kayak launch site, miles of hiking trails and the remains of WW II sub-spotting stations.
  • Wallis Sands Beach State Park (603) 436-9404: Off Route 1A. Wallis Sands is a popular bathing beach and has parking, bathrooms and showers.
  • Jenness State Beach (603) 436-1552: Jenness offers the same amenities as Wallis Sands, but is more intimate.
  • Kayaking in Rye Harbor is excellent. You can launch at the State Marina ramp and head toward the ocean if conditions allow, or stay inside the harbor and poke into the protected creeks that wind through the marshes north and south of the harbor. Portsmouth Kayak Adventures (603-559-1000) rents kayaks and conducts tours that include trips to Rye. Also runs a kids kayak camp in summer.
  • Granite State Whale Watch (800) 964-5545: Whale-watch excursion boat operating from the state pier.
  • Atlantic Whale Watch (603) 964-5220: Whale-watch excursion boat operating from the state pier.

Where to Stay

  • Pebble Cove Motel (603) 436-8108: Seasonal motel with pool. Located near Wallis Sands Beach.
  • Hoyt’s Lodges (603) 436-5350: Small rental cottages north of Rye, near Wallis Sands Beach.

General Information