Charlestown

New England Boating & Fishing Welcome to Salem

The historic seaport of Salem, on the North Shore of Massachusetts, is best known as the site of the infamous “witch trials” of the late 1600’s, but boaters will find a lot more to love about the city than its past

Upon entering the harbor from Salem Sound, you’ll see Winter Island to starboard. The island, once home to a military installation, is now a marine recreational park featuring seasonal dinghy and rack storage, an excellent all-tide boat ramp, RV and tent camping, scenic picnic areas, and the Fort Pickering Lighthouse

Next to the powerplant is the Salem Harbor ferry terminal and dock, providing high-speed shuttle service to and from Boston Harbor. The dock also acommodates small cruise ships and other commercial vessels

GETTING THERE:

Charlestown Chart

Charts: NOAA 13215

The Charlestown Breachway is located at 41 21.31N/071 38.31 W. Extreme caution should be used when navigating the breachway, as a ledge in 6’ of water exists just outside the inlet’s southern entrance. Large standing waves can form at the breachway entrance when the tide opposes a strong wind, and especially during swells from the south, southwest or southeast. Navigation is best attempted at slack tide by boaters unfamiliar with the breachway.

Once inside Ninigret pond, follow the marked channels east toward Shelter Cove Marina, north into Tautog Cove and the Ocean House Marina or west to Lavin’s Landing. Be sure to follow the markers closely, as the channels are bordered by very shallow flats.

Note: Operation of PWCs is prohibited inside the pond. Obey the no-wake zones posted throughout the pond.

Related Video: Navigating the Charlestown Breachway and Ninigret Pond channel after the dredging in 2012

Dockage, Moorings & Service

Ocean House Marina
(401-364-6040): Located on the northern end of Tautog Cove, Ocean House offers gas, boat rental, brokerage service, a launch ramp, pump-out and haulout. Also offers transient slips at $1/foot ($25 min.) for boats with max 2-3’ draft.
Shelter Cove Marina (401-364-2010): Marina with launch ramp located on the eastern end of the pond.
Lavin’s Landing (401-322-7277): Located at the extreme western end of the pond, Lavin’s offers gas, bait, ice, tackle, snacks and launch ramp ($10 weekdays/$15 weekends and holidays). Also offers transient slips at $2 per ft./per night.

Anchorages

With a maximum mean low water depth of around 6 feet, there aren’t many viable anchoring spots in Ninigret Pond for larger vessels. If you wish to anchor, check in first with harbormaster Justin Vail (401-641-3083).

Launch Ramps

A state launch with limited parking can be found at the Charlestown Breachway State Campground, just north of the breachway. This ramp is suitable for small boats and kayaks. There are no floats.
Private ramps exist at Shelter Cove Marina, Lavin’s and Ocean House Marina.
Public access for kayaks, canoes and cartop skiffs exists at Charlestown Beach Road next to Creek Bridge. From here you can access both Ninigret and Green Hill Ponds.

Boat & Kayak Rental

Ocean House Marina (401-364-6040): Rents pontoon boats and skiffs on the pond.
The Kayak Centre (401-364-8000): Open June-August. Rents kayaks right on Ninigret Pond.

Harbormaster

Justin Vail
(401-641-3083)
Harbor Department Website

Provisions

Millscreek Natural Market (401-364-9399)
Charlestown Mini-Super (401-364-6600)
Peach’s Fruit & Produce (401-364-5949)

Getting Around

No information available.

Things to See & Do

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge (401-364 9124): Perched on the shoreline of the largest salt pond in the state, the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge sits on the glacial outwash plain of the Charlestown moraine, providing the refuge with its unique character. Over 250 bird species visit seasonally, and 70 species nest on the property, making bird watching and photography popular refuge activities. The refuge contains a variety of habitats, including salt marshes, kettle ponds, freshwater wetlands, maritime shrublands and forests dominated by oak or maple. Originally used as a Naval Auxiliary landing field during World War II (George HW Bush trained here), the main portion of the refuge still contains remnants of the numerous runways, taxi-ways, and buildings that supported the war effort. Many people served their country here, with this rich history celebrated in an interpretive “trails through time” route, which passes through the refuge.
Charlestown Breachway Campground (401-364-7000): Located on east side of the breachway, the campground features facilities for self-contained RVs, access to some of the best saltwater fishing in South County, a saltwater beach and a panoramic view of Block Island Sound. Also has boat launch with limited parking.

Where to Eat