Point Judith

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Welcome to Point Judith

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Boats file through the breachway that connects the
Harbor of Refuge to Point Judith Pond. Photo by Tom Richardson

POINT JUDITH IS COMMONLY CONSIDERED A STOPOVER FOR TRANSIENT BOATERS HEADING TO MORE GLAMOROUS PORTS ALONG THE COAST OR AS A JUMPING-OFF POINT FOR TRIPS TO BLOCK ISLAND, SOME 12 MILES SOUTH. HOWEVER, THE CURIOUS BOATER WHO CHOOSES TO SPEND SOME TIME HERE WILL FIND A FEW GOOD REASONS TO STICK AROUND. 

Point Jude is really 3 ports rolled into one. Galilee, on the east side of the pond, is a long-established commercial port, home to huge draggers, lobsterboats, the Block Island ferry and a large fleet of party- and charterboats. On the other side of the pond is Snug Harbor, where you’ll find several marinas that serve as headquarters for the area’s numerous recreational fishermen and boaters. Lastly, there’s the handful of marinas and yacht clubs on the Upper Pond, in the town of Wakefield.

 



Sat map of Point Judith

the Block Island ferry and a large fleet of party- and charterboats. On the other side of the pond is Snug Harbor, where you’ll find several marinas that serve as headquarters for the area’s numerous recreational fishermen and boaters. Lastly, there’s the handful of marinas and yacht clubs on the Upper Pond, in the town of Wakefield.

Point Judith Pond itself is a 1,777-acre, 3 1/2-mile-long estuary where fresh water from the Saugatuckett River blends with salt water from the ocean. The result is a marvelously rich ecosystem that serves as home and nursery for an enormous array of marine life, from seaworms and mummichogs to quahogs and winter flounder. Many species of waterfowl depend on the pond, as well, and the expansive marshes on its eastern edge are a popular spot for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migration periods.

Read the story Point Judith Fishing Information

The pond is a maze of shallow bars and narrow channels best explored in a small boat, canoe or kayak, although a deep channel leads 3 miles to the very northern end of the pond. The shallow area north of Plato Island in the center of the pond is a haven for adventurers, with plenty of room to drop anchor or beach canoes, skiffs, small sailboats and kayaks. It would be easy to spend a full weekend relaxing in the pond’s warm, protected coves—swimming, fishing, boating, quahogging or all of the above. Just be sure to stay clear of the oyster farms, which are marked by yellow floats.

THE BREACHWAY HAS EXISTED SINCE THE LAST ICE AGE…

The popular transient anchorage north of Plato is marked by white floats. To access the anchorage, follow the channel until you are just north of Plato Island (don’t take the shortcut, or you’ll hit a mudflat), then cut across to the anchorage between Plato and Gardner Islands. At dead low tide, the water is only 4′ deep between the channel and the 7′ anchorage, so deeper-draft boats should run north of the islands and cut into the anchorage between Gardner and Beach Islands.

Boaters can access the pond through via several launch ramps or through the busy inlet, also known as the breachway. The 15′-deep, 150′-wide breachway is the environmental and commercial lifeblood of Point Judith. It can also be a chaotic place, especially during the summer when it’s plied by hundreds of vessels each day.

The breachway has existed since the last ice age, although the natural inlet was widened and reinforced with riprap in the early 1900s to accommodate the increasing number of fishing vessels in Galilee. In the mid-’30s, a nearly 3-mile-long, semicircular breakwater made of granite boulders was constructed to create a harbor of refuge for commercial traffic between New York and Boston—although by the time it was finished so was the heyday of coastal shipping. Nevertheless, the breakwater wasn’t a complete waste of time and money, as it does a fine job of protecting the breachway, Salty Brine and Roger Wheeler Beaches, and the cottage community of Breakwater Village to the east from the full force of the sea, as well as providing an excellent anchorage for transient boaters stopping in Point Judith.

Photo Gallery

Galilee, on the east bank of the pond, is home to all types of commercial fishing vessels. Photo by Tom Richardson

A boater launches at the state ramp in Galilee. Photo by Tom Richardson

GETTING THERE: 
Charts: NOAA 13219, 13205, 13218

Point Judith, Rhode island Chart

From points east, pick up flashing red “R2” and enter the East Gap of the Harbor of Refuge (HOR) then follow the buoys to the breachway channel on the west side of the HOR.

From points west, enter the West Gap and immediately turn north into the channel. Note that waters can be very choppy at both HOR entrances, especially when a strong outgoing tide opposes an onshore wind. If conditions are too rough at the chosen entrance, consider skirting the breakwater and entering from the opposite side.

Transient dockage, moorings and fuel are available at the marinas on the west bank of the salt pond (see below). After clearing the breachway, stay to port of the center red/green nun and pick up red nun “2”. Be careful to stay inside the channel, which is bordered by a shallow sandflat on the east side. The channel has a mean low depth of 9 feet. You’ll see the marinas to port after clearing green can “7”.

If you wish to proceed farther north into the pond, continue to follow the channel markers. Unless your boat has a shallow draft, pay close attention, as the channel is narrow and winding.

Be aware that Galilee, on the east side of the lower pond, is a working port, home to hundreds of commercial vessels, from inshore lobsterboats to mammoth offshore draggers. Tucked in behind and amid this mass of steel and wood are processing plants, warehouses, icehouses, fuel docks, service facilities and a couple of modest restaurants, as well as the Block Island ferry terminal and the Coast Guard station. In other words, visitors shouldn’t expect a quaint waterfront with a lot of rustic, shingled shops, stylish inns and trendy eateries.

Dockage, Moorings & Service:

Jerusalem/Snug Harbor

  • Point Judith Marina/Belle Vue Yachting Center

    (401-789-7189; VHF 9): Full-service facility with deep-water slips for boats up to 110 feet. Offers seasonal and transient slips. Amenities include a pool and Jacuzzi, private bathrooms, laundry, electrical service, fuel dock, pump-out, ice delivery, picnic gazebos with barbeque grills, parking, emergency on-site repair, plus a ship’s store and parts. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Snug Harbor Marina (401-783-7766): Open seasonally, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Maintains one transient slip (43-foot max) available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call at least a week in advance to reserve. The marina also offers a fuel dock, fish market, grocery, snack bar and taco shop, plus bait, tackle and boating supplies.
  • Point View Marina (401-789-7660): Full-service marina offering seasonal and transient dockage, fuel, haulout and repair.
  • Lockwoods Marina (401-783-2868): Located in East Matunuck, Lockwoods is a full-service marina with fuel and transient dockage for boats up to 35 feet ($3/ft.), plus an on-site restaurant, ships store and a bait-and-tackle shop. Also has a launch ramp.
  • Jim’s Dock (401-783-2050; VHF 65): Located in Jerusalem, Jim’s Dock offers transient dockage (call for rates) and is home to a popular restaurant. Also sells bait and ice, but no fuel.

Upper Pond

  • Stone Cove Marina (401-783-8990): Located at the far northern end of Point Judith Pond, in Wakefield, Stone Cove offers fuel and transient dockage. Stone Cove is home to the Java Madness coffee and espresso bar, which also serves smoothies, sandwiches and baked goods.
  • Ram Point Marina (401-783-4535): Located in the upper pond, in Wakefield, Ram Point offers limited transient dockage, and only if current customers are away. Can accommodate boats up to 50 feet. Offers free pump-out, gas, ice, showers, restrooms, marine store and supplies. The office is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Silver Spring Marine (401-783-0783): Located in the upper pond, in Wakefield, Silver Spring offers transient slips, ice, gas, service and repair.
  • Point Judith Yacht Club (401-783-5603): Private club with reciprocal privileges.

Launch Ramps:

  • A free, state-managed (and busy) double concrete ramp is located at the base of the Galilee Escape Road, on the right just before the Great Island Bridge. This ramp has a well-maintained fixed dock next to it, and offers quick access to the ocean. Parking lot is large, but can fill on busy weekends. Also, note that boats with towers may not be able to pass under the fixed Great Island Bridge to access the lower pond and the ocean. Clearance varies according to the tide.
  • On the west side of the lower pond, a small town launch can be found at the end of Gooseberry Road in Snug Harbor, but it’s best suited to kayak and cartop launching. Parking is limited along the street.
  • Boaters can also launch at Lockwoods Marina, in East Matunuck (on the west side of the lower pond), for a fee.
  • A free town ramp with float and parking across the street is located in Wakefield, on the Upper Pond.

Anchorages:

There is plenty of good holding ground and deep water (20-25 feet) inside the Harbor of Refuge. Just be sure to anchor outside the main channels. Best spot to anchor is in the southern end of the HOR, between the breakwater and buoy RG N. You can usually find good protection here in any wind, but be aware that wakes from the numerous commercial vessels and larger sportfishing boats can make for a rolly experience, especially early in the morning.

Good anchorages for smaller vessels can be found inside Point Judith Pond. A popular transient anchorage exists north of Plato Island, and is marked by white floats. To access the anchorage, follow the channel until you are just north of Plato Island (don’t take the shortcut, or you’ll hit a mudflat), then cut across to the anchorage between Plato and Gardner Islands. At dead low tide the water is only four feet deep between the channel and the seven-foot anchorage, so deeper-draft boats should run north of the islands and cut into the anchorage between Gardner and Beach Islands.

Harbormasters:

  • South Kingstown (Snug Harbor/Jerusalem) (401-783-3321)
  • Narragansett (Galilee) (401-640-1038)

Boat & Kayak Rental:

  • The Kayak Centre (401-295-4400): Rents kayaks and offers courses and guided tours of the rivers and waterways of the South County area.

Where to Eat:

East Bank

  • Champlin’s Seafood Deck (401-783-3152): Located in Galilee, Champlin’s has rooftop dining overlooking Point Judith Pond. It serves a great lobster roll.
  • George’s of Galilee (401-783-2306): Also on the Galilee waterfront, George’s offers seafood and grilled items with water views, plus a take-out window on the beach.
  • Aunt Carrie’s (401-783-7930): Located just outside Galilee, Aunt Carrie’s has served delicious seafood since 1920 and is open seasonally.
  • Buster Krab’s (401-284-0218): Burger shack and beach bar located across from the ferry terminal. Specializes in fresh seafood and grilled fare.

West Bank

  • Jim’s Dock (401-783-2050): Popular waterfront restaurant and marina with dockage located in Jerusalem. Outdoor dining with views of Pt. Judith Pond.
  • Capn. Jacks (401-789-4556): Seafood and more, located next to Lockwoods Marina in East Matunuck.
  • Matunuck Oyster Bar (401) 783-4202: In East Matunuck, overlooking Potter Pond. Dockage available.

Upper Pond

  • Java Madness (401-788-0088): Coffee and espresso bar; also serves smoothies, sandwiches and baked goods. Located at Stone Point Marina.

Provisions:

  • Gooseberry Market (401-788-0390): Located on Gooseberry Road in Wakefield. Carries basic foodstuffs. Located near several of the west bank marinas.
  • Galilee Grocery (401-783-5164): Located on State Street in Galilee. Carries basic food items.

Things to Do and See:

  • Fishermen’s Memorial State Park (401-789-8374): Offers walking trails and a campground for overnight stays.
  • Roger Wheeler State Beach (401-789-3563): A short stroll from the breakwater. Has lifeguards, food, showers and bathhouses.
  • Point Judith Lighthouse (401-789-0444): A 1.5-mile walk from Galilee village. The lighthouse is home to a Coast Guard station, and not open for tours. However, the surrounding grounds are open to the public year-round.
  • The Pettaquamscutt Historical Society (401-783-1328): Showcases historic trivia and artifacts dating back to the settlement of South County by Europeans.
  • The Block Island Ferry (866-783-7996): Based in Galilee, the ferry offers daily service to and from Block Island.
  • Southland Riverboat (401-783-2954): Offers historic private and public tours of Point Judith Pond, the Harbor of Refuge and Point Judith Lighthouse by water aboard a large replica riverboat.

Where to Stay:

  • Ocean Rose Inn (401-783-4704): Offers ocean views and is easily accessible to the town of Narragansett. It’s also adjacent to the Turtle Soup Restaurant (401-789-8683), which offers inside and outside dining with ocean views.
  • Hampton Inn (401-788-3500): Located in South County Commons, a short drive from Pt. Judith.

General Information:

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HawthorneHotel.com

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welcome hotel guests

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978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests