A view of Westbrook Marine Center. Photo/NEB

Offering quick access to some of the best cruising and fishing waters on Long Island Sound, Westbrook hosts several marinas that cater to everything from large yachts to small center consoles. Many Westbrook boaters also appreciate Westbrook’s proximity to great daytrip and weekend destinations, including Montauk (28 nm); Orient Point (12 nm); Fishers Island (20 nm); Shelter Island (19 nm); Mystic (26 nm), and Block Island (40 nm).

The town’s numerous marinas are found along its twin rivers—the Menunketesuck to the west and the Patchogue to the east—which meet near the inlet. The main channel offers six feet of water at mean low tide, and is frequently dredged. However, larger sail- and powerboats must stay south of the Rte. 1 bridges.

While Westbrook doesn’t offer the type of trendy shops and boutiques found in some neighboring towns, it does feature over a dozen restaurants on or near Boston Post Road (Rte. 1). There are several shops, inns, and motels along this road, as well, but for the most part Westbrook remains a destination for hardcore powerboaters, sailors, and fishermen.

Bill’s Seafood has some dockage available close to the Singing Bridge. Photo/NEB

To access Westbrook via the Patchogue River inlet from the south or southeast, be mindful of RN “6”, as it marks a line of shallow rocks extending from Duck Island. The channel is well marked and dredged to 11 feet, but vessels drawing more than six feet should stay in the middle and proceed with caution at low tide.

The river forks just after the inlet. The Menunketesuck River (five feet MLW) is to port, and leads to the North Yard of Safe Harbor Pilots Point Marina and beyond that the Marshview Marina. Marking the junction of the two rivers is a GR “M” green/red daymarker. When entering the Menunketesuck, be sure to pass south of the marker or you will run aground.

If you stay to starboard and continue north along the Patchogue River, you will see the Pilots Point South Yard fuel dock to starboard, followed by row upon row of slips.

As the channel turns abruptly east at the town landing, you will see Harry’s Marine to port followed by the Duck Island Yacht Club. To starboard will be Pilots Point East Yard. A bit farther along the channel is Westbrook Marine Center and the Singing Bridge. Only smaller powerboats can pass beyond this point.

Of course, exploring the coastal rivers in a kayak, dinghy, or paddleboard can be quite rewarding in terms of natural beauty. Both the Menunketesuck and the Patchogue wind through miles of beautiful tidal marsh teeming with birds and other wildlife. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can rent one at Black Hall Outfitters or Wetmore’s Marina.