Getting There

Charts: NOAA 13226, 13221

Tiverton Chart

Boaters approaching Tiverton and Portsmouth from the south via the Sakonnet River will find the main channel well marked. Pass on either side of Gould Island (a foul-smelling cormorant rookery), but keep clear of the big rock on the west side of the island if you choose this route. Also, be aware that the current flowing between the Stone Bridge jetties as you approach the “basin” between Tiverton and Portsmouth can be quite swift, especially at peak tide. Boat traffic through this passage can be substantial in summer. Sailors may need to use auxiliary power at this point. Boaters must observe a strictly enforced 5 mph no-wake zone from the red/green can south of the Stone Bridge north to the green can C “17″ opposite the Boat House restaurant.

When approaching from points west through Mount Hope Bay, boaters can follow the deep and well-marked channel past Common Fence Point before turning south toward the Sakonnet River/Rt. 24 bridge and the “basin.” The channel from Fall River and points north is wide and deep, and free of obstructions. Be sure to keep C “17” to starboard when approaching the Rt. 24 bridge, as the water shallows rapidly at this spot. Again, be aware that the current can steam through the narrows directly below the bridge, especially at midtide. Sailors may need to use auxiliary power here.

Dockage, Moorings & Service:

  • Standish Boatyard (401-624-4075): Full-service marina offering fuel, slips, haulout, repair and more.
  • Riverside Marine (401-625-5181): Small, seasonal marina just north of the Rt. 24 bridge. Does not offer transient slips or moorings.
  • Tiverton Yacht Club (401-625-5745): This small, “family-oriented” club located next to Standish Boatyard just received approval to rebuild its clubhouse, which burned down in 2003. It offers sailing programs in the summer, as well as limited slips and moorings. Transient slips and moorings are sometimes available.
  • Don’s Marine (401-624-3464): Boat dealership located on Nannaquaket Pond. Outboard repair.

Anchorages:

  • Anchoring in the basin between Mount Hope Bay and the Stone Bridge jetties is prohibited. However, a protected anchorage in 3′ to 4′ of water is located inside “The Cove,” on the Portsmouth side of the basin. To access this anchorage you must pass below a fixed bridge with a clearance of 25′. A good spot to drop the hook is the south side of Spectacle Island, where visitors are welcome to go ashore.
  • It is also possible to anchor in the Sakonnet River south of the Stone Bridge jetties. The area just north of Fogland Point offers good holding ground and protection from southerly winds, although it’s a long dinghy ride from the Tiverton waterfront.
  • While there is no public landing in Tiverton, boaters can make landfall at Grinnell’s Beach during the day, or at Standish Boatyard or the Tiverton Yacht Club if space is available. Call ahead.

Launch Ramps:

  • The public ramp at the base of the Sakonnet River/Rt. 24 bridge is currently closed due to construction. The nearest ramps are located in Portsmouth (Aquidneck Island), and in Bristol, at the Mount Hope Bay Fishing Area. A new public ramp with ample parking should be available at the base of the Rt. 24 bridge in 2013.
  • Kayakers and windsurfers can launch at Grinnell’s Beach, next to the Stone Bridge. Parking is available (fee charged).
  • Kayakers, windsurfers and kiteboarders can launch at Fogland Point to the south, which offers a gravel beach, parking (small fee required) and access to the Sakonnet River. There is a small concrete ramp at the base of the Fogland Point (on Fogland Road) where small trailerboats and PWCs can launch at high tide. Parking is available at the Fogland Beach lot.

Harbormaster:

Boat & Kayak Rental:

Getting Around:

  • Yellow Cab (401-674-3000)

Provisions:

  • No information available.

Where to Eat:

  • Evelyn’s Drive In (401-624-3100): Located off Main Road (Rt. 77) on Nannaquaket Pond, Evelyn’s is a low-key, seasonal restaurant offering dock-and-dine for small vessels and seafood, fried and grilled fare. If arriving by boat, note that the bridge spanning the inlet to Nannaquaket Pond has a clearance of 12 feet, and that the depth inside the pond is only 1 to 3 feet at low tide.
  • The Boat House (401-624-6300): Upper-scale restaurant located just north of the Rt. 24 bridge. Offers excellent views of Mount Hope Bay, as well as outdoor seating and access to a nearby state-maintained public dock.
  • Coastal Roasters (401-624-2343): Great place to grab a coffee and a pastry. Located at the southern end of town.
  • Helger’s (401-625-1982): Fried food and ice cream on Main Road.
  • Black Goose Café (401-816-0882): Located at the head of Nanaquaket Pond, the Black Goose serves award-winning sandwiches (including a breakfast panini), as well as other breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

Things to See & Do:

  • Chase Corey House (401-624-4013 or 401-624-8881): Located at 3908 Main Rd. at Tiverton Four Corners Historic District. This gambrel-roofed building is owned by the Tiverton Historical Society, and offers special exhibits throughout the season. Open May-Sept., Sunday 2:00-4:30 p.m., and by appointment.
  • Fort Barton: Located on Highland Road, the fort is an original redoubt built during the American Revolution. It was the troop-staging area for the invasion of Aquidneck Island and Newport and the eventual Battle of Rhode Island. Features an observation tower and 3 miles of trail walks. Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
  • Reucker Wildlife Refuge (401-949-5454): Seapowet Avenue. This Audubon Society of Rhode Island sanctuary comprises 48 acres and 1.5-mile trails that wind through woodland, meadow and salt marsh. Open daily, dawn to dark.
  • Fogland Beach: Fogland Beach Road, South Tiverton. Bathing beach with lifeguards. Offers toilets, picnic tables and parking (fee required). Fogland Beach provides an excellent windsurf- and kayak-launching area. The cove area north of the beach is convenient for nature study and a protected anchorage. Amenities include changing rooms, showers, and a playground.
  • Grinnell’s Beach: Main Road, Stone Bridge area. Beach with lifeguards.  Offers toilets, picnic tables and  parking (fee required).

Where to Stay:

  • Bonniebield Cottage (401-624-6364): Small rental cottage south of town.
  • Ferolbink Farms (401-624-4107): Old Victorian house in the middle of a working farm. Four bedrooms, one suite with private bath. Tennis court. Beaches and horseback riding nearby.

General Information: