42 Water Street
Block Island, RI 02807
Dock
$4/ft - $12/ft
Mooring
Not Offered
Day Trip
Offered
53 Reviews
by steven s. - Verified user on Oct 06, 2024
No water. No restrooms no showers
by Richard J. - Verified user on Sep 03, 2024
Nice in town location. Floating dock is a game changer. Good power and water. Dock master very responsive.
by Christopher M. - Verified user on Sep 03, 2024
The marina manager, John, was an absolute pleasure to deal with. He answered all of my questions before booking and even took the initiative to text me the morning of and check in several times during our voyage to Block. The communication was phenomenal and his offers of assistance when we threw a check engine code or even when he answered my call at the grocery store and offered to pick up anything we needed, did not go unnoticed. The marina is basic, but if you come prepared with extra fenders, lines, and are self sufficient, the location cannot be beat.
by Joseph L. on Aug 29, 2024
Just returned from the best marina experience ever at Block Island. John (dockmaster), and Paul (owner) are attentive & service minded-- thank you! I have never had such a warm reception nor more help in getting in and out of a slip.
Docks are A+ composite and floating (yes, floating on Block Island is possible) Mediterranean style, electricity is modern and pentiful, fresh water on the dock. As for location behind the bike shop (as one reviewer wrote), it is accurate, however, consider that this is the *Old* Harbor. Very congested area, right in the middle of town. Super convenient!!! Internet is available from your mobile provider and plan to use your boat's bathroom. Cell sites serve this area very well.
Beaches are right there, maybe 100 yards away. Ice cream shops, restaurants etc. just a short walk. And a mowed park to walk your dog is just across the street.
Best stay we have ever had at Block Island. Highly recommend.
by Diane L. - Verified user on Aug 28, 2024
Great service and quiet during the week.
by Neil R. - Verified user on Aug 26, 2024
Ballards Marina is not a "marina", by definition...but rather an approx 100 foot dock, accessed by a ramp, which is found in the back of an extremely unpleasant, unkempt yard of a bicycle rental enterprise.
Ballards, itself, does not offer any of the ameneties listed on the Dockwa platform nor Marinas.com. Instead, all ameneties are offered off-site by unrelated businesses or in public buildings.
The ameneties they claim they offer include:
1. "pump out" -- this is accessed by contacting the town dockmaster, who will come with a boat.
2. "showers" -- when asked where the showers were, we were directed to "Ballards Beach Hotel" (no relation to the marina)...but when we asked the Hotel about showers, the Hotel said there are no showers available for public use.
3. "restrooms" -- we were told to use the toilets in the Public Ferry Building.
4. "laundry" -- we were instructed to use the laundramat in town.
5. "ice" -- we were told to use the ice machine at Ballards Hotel.
6. "hotel/restaurant" -- not that we needed these, but there is no hotel and/or restaurant associated with the marina
Simply put, there were absolutely NO ameneties listed above that Ballards Marina owns, maintains or controls. Ballards is essentially a tiny dock with no privately owned ameneties, as you would typically find in a full-service marina -- particularly at this price point, which would be commensuarate with full-service, full-amenity marinas.
The only reason I can give Ballards even 1 star, is because "John", the dock hand, was very available, accomodating, and pleasant to deal with.
by Roger B. - Verified user on Aug 15, 2024
We stayed extra day Paul and John great people we will be back 👍
by Gus P. - Verified user on Aug 05, 2024
John and Paul were great.
by Scott p. - Verified user on Jul 29, 2024
Nice quiet little marina. John H was extremely helpful with docking and all other needs. Can’t wait to visit again. Thank you
by Mark - Verified user on Jul 18, 2024
I never made it there due to boat trouble. Gave em five stars because they were very understanding.
by Dean C. - Verified user on Jul 12, 2024
Dock Master Jon was a superstar...
by Sean O. - Verified user on Jul 08, 2024
Great stay! You couldn't find a more accommodating Marina. John and Paul you guys were awesome !!
Capt. Sean
by Michael C. - Verified user on Jul 07, 2024
Great people, great time!
by Zachary S. - Verified user on Jun 21, 2024
Paul and team are the best! Easy to find and very helpful at the dock. Every time I pull up someone is always there to grab my lines.
by Tom H. - Verified user on Sep 14, 2023
First, it was a simple point and click to make the reservation. Ballards sent us a confirmation then an email and text reminder the day before with arrival instructions (nice not to have to search everywhere for them). As we pulled in, Paul was there with a big smile and an out-stretched hand for our lines. Had us secured for the night in about 10 seconds. After a 5 hour journey from Maine, this is exactly what we wanted and needed; no drama, no reservation inquisitions, just a 'come on in' and 'you're good'.
by Paul M. - Verified user on Sep 04, 2023
stern in with pilings on the sides. docks are very squeeky. path from the marina to the street is gravel/weeds. dock hand was courteous and helpful.
by Michael N. - Verified user on Aug 13, 2023
I've been going to Ballard's Marina for years and it never disappoints. It's the hidden gem of Block Island. Paul was very helpful and accomodating. I highly recommend!
by Steven A. - Verified user on Aug 07, 2023
Great little marina, right in the heart of old harbor. Restaurants, bars and activities are all just a short walk away. I will definitely return, I had always previously stayed in New Harbor but my wife and I are now sold on staying at Ballard's in Old Harbor going forward.
by maria m. on Jul 26, 2023
Great marina. Quiet, no foot traffic on the dock. Paul was there to help us dock and checked in every morning and again in the evening. He made everyone feel very welcome. Great small marina right in the heart of Old Harbor. We still definitely be back
by kevin a. - Verified user on Jul 23, 2023
Thanks great weekend.
by Peter G. - Verified user on Jul 10, 2023
Super friendly and accommodating.
Paul was awesome.
by Sean S. - Verified user on Aug 05, 2022
Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Kerry B. - Verified user on Jul 21, 2022
It is the Perfect location!
by Jeff B. - Verified user on Sep 15, 2021
Marina was conveniently located to town. Slip assignment could of been more as requested.
by Cary - Verified user on Aug 10, 2021
We had a great stay at Ballards. I was hesitant after reading the reviews here but we arrived were promptly met by the dock hand who helped us get into the slip. There wasn’t any rafting up as some indicated in other reviews. Would definitely stay again!
About Ballard's Marina
Block Island's Best Kept Secret! We are the only marina conveniently located in Old Harbor that offers Mediterranean style floating dockage and that takes reservations. Enjoy the advantage of our floating docks and direct access to town. Our quiet little marina is just steps away from Block Island's best restaurants, shopping, and beaches. If you're looking to tie up for a few hours, please call the marina for rates. Reserve your slip today!
Booking Info
There is $250 Minimum Nightly Rate.