Ballard's Marina


Dock
$4/ft - $12/ft

Mooring
Not Offered

Day Trip
Offered
42 Water Street
Block Island, RI 02807
Check-in after 01:00 PM
Check-out before 11:00 AM
VHF 10

Book faster with the free Dockwa app

40 Reviews

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 Roger B. - Verified user on Aug 14, 2023
We never left it was quiet great place to escape the crowds

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!

by Thomas L. on Jul 29, 2021
If I could put zero starts I would. We will never return to this marina (if you can call it that). The dockhands don't have a clue, there are no facilities, and the owners are non-existent. Calling ahead to make sure they are expecting you is a waste of time. Telling them your length and beam is also a waste as they will be surprised when you arrive and try to tie you up to anything they can. If you need to stay in Old Harbor on a dock, do yourself a favor and stay at the town dock. You'll be rafted up, but at least you will be away from the ferry and the infamous underwater hazards that everyone hits at low tide. Avoid this marina at all costs.
Marina Response:
We are under new management

by Ari P. - Verified user on Jul 21, 2021
Will never stay here again. Called in advance an left message for dockmaster informing time of arrival. We arrived on time and Radioed channel 69. No answer and no idea where to dock. Called dock-master, Ethan, 10 times. He answered on last call and finally came out. He says his radio is broken. I told Ethan my beam was 12’ and he directed us to aft in between 2 narrow pilings. Both rub rails were contacting the pilings and he still kept insisting it was fine and was trying to fit fenders in between but it was impossible. There were other wider spots available and finally he agreed we could move. He told us he’d be around to help us off when we were ready to leave, but of course he was not.
Marina Response:
Hi Ari We are under new management now

by Kerri L. on Jun 27, 2021
Even though I had booked this reservation with plenty of notice and my husband had confirmed the details a couple days in advance, there was not a suitable place to dock our 44ft boat. Additionally, the dockhands directed us to a spot where we hit a rock, and it damaged our props. I had told the dockhands that the water was not deep enough, and they assured us it was. They wanted to put our 44 ft boat in front of another boat with 12 feet of dock space available. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I’m livid. We had just spread my mom and grandmother’s ashes at sea and had 14 people aboard that we needed to get to shore. After a beautiful emotional ceremony, all we wanted to do was spend the day on the island with our loved ones. Instead, the only thing we will be spending is a grand or so on having our props fixed. I contacted the marina via messaging through Dockwa where I asked for a refund and asked them to call my husband. They issued the refund, but have yet to contact us to even attempt to rectify this situation.
Marina Response:
We are under new management

by Lewis L. - Verified user on Aug 27, 2020
While the service was good, the docking situation was not. Came in on a 70' m/y and despite having a reservation they only had about 20' of dock for us to tie up to so they wanted to tie us to some rocks... Power didn't work so we had to run the gens all night and fresh water didn't work in the slip so we had to disrupt another boat to borrow the hook up for a while.

by Karen & DAVE S. - Verified user on Aug 21, 2020
Great way to spend our Anniversary! Wonderful time!

by Tim H. - Verified user on Aug 20, 2020
This is not a marina it is a dock in a ferry port behind a bike rental shop. The dock master is a nice guy and try’s to help but it is what it is.
Marina Response:
We are under new management.

by Edwin L. - Verified user on Jul 23, 2020
Very convenient location. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay there again.

by Sean L. - Verified user on Jul 22, 2020
Our first and last time staying at this dock. Made arrangements to stay at Ballards for our 15 year anniversary months in advance to stay for three nights. Called two weeks prior to our stay due to confirm our reservation and that amenities would be included for showers and bathrooms due to the reviews on Dockwa and was promised 100% that everything was in place. We arrived for our stay and nothing was available, no bathrooms, no showers and no one at the dock to speak to for the entire stay. Emailed someone thru the Dockwa app and was contacted on the second day of our stay and told to use the public bathrooms (which are not open 24 hours a day) and also told to use the public pay showers at Fred Benson town beach which is a few miles from the dock (also only open during the day). Forced to rent a car for $300 to get to the showers, and during an emergency situation when the public bathrooms were closed I had to “tip” the town dock person $40 for use of the private bathroom. After sending another email complaint considering I paid almost $600 for three nights plus $300 for a rental car, I was told I could either get a free stay for a “few days” sometime again this summer or half my money back. We are at the end of July and so far no refund, no phone calls, and no free stays. Go elsewhere.

by William M. - Verified user on Jun 24, 2020
Dockhand Owen was quick to help and friendly. Stay was good. Too bad Raymond closed the showers all over the state, no too smart. AC outlet was damaged and shutoff several times before we switched to a different outlet.

by Jim B. - Verified user on Jun 15, 2020
No dock space Did not fill Reservation No power No dock master

by Jim B. - Verified user on Sep 03, 2019
the staff was freindly and we had agreat time!

by Vernon S. - Verified user on Jul 31, 2019
Dock master (Owen) absolutely great. No amenities other than water and electric.

by Arthur A. - Verified user on Jul 08, 2019
Love this little marina. Dockmaster Owen couldn’t do enough for us. I love this marina
View all on Marinas.com

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.


Services

  • Water Hookup
  • Electrical

Amenities

  • Pumpout
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Ice
  • Hotel/Lodging
  • Restaurant
  • Floating Docks
  • Medical Facilities w/in 5 Miles

Info


Photos

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