You're standing on the edge of the world in Montauk, looking out at the Atlantic, and you realize you can actually see another world just across the water. That's Block Island. But here is the thing: getting there isn't always as simple as just "hopping on a boat." If you’ve ever tried to book the Montauk Block Island ferry on a whim during a Saturday in July, you know exactly what I mean. It’s a logistical dance.
The Viking Fleet runs the show out of Montauk. They’ve been doing it forever. Honestly, if you aren't familiar with the "End of the World" vibes in Montauk, the ferry terminal can feel a bit chaotic. It's tucked away on West Lake Drive, surrounded by fishing boats and the smell of diesel and salt air. It’s authentic. It’s not a polished, corporate cruise terminal. It’s a working harbor.
Most people assume there are dozens of boats daily. There aren't. Depending on the time of year, you might only have one or two options. If you miss that morning departure, your day trip is basically toast.
The Reality of the Viking Fleet Experience
The primary vessel for this route is the Viking Superstar. It's a high-speed ferry, which is a bit of a lifesaver because the Montauk Shoals can get choppy. Really choppy. I’ve seen seasoned sailors look a little green when the swell picks up off Turtle Cove. The ride takes about an hour. That’s sixty minutes of pure ocean. Sometimes you’ll see whales; usually, you just see a lot of blue.
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The seating is functional. You've got an air-conditioned cabin downstairs and an upper deck for those who want the wind in their hair. Pro tip: if it’s a beautiful day, everyone crowds the top. If you want a bit of peace, stay below until you’re closer to Old Harbor.
One thing that trips people up is the pricing. It isn't cheap. You’re looking at roughly $80 to $100 for a round-trip adult ticket. Prices fluctuate, and they definitely don't get cheaper as the season peaks. You’re paying for the convenience of skipping the long drive to New London, Connecticut, which is the other major jumping-off point for the island.
Timing and the "Last Boat" Anxiety
The schedule is the heartbeat of your trip. Usually, the boat leaves Montauk around 10:00 AM and heads back from Block Island around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
That gives you about six hours on the island.
Is six hours enough? Sorta. It’s enough to grab a moped, hit the Mohegan Bluffs, eat a lobster roll, and get back to the docks. But you’ll be checking your watch the whole time. The "Last Boat" anxiety is real. If you miss the return Montauk Block Island ferry, you are staying the night. And finding a last-minute hotel room on Block Island in August? Good luck. You’ll be sleeping on a bench or paying $600 for a B&B that smells like Victorian lace and damp wood.
Why This Route is Different from New London or Point Judith
If you look at a map, Point Judith, Rhode Island, is actually the closest point to the island. That ferry is huge—it carries cars. The Montauk Block Island ferry does NOT carry cars. It is passenger-only. You can bring a bike for an extra fee (usually around $10), but your SUV is staying in the Montauk parking lot.
This changes the vibe of the trip. The people on the Montauk boat are usually day-trippers from the Hamptons or locals looking to escape the East End crowds. It feels a bit more "vacation-y" than the commuter-heavy Rhode Island routes.
- Montauk Route: Fast, passenger-only, leaves from a fishing village.
- Point Judith Route: Massive, carries cars, runs almost year-round.
- New London Route: The long haul, great if you’re coming from NYC by train.
The Viking Fleet operates seasonally. Don't show up in January expecting a boat. The season typically kicks off in late May (Memorial Day weekend) and wraps up in September or early October. In the "shoulder season," the boat might only run on weekends. Always, always check the Viking Fleet's official site or call their office before you drive out to the docks.
Surviving the Crossing: Rough Seas and Sunburn
Let’s talk about the water. The stretch of water between Montauk Point and Block Island is where the Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s called the "Race" for a reason—the currents are intense.
On a calm day, it’s like glass. On a windy day? The Viking Superstar earns its name. If you’re prone to seasickness, take the Dramamine an hour before you board. Once you start feeling the roll, it’s too late. The crew is great, but they can’t stop the ocean from doing ocean things.
Then there’s the sun. The reflection off the water is brutal. You’ll feel a nice cool breeze on the top deck and think you’re fine. You aren't. You're getting roasted. Wear a hat that won't blow away, because once a hat goes overboard on this ferry, it’s gone forever. The captain isn't stopping for a baseball cap.
What to Do Once You Dock at Old Harbor
The ferry drops you right in the heart of Old Harbor. It’s the quintessential New England postcard scene. You walk off the plank, and you’re immediately staring at the National Hotel with its long porch and yellow siding.
Most people immediately gravitate toward the moped rentals. Be careful. The roads on Block Island are narrow, winding, and often sandy. Every summer, there are "moped ghosts"—tourists covered in bandages because they wiped out on a turn near Southeast Light. If you aren't confident on two wheels, rent a bike or just walk.
- The Mohegan Bluffs: This is the non-negotiable spot. It's a short taxi or bike ride from the ferry. The stairs down to the beach are steep (about 140 steps), but the view from the top is world-class.
- The Mudslide Quest: It is a local tradition to get a Mudslide. The Oar is famous for them, but honestly, most spots in Old Harbor do a solid version. Just remember you have to get back on a moving boat later.
- Mansion Beach: If you want to skip the crowds at Ballard’s (which is right next to the ferry and usually packed with loud music), head north to Mansion Beach. It’s quieter and the water is stunning.
The Logistics Most People Ignore
Parking in Montauk is a secret headache. The Viking Fleet has its own parking lots, but they fill up fast. Sometimes you have to park in an overflow lot and take a shuttle. If you’re driving from further west on Long Island—say, Southampton or Westhampton—give yourself an extra 45 minutes for the "Montauk Trade Parade." That’s the single-lane traffic nightmare on Route 27 that happens every morning.
Also, pets. You can usually bring your dog on the Montauk Block Island ferry, but they have to be leashed or in a carrier. It’s actually a very dog-friendly trip, and Block Island itself is great for pups, provided they can handle a boat ride.
The ticket booth is a small wooden shack. You’ll see a line. If you’ve booked online (which you absolutely should do), you still usually need to check in and get your physical boarding pass. Don't just walk onto the boat because you have an email confirmation.
Is it Worth the Cost?
Honestly, yeah. If you’re already in Montauk, the price of the ferry is basically what you’d spend on a decent dinner at Navy Beach. For that price, you get an entire day in a place that feels 500 miles away from the Hamptons. Block Island has no chain stores. No Starbucks. No traffic lights. It’s a slower pace of life that justifies the ferry fare.
The demographic on the boat is a mix. You’ve got the hardcore fishers with their gear, the families with three coolers and a screaming toddler, and the day-tripping couples in linen outfits. It’s a cross-section of New York and New England summer life.
Navigating the Return Trip
The afternoon return trip is a different beast. Everyone is tired, slightly sunburned, and probably a little tipsy from those Mudslides. The mood is quieter.
As the boat pulls away from Old Harbor, look back at the North Light. It’s one of the best views of the trip. The sun starts to dip lower, and the light hitting the bluffs makes them look orange.
When you get back to Montauk, don't rush to your car immediately. The sun sets over Fort Pond Bay right near the docks. It’s worth hanging out for twenty minutes to watch the sky turn purple before you join the line of cars heading back toward the city.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make sure your trip doesn't turn into a logistical nightmare, follow these specific steps:
- Book 72 hours in advance: During July and August, the Montauk Block Island ferry sells out. Don't risk a "walk-up" unless it's a Tuesday in May.
- Check the Marine Forecast: Use an app like Windy or NOAA. If the "significant wave height" is over 4 feet, and you have a weak stomach, maybe push your trip to another day.
- Arrive 45 minutes early: This isn't an airport, but the parking and boarding process takes longer than you think. If the boat is scheduled for 10:00, they start pulling the ramp at 9:55.
- Pack light but smart: Bring a sweatshirt. Even if it's 85 degrees in Montauk, the wind chill on the open water at 20 knots is real.
- Cash is king: While the Viking Fleet takes cards, some of the smaller stands and bike rentals on the island appreciate cash, and the ferry's onboard snack bar can be finicky with Wi-Fi for card transactions.
Take the trip. It’s one of those rare East Coast experiences that still feels a bit rugged and adventurous. Just don't forget your sunscreen and keep an eye on that departure clock.