Discover the hidden coastal treasure of Block Island, just off Rhode Island’s shore. This day trip immerses you in rugged bluffs, historic lighthouses, and serene beaches that have charmed presidents and travelers alike.
Discover the hidden coastal treasure of Block Island, just off Rhode Island’s shore. This day trip immerses you in rugged bluffs, historic lighthouses, and serene beaches that have charmed presidents and travelers alike.
Book with Experience Rhode Island Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Experience Rhode Island Tours · Warwick, Rhode Island
Just twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island sits as a steadfast sentinel in the Atlantic, offering visitors a rare glimpse into one of the Western Hemisphere’s most cherished natural environments. Revered by the Nature Conservancy as “one of the last great places,” this island is a compelling escape with its rugged bluffs, historic lighthouses, calm beaches, and peaceful walking trails. Whether you’re drawn by the serene pace or the island’s rich history, a day trip to Block Island reveals why it has captured the hearts of four U.S. presidents and earned the nickname "the Bermuda of the North."
Departing from Warwick’s Crowne Plaza, this all-day tour includes a scenic ferry ride across shimmering waters that set the tone for a day filled with exploration and rejuvenation. Block Island’s coastline is defined by dramatic bluffs composed primarily of sandstone and clay, carved by relentless ocean winds and tides, creating panoramic vistas where the Atlantic’s blue meets the green island foliage. Walkers can enjoy miles of well-maintained trails that wind through open fields, maritime forests, and past preserved farmland—scenes that showcase the island’s varied ecosystems and abundant migratory birds.
An iconic feature of Block Island is its twin lighthouses: the Southeast Lighthouse, perched high on Mohegan Bluffs, offers sweeping views and a glimpse into 19th-century maritime navigation, while the North Lighthouse guides boats safely through often-foggy waters. The island’s beaches—like Mansion Beach and Crescent Beach—offer quiet stretches of sand perfect for rest or tidal exploration. Local lore and historical markers around the island tell stories from Native American heritage to maritime tales that shaped New England’s coast.
This tour represents more than a day of sightseeing; it’s an embrace of Rhode Island’s maritime culture wrapped in natural beauty and quiet vitality. The group size is limited to ensure a personal exploration experience, and the trip includes the ferry ticket, making the logistics seamless for visitors. Travelers looking for a getaway from city bustle or a gentle yet captivating outdoor adventure will find this tour a perfect fit.
With its blend of striking landscapes, historical depth, and unforgettable seaside tranquility, Block Island remains a standout destination on the northeastern seaboard. Whether it’s the island’s geology, wildlife, or serene pace that appeals, visitors depart with lasting memories of this Atlantic haven.
easy.
9 hours (9:00am–6:45pm).
Moderate fitness for walking trails and some bluff climbs; suitable for most visitors able to walk several miles.
The tour includes a ferry ticket departing from Warwick at 9:00am and returning at 6:45pm.
While there is no specified minimum age, the walking and ferry ride are manageable for most children supervised by adults.
Expect to see seabirds like ospreys and migrating shorebirds, as well as occasional small mammals.
Meals are not included; visitors should plan to bring snacks or purchase locally on the island.
This is a guided day trip, so independent exploration during the trip is limited to scheduled stops.
Yes, restrooms are available on the ferry and at key locations on Block Island.
Block Island’s lighthouse history dates back to the 1800s and played a crucial role in guiding vessels along the treacherous Atlantic coast.
The island prioritizes habitat preservation, with efforts to protect migratory birds and maintain walking trails that minimize ecological impact.
Experience Rhode Island Tours, based in Warwick, Rhode Island, operates curated day trips and experiences across Rhode Island, southern New England, and nearby New York destinations. The company offers ten distinct day trips that combine narrated tours, ferry transportation, guided driving routes, and included lunches on select itineraries. Signature outings include the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden day trip; Springtime in New England visits the region’s largest u-pick tulip farms with a lunch at the Coast Guard House; and the Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruise, a narrated sail past ten historic lighthouses and islands in Newport Harbor. Other options include Tanglewood and Shakespeare with a picnic and open-air performance; the Narragansett Bay and Newport Tour with ferry access and hop-on/hop-off time for independent sightseeing; and the Journey Through the Arts in Providence featuring the RISD Museum, the Steel Yard, and lunch at CAV. Historic and military-focused programs include Swan Point and North Burial Ground guided driving tours with a meal at Track 15, and A Military Experience highlighting museum collections and Battleship Cove with a riverside three-course lunch. Beautiful Block Island showcases beaches, trails, and lighthouses, while The Roger Williams Park Experience highlights New England’s zoo, a planetarium show, the glasshouse garden, Pleasure Lake rides, and park history. Each itinerary emphasizes local landmarks, cultural and natural highlights, and organized logistics for day-long outings from Warwick. Reservations are available for individuals and groups departing from Warwick, with clear itineraries and specified meeting locations for each scheduled trip seasonally.
Book with Experience Rhode Island Tours