Viking Superstar Ferry to Block Island: Champlin's Marina in 75 Minutes

On a clear morning the Viking Superstar slips away from New London and makes the short, sharp crossing to Champlin's Marina on Block Island in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route — marketed here as Block Island to New London — is less a commute than an easy marine transfer that puts island time within reach for day trips or multi-day stays. Champlin's Marina sits on the sheltered edge of New Shoreham, Rhode Island (80 West Side Rd), where passengers step off into a compact seaside town with beaches, cliffs, and an offbeat coastal character. The vessel leans into comfortable travel: roomy indoor seating, open upper decks for wind-on-your-face views, and racks that welcome bicycles and surfboards. From the prow the coastline resolves into familiar Block Island landmarks — the reddish clay of the Mohegan Bluffs, the broad sweep of Crescent Beach, and the low shoulders of the Great Salt Pond — all carved from glacial till and marine sands that define the island’s dramatic shoreline. Watch for seals and sea birds on the approach; spring and fall are prime windows for migrating shorebirds. Why choose this crossing? It’s efficient: 75 minutes is shorter than planning a full driving-and-ferry day from much of mainland New England. It’s practical: you can load a bike for island exploration or a board for an ocean spin. And it’s connective: Champlin's Marina places you minutes from the village center, rental shops, and trailheads that climb to the island’s lighthouses and bluffs. Plan your time ashore around the island’s geology and ecology. Hike the bluff trails for panoramic views, walk the stone jetties at the marina, or pedal narrow roads that thread past stone walls and coastal scrub. Local history is visible in the lighthouses and in New Shoreham’s mercantile buildings; the island’s maritime economy stretches back centuries, reinforced today by tourism and conservation efforts to protect shorebird nests. Practical notes: book early in summer weekends; carry layers for channel wind; secure sun protection on bright days. This service is a straightforward way to swap cityscapes for coastal cliffs without a long commitment. For visitors who want a fast, scenic marine gateway to Block Island, Block Island to New London aboard the Viking Superstar is a compact passage that maximizes island time and minimizes hassle. At Champlin's Marina (80 West Side Rd) you can step ashore and find bike rentals, seasonal cafés, and short walks to ferry-friendly parking. If you plan an overnight, book lodging in New Shoreham early; summer fills fast. Keep tickets handy, check weather and ferry status before boarding, and aim for upper-deck seats for unobstructed views of the island approach. Bring a camera and binoculars for close marine encounters.