Newport, Rhode Island Boating Guide

If you have been looking for the quintessential New England seaside town, then Newport, Rhode Island could be the perfect place. With its stunning beaches and cliffs, historic structures, incredible cuisine, varied water activities, well-appointed marinas, and storied maritime tradition, Newport regularly captures the hearts of travelers who love history and culture as much as they love the sea. It's the perfect place to rent or charter a boat, as there is a rich boating culture and plenty of boat rentals available for enthusiasts of all kinds.

Boating in Newport

Newport, Rhode Island is a picturesque town perched on the southern side of Aquidneck Island and is the darling of boaters from all over the world. What this seaside city lacks in size, it makes up for in history, maritime tradition, delicious New England cuisine, gorgeous beaches and cliffs, numerous varieties of water activities, and a sizeable collection of well-equipped marinas. Newport offers so many different experiences and diversions that there is sure to be plenty to keep any boater occupied and eagerly anticipating a return visit.

Where to go by boat in Newport, Rhode Island

Despite being a small city in a tiny state, there are still lots of cool places to check out in Newport, especially if you rent a boat. Here are some of the top boating destinations not far from Newport in Rhode Island that you can cruise to on a boat tour, charter, or rental.

Block Island

While you can take a 30-minute ferry ride from Newport to Block Island, cruising here on your own boat rental or charter will give you more freedom to see different angles of Block Island and access hidden beaches and coves with ease. It's a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities, including sailing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.

Point Judith Lighthouse

Another top tourist spot to see when visiting Newport is the Point Judith Lighthouse. It's a small village on a cape of Narragansett, a short boat ride away from the harbors and marinas of Newport. It's an iconic spot to cruise by and take pictures of during a boat tour from Newport and is easy to reach on a boat rental or sailing charter.

The Breakers

This stunning Vanderbilt Mansion is a must-see on a trip to Newport. First constructed in 1895, it's a breathtaking estate that attracts more visitors than any other tourist site in Rhode Island. Cruise to a nearby marina and dock your boat rental to get off for a tour of the Breakers. It will give you a glimpse into the history of Rhode Island and the wealthy figures that helped to build up the state.

Fort Getty Park

Another historical site in Rhode Island accessible by boat is Fort Getty Park in Jamestown. You can cruise here on your boat rental from Newport and explore this old military fort and enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and being outdoors in nature on the Narragansett Bay.

Scarborough State Beach

For boaters looking to enjoy a beach day during their stay in Newport, Scarborough State Beach is a fantastic destination. Cruise here and dock your boat to enjoy a day sunbathing in the sand, have a picnic, or watch the sunset from the beach during your visit. It's a state park with plenty of amenities, including showers, bathrooms, and a snack bar during the summer.

Types of Boats to Rent in Newport

As home to several U.S. Navy institutions and a lively commercial fishing industry, Newport’s status as a maritime cannot be denied. As the former home of the famed America’s Cup sailing race, Newport has also certainly earned its nickname as the “sailing capital of the world.” Sailboats come from all over the world to explore and compete in Newport, creating a strong sailing culture in the city.

To partake in these exciting cultural activities, rent a sailboat or book a sailing charter in Newport, Rhode Island. Sailing is a fabulous activity to enjoy with kids in Newport, they will love cruising through the waves and learning some sailing tricks from your skipper. You can even book a sailing lesson in Newport if you want to pick up some skills during your visit, sure to be an experience you'll never forget.

Prefer to cruise faster while in Newport? Rent a speedboat and enjoy a faster pace, and bring along equipment for watersports.

Fishing charters in Newport will lead anglers on an adventure to catching fish like bluefish, striped bass, and flounder. Rent a fishing boat or book a guided tour to go deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic or waterways around Newport, Rhode Island.

Fitness-focused travelers visiting Newport will be pleased to learn that there are many water activities that will enable them to get a workout while sightseeing. Stand-up paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, and canoe rentals in Newport, Rhode Island, are all great choices for exercise while exploring the seaside city.

Experience the Nautical Charm of New England in Newport

In addition to all the opportunities for renting or chartering a boat in Newport, there are major boating events that take place here annually. The Newport International Boat Show and major sailing regattas attract visitors here from all over, coming to thrive in the maritime culture of the east coast.

Newport’s signature blend of New England's coastal beauty and culture has proved a potent combination for luring the rich and famous to its shores for centuries. But while many of the towering residences of the wealthy still stand, a stay in Newport is no longer solely attainable by the wealthy.

Whether you are a boater searching out the historic heart of America along the Atlantic Coast if you want a family-friendly vacation with plenty of water activities for every age and interest, you are sure to enjoy your stay in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island.

Booking a boat rental or water experience in Newport will help you get a true sense of the spirit and culture of this iconic New England town and will allow you the chance to actively enjoy some of the best parts of Newport – its natural beauty, deep waters, and lively winds. Whether you enjoy the classic sailing experience, the thrill of driving a speedboat, fishing, the sensation of paddling through the water, or learning a new way to enjoy the sea, there are water activities in Newport that are certain to appeal to you.

Want to rent or charter a boat in Newport, Rhode Island? Download the Getmyboat mobile app and search through your options in this beautiful coastal gem of the East Coast.