If you haven’t taken the seasonal Providence to Newport Ferry – you should. Most Rhode Islanders will have never seen the spectacular water views of our coast, and for $24 roundtrip, it’s a reasonably priced way to enjoy our waters this summer.
Parking was free and easy, as was booking the ticket on my phone – all of two hours before boarding. Be ready to present your e-ticket via your phone or smart device.
Join us for some snapshots of this scenic tour of the bay, afforded by the Seastreak Ferry.
Waiting to board at the docks near India Point Park, I saw lots of people with suitcases wheeled around as well as bicyclists out for an adventure.
Get there early if you absolutely want a seat on the upper deck outdoors, but even with all the seats taken, there were some spots to sit where the lifejackets are stored. Standing along the railing was perfectly pleasant as well.
The comfortable lower deck.
Beer, wine, spirits, coffee, snacks – don't forget to tip! (The guy happened to be bending down when I took the photo. I would never yell “Barkeep, duck!” in a public space.)
Leaving Providence.
With all the bar and snack options, I’d almost say this would be a fun date idea but you better already like the person because the surging winds throughout the trip will leave your hair somewhat Bride of Frankenstein meets Something About Mary. Also, the engine/motor (thing that makes the boat work) is fairly loud, so be ready to project your voice to your companion or rely heavily on meaningful/smouldering glances.
Kettle Point – what a nice view these condos have!
The Squantum Association / Squantum Point.
The Mount Hope Bridge.
Passing under the Newport Bridge.
Arriving in Newport Harbor, roughly an hour trip.
Took two seconds to touch Newport before reboarding for the return to Providence.
A rainbow in our wake, and indeed, my journey was both lucky and full of charms.
Conimicut Light, built in 1883, a historic sparkplug lighthouse off Warwick.
Edging toward Edgewood.
ProvPort in action.
Back at Rhode Island’s capital. Talk about no traffic – this is the only way I want to travel now. To book your tickets, visit SeaStreak.com.
All photos courtesy of me, Michael McCann. I said, give the kid a break, and decided to let myself use my photos which are mine. (My phone nearly flew out of my hands and into the bay several times.)
