Easy day trip from Montauk Yacht Club: Block Island by ferry
Yes — Montauk Yacht Club is a convenient base for a Block Island day trip. A seasonal fast passenger ferry departs Montauk Harbor and crosses to Block Island in about 1 hour 15 minutes, making a round-trip day excursion feasible when the ferry schedule matches your plans.
In this guide
Why Block Island from Montauk Yacht Club
Montauk Yacht Club sits on Lake Montauk with direct access to Montauk Harbor, so guests can reach the ferry departure area easily from the resort. The property offers concierge services that can help with ferry information and local directions.
The Montauk–Block Island fast ferry is seasonal; it runs weekends in late spring, daily in mid-summer, then reduces service into fall. Crossing time is about 1 hour 15 minutes each way, so plan on several hours on Block Island for walking, biking, or a short tour.
- Concierge can confirm current ferry schedules
- Marina and valet/parking options at Montauk Yacht Club make getting to the harbor straightforward
- Day trips require matching ferry departure/return times to avoid a rushed visit
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ferry operator | Seasonal passenger fast ferry (Viking Fleet listed in destination research) |
| Crossing time | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Schedule pattern | Weekends in late May/early June; daily mid-June to mid-September; reduced days into mid-October |
Getting to the Ferry from Montauk Yacht Club
Ask the concierge for the quickest route to the Montauk Harbor ferry dock; Montauk Yacht Club's location on Star Island keeps most harbor departures within a short drive or shuttle ride. The resort’s complimentary INEOS transport within the Water Club service area is drop-off only, so confirm whether it can take you near the harbor.
If you’re driving, allow extra time for parking and ticket lines at the ferry terminal. If you arrive by bike or on foot, check the ferry operator’s boarding rules for luggage or bike reservations.
- Confirm ferry boarding location and terminal with concierge the morning of travel
- Bring government-issued photo ID if required by the ferry operator
- Plan arrival 30–45 minutes before scheduled departure during busy summer weekends
| From Montauk Yacht Club | Practical note |
|---|---|
| Concierge assistance | Can confirm schedules and directions |
| On-site parking | Self-parking available at the resort; check harbor parking options separately |
| Resort transport | INEOS transport included with Water Club fee is drop-off only — verify availability |
How to Plan Your Block Island Day
Decide what you want to do on Block Island first: walking Old Harbor, renting a bike, or taking a short island tour will determine how much time you need. The ferry crossing plus on-island travel and a return trip commonly makes for a full-day outing.
Check the seasonal ferry timetable and match departures so you have several hours to explore. If you plan to rent bikes or take an island shuttle, reserve those in advance during peak season.
- Aim for at least 4–6 hours on Block Island to see key sights without rushing
- If renting bikes, reserve ahead in summer
- Bring sun protection and a light layer — island weather can change quickly
| Activity | Time recommended |
|---|---|
| Walk Old Harbor & shops | 1–2 hours |
| Bike rental & shore loop | 2–3 hours |
| Short sightseeing tour or beach stop | 1–2 hours |
What to Pack and Practical Tips
Bring a small daypack with water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Ferry lines and island paths can be windy, and shade is limited in some areas.
Pack minimal valuables and check the ferry operator’s luggage policy. If you plan to use Montauk Yacht Club facilities before or after your trip, keep a copy of your room key or confirmation; the front desk at Montauk Yacht Club can assist with luggage storage if needed.
- ID and ferry ticket/confirmation
- Cash or card for island rentals and food
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat
| On-island need | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Biking | Reserve a bike in advance in summer |
| Food | Pack snacks or check Old Harbor eateries; bring cash for smaller vendors |
| Connectivity | Cell signal can be spotty; download maps or directions before boarding |
Where to Eat Before or After Your Trip (Back at Montauk Yacht Club)
If you return to Montauk Yacht Club in time for dinner, Alba Spiaggia is the resort’s waterfront Italian restaurant serving seasonal fish, pastas, and wood-fired pizza; reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Alba Spiaggia serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with published hours and accepts reservations via Resy on a rolling two-week basis.
For a casual bite by the pool, The Pool Bar offers daytime bites and drinks with marina views, and Yachtys (the food truck on the Great Lawn) serves casual items like lobster rolls and burgers on Friday–Sunday.
- Alba Spiaggia: breakfast, lunch, dinner; reservations recommended
- The Pool Bar: poolside drinks and snacks; weekend live music in season
- Yachtys: casual food truck open Friday–Sunday near the family pool
| Venue | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| Alba Spiaggia | After returning for a relaxed waterfront dinner |
| The Pool Bar | Quick drinks or late-afternoon refreshments |
| Yachtys | Casual family-style lunch when open (Fri–Sun) |
Return Tips and Evening at Montauk Yacht Club
Confirm the ferry’s return schedule when you arrive on Block Island to avoid missing the last departures. Ferry frequencies drop outside peak summer dates, so leaving margin time is important.
Back at Montauk Yacht Club, you can relax by one of the pools, the private beach (open daily 9:00 AM–8:30 PM), or reserve spa services at the Cabana Spa by ELEMIS (reservations required). The resort’s front desk and concierge can help with late arrivals or coordinating dinner reservations.
- Check ferry return times before leaving Block Island
- Use the hotel's concierge to book spa treatments or dinner after your return
- Keep the Montauk Yacht Club front desk number handy: +1 (888) 605-1350 (BookResorts agents available 24/7)
| Resort resource | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Ferry info, dining reservations, activity bookings |
| Cabana Spa | Floating spa treatments — reserve in advance |
| Private beach & pools | Relax after the day trip (beach open 9:00 AM–8:30 PM) |
