On Rhode Island’s southwestern edge, Westerly sits within easy reach of quiet coves, offshore islands and classic New England harbors—an ideal base for curated boat days and short ferry hops that feel both effortless and elevated.
Whether you’re seeking a private day on the water with a capable bow-rider or a quick scenic ferry to a tidal island, the stretch of coastline near Westerly links to operators offering everything from half-day rentals to 15–20 minute island shuttles. These options suit travelers who want active outdoor time without committing to a long passage: think sunrise cruises, afternoon swims, and short hops that let you step ashore and explore.
This collection highlights practical choices for a luxury-minded coastal itinerary: a private 21' Bayliner for a full day of watersports and cruising, plus a set of short, reliable ferries that serve island landings in nearby Connecticut waters. Each listing preserves operator details and direct booking links so you can plan a seamless, elevated seaside escape.
The six experiences at a glance
| Experience | Format | Duration | Strongest fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21' BaylinerPrivate bow-rider for full- or half-day outings | Private boat rental | Half Day (4 hrs) • Full Day (8 hrs) | A private day on the water for waterskiing, tubing or coastal cruising |
| Stony Creek → Jepson IslandQuick island ferry | Scheduled ferry crossing | Approx. 15–20 minutes | A short scenic hop to a small island outing |
| Lewis Island → Stony CreekScenic island shuttle | Scheduled ferry crossing | Approx. 15–20 minutes | Easy island access for a half-day exploration |
| Wheeler Island → Stony CreekIsland connection with coastal views | Scheduled ferry crossing | Approx. 15–20 minutes | Short trips for families and quick nature walks |
| Stony Creek → Wheeler IslandReturn ferry route | Scheduled ferry crossing | Approx. 15–20 minutes | Pair with on-island exploration or picnic stops |
01 · Best private day on the water
21' Bayliner — full-day coastal cruising and watersports
For travelers seeking an elevated private day on the water, the 21' Bayliner at Uihlein's Marina is a versatile choice. The bow-rider design and deep-V hull make it equally at home pulling a skier or providing a stable platform for coastal cruising. Operators list clearly defined half-day and full-day options—half days run four hours, full days eight—so you can match time on the water to tides, light and appetite for activity. The craft’s acceleration and layout favor watersports and open-water exploration; it also seats up to a dozen for a convivial family or friend outing.
Rates and operator notes are transparent: morning and afternoon half-day tiers and an option for a full day. Captains are available by request for smaller charter groups (operators note a licensed captain rate), which simplifies logistics if you prefer a guided, hands-off experience. Use this rental for a luxury-minded day trip that keeps you in control of the itinerary—swim stops, coastal vantage points and watersport sessions all become part of a single, bespoke day.
View the full experience details02 · Quick scenic hop
Stony Creek → Jepson Island — a short island shuttle
If your Westerly base calls for a short, restorative island outing, the Stony Creek to Jepson Island run is exactly that: a 15–20 minute crossing that puts you ashore quickly so you can walk, picnic or take in coastal scenery. These scheduled ferry services are simple by design—tickets are issued via confirmation email and the short duration makes them well-suited to half-day schedules or as part of a multi-stop coastal day.
For travelers seeking short excursions without a long transit, these ferries are practical: they require minimal planning, are accessible for all ages and pair well with nearby shoreline hikes or waterside dining. Use them to convert a morning in Westerly into an afternoon exploring small-island terrain a short ride away.
View the full experience details03 · Island access for explorers
Lewis Island → Stony Creek — short crossings, big views
The Lewis Island to Stony Creek crossing is one of several concise ferry options that let you step onto a small island without committing to a long day of travel. Operators note a short duration—about 15–20 minutes—making the ferry an efficient connector for brief explorations, wildlife watching or a secluded picnic. For visitors based in Westerly, these runs open up a wider coastal circuit when paired with a private car or a staged boat rental.
At modest starting price points, these ferries are approachable for day trippers. They function as practical building blocks for a luxury day: a private morning cruise from a local marina, an island walk, then a waterside lunch before returning to the mainland. Small islands reward slow exploration; a short ferry makes that possible within a single afternoon.
View the full experience details04 · Family-friendly island runs
Wheeler Island → Stony Creek — short ferry with natural appeal
Wheeler Island’s ferry connection to Stony Creek is tailored to visitors who want a brief, nature-forward outing. The short crossing minimizes time in transit and maximizes time on shore: ideal for families, photographers and anyone wanting a measured dose of coastal solitude. The straightforward logistics—ticketing through confirmation emails and predictable crossing times—make these runs easy to fold into a luxury seaside itinerary.
For travelers from Westerly, pairing a scheduled ferry with a private or rented craft earlier or later in the day amplifies flexibility. Start with a sunrise cruise, disembark for a shoreline walk, then return for a calm afternoon sail. These short ferries are low-friction ways to access island terrain without long commitments.
View the full experience details05 · Return routes and short excursions
Stony Creek → Wheeler Island — pairable ferry routes
The Stony Creek to Wheeler Island service mirrors other short crossings in the region: fast, scenic and designed for easy island access. These crossings work well as single-purpose outings—arrive, explore and return—or as components of an extended day that includes a private rental for additional shoreline cruising. The predictable travel time and simple ticketing help keep the day moving smoothly.
Practical travelers will appreciate the ability to combine scheduled ferries with private rentals and shore-based dining. If you value short transit times and a focus on on-island experiences—beach walks, birdwatching, a quiet lunch—this run is a reliable building block. Keep return schedules in mind when planning late-afternoon activities to avoid an unexpected overnight.
View the full experience detailsHow to choose
Match the trip to the story you want from the destination
Decide whether you want a private day on the water or a short island hop, then match time, group size and activity focus to the best option below.
Before you go
Four practical planning checks
Short ferries often have limited capacity; reserve tickets online so your preferred crossing and timing are secured.
Choose a private rental for watersports and long cruising, and a scheduled ferry for quick island access and shore time.
Bring layered windproof clothing, sun protection and a small dry bag—coastal weather can shift quickly, even on short crossings.
If you prefer a captained private rental, verify their availability and any hourly rate before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a luxury experience
Can I book a captain with the private Bayliner?+
Yes. Captains are available upon request; operators note a licensed captain rate and capacity restrictions—confirm availability directly with the provider.
How long are the island ferry crossings?+
Most scheduled island ferries listed run approximately 15–20 minutes, making them quick options for half-day or afternoon trips.
Are ferry tickets delivered electronically?+
Yes. Ticket confirmation and boarding instructions are provided via email after booking for the listed ferry operators.
How this guide was prepared
The Adventure Collective compiled operator-provided listings and booking links for coastal ferries and private rentals relevant to travelers based in Westerly, RI. We verified durations, capacities and availability notes supplied by operators at time of publication and prioritized short, scenic crossings and private craft suited for elevated day trips.
Westerly makes a quiet, convenient launching point for coastal adventures: with the right combinations of private rental and short scheduled ferries you can design a luxury day that balances active time on the water with easy island access.
Use this guide to match the trip length, group size and desired experience—whether that’s an all-day private cruise or a handful of breezy island hops—then follow operator booking links to confirm the details and secure your spot.