Island-Hopping by Boat: Destinations You Can Only Reach By Water 

When it comes time to plan a getaway, consider leaving the car in the garage and heading out in your trusty water vessel. From sailboats to speedboats, there are some impressive islands that are only accessible via boat. Plan a visit that is along a waterway and dock at a location that is likely less crowded than a destination on land.  

Throughout the United States, some beautiful destinations are only accessible by boat. Here are some examples for island-hopping by boat. 

New England/Northeastern States 

With real-life Norman Rockwell scenery, the Northeastern states provide beautiful backdrops to their boat-only islands. Here are a few to visit, perfect year-round.  

Block Island, Rhode Island 

‘Little Rhody’ might be the nation’s smallest state, but it is home to Block Island, a large vacation destination. Block Island’s main town is the smallest town within Rhode Island, garnering just 1,000 full-time residents. When summer rolls around, that number explodes, with up to 20,000 vacationers. Just 13 miles off the state’s coastline, there are two main harbors to dock at: New Harbor (a large marina) and Old Harbor (limited, first-come, first-served space). 

Block Island features two picturesque lighthouses and has dramatic clay cliffs overlooking the water.  For cliffside views, follow the hiking trail to Mohegan Bluffs, then take the stairs to reach the beach and soak up the stunning ocean views.  Rent a scooter or bike and explore the lighthouses, peruse the local stores in the Old Harbor Historic District, and partake in the fresh seafood served up in the island’s restaurants.  

Smith Island, Maryland 

The last inhabited offshore island, Smith Island, is made up of three communities: Ewell, Tylerton, and Rhodes Point. While Ewell and Rhodes Point are connected and accessible by walking, Tylerton is located on a separate island. The Pearl, a farmhouse that has been restored, provides a private dock for visitors. Explore the island and its communities with a rented bike or golf cart. After a mouth-watering fresh seafood meal, be sure to try the Smith Island Cake; the state’s official dessert, consisting of nine layers. 

 Prior to heading out to this island, be sure to check the current conditions, as tides and weather patterns heavily impact getting to and from the island.  

Peaks Island, Maine 

Located within the Casco Bay, just outside of Portland, Peaks Island serves up all the things vacationers enjoy:  ocean-view restaurants, B&Bs, and a grocery store. Tour around the island on a golf cart or bike, and take in the scenic views of the four-mile loop.  Explore the historic Battery Steele and the Fifth Maine Museum, or just spend time relaxing on the sandy beach.  

Docking can be done at the Peaks Island Marina, on the southwest side of the island. While transient rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, overnight and weeky rentals require a reservation. It’s also important to keep in mind 2that there is a waiting list for seasonal docking.  

The South  

Known for its unsurpassed beauty and widespread southern hospitality, there is a large variety of islands in the south that are accessible only by boat or ferry. Here are a select few of island-hopping destinations.  

Cumberland Island, GA 

Cumberland Island provides more than 9,800 acres of wilderness.  Walk through pristine maritime forests, wide marshes, and undeveloped beaches. View the island’s wild horses from a distance or take a guided 30-mile van tour and learn about the history of the island. Camping is also permitted, provided a permit has been purchased.  

A few rules: 

• All private docking locations are first-come, first-served.  

• Boats must be under 25 feet in length.  

• Day use only, no overnight docking allowed. (open sunrise to sunset) 

• Be aware of tide changes and oyster beds 

• Full guidelines can be found here 

Daufuskie Island, SC 

In the heart of the Lowcountry is Daufuskie Island, a secluded island that offers distillery tours, waterfront restaurants, horseback riding, and two miles of beach. The main form of transportation throughout the island is rented golf carts. There are plenty of marinas and docks, with prices ranging from free to fee. Lodging range from waterfront cottages, pet-friendly homes, and condos.   

Morgan Island “Monkey Island”, SC 

Situated about 30 miles north of Daufuskie Island is the private Morgan Island, which is off-limits to visitors. It is illegal for visitors to exit a boat at this island, as it is a protected research center for rhesus monkeys, which was established in 1979. However, you can take a quick tour around the perimeter of the island to catch sight of the monkeys, and is a great addition to a Daufuskie Island visit.  

Ship Island, MS 

Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, approximately 11 miles from Biloxi’s shoreline, Ship Island is a barrier island renowned for its clear Gulf waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, its large wildlife presence, and an area unofficially considered a nude beach.  Private boats are allowed, but there are some guidelines. Due to rough waters at times, it is recommended that the boat be at least 20 feet long. Inland watercraft not suited for the trip include pontoon boats and bass boats. Be sure to have an updated nautical chart on hand to help pinpoint shallow water and shoals.  

Midwest 

Apple orchards, welcoming environments with friendly folks, and ‘all -American’ dishes can be found in the heartland at these islands.  

Mackinac Island, Michigan 

Mackinac Island is a nod to yesterday, with a ‘no cars’ policy. After docking at the Mackinac Island State Harbor, a public marina with 80 slips (reservations suggested and often utilized), take a horse-drawn carriage ride to view the island. While bikes are available for rent, the primary way of getting around on the island revolves around the hooves of the horses via the carriages. There are plenty of hiking trails, where you can ‘hoof it’ around the natural settings as well.  

Be sure to purchase some of the world-famous fudge and see why this island was ranked as the top island in the continental US in 2022, by Travel + Leisure.   

Washington Island, Wisconsin 

Situated along the banks of Lake Michigan, visitors to this island in Door County can enjoy the 40 miles of roadways on bikes or mopeds, leading to Schoolhouse Beach Park, the Stavkirke Church (a Norwegian church replica), and the many shops and restaurants.  

West 

California 

The Channel Islands, a national park in California, boasts five islands that display how the state used to be before human development. Visit each of the five islands: Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Anacapa.  View landscapes in their natural state, a variety of plants and animals, and opportunities to see whales, seals, and sea lions living their best lives. In addition to backcountry camping (for a fee), there are plenty of outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, tidepooling, surfing, and bird watching.  

Boats can be docked at any of the five islands, and private boaters need to obtain a permit from the self-registration station located at the Nidever Canyon trail head. When visiting San Miguel Island, keep in mind that visitors must be escorted by a ranger throughout certain parts of the island. However, there are designated areas that are available to explore without an escort, such as the Cuyler Harbor Beach.  

 As with any national park, a permit is needed, available for purchase at the NPS website. The Channel Islands are located nearly 60 nautical miles from the mainland, with arrival taking between two or three hours, to more than 10 hours, depending on the speed of the boat. Also, since there are no food services on the islands, plan your trip accordingly and bring all the necessities, food, and drink for your trip. Don’t overlook a first aid kit.  

Blake Island, Washington State 

Blake Island State Park is located within the Puget Sound and is a marine camping park, offering up views of the Olympic Mountains and plenty of hiking trails through forests. Enjoy the views of the Seattle skyline, photograph nearby wildlife, and do some beach combing. 

 Plan to dock at one of the four sites: Twenty-Five Mile Creek, Lake Chelan, Sun Lakes, and Lincoln Rock. These locations take reservations and cost $1 per foot of the boat length, with a $23 minimum purchase.  

No matter the destination boating to, keep these safety guidelines in mind when visiting boat-only islands: 

• File a float plan with a family member or friend. This plan should include the destination, amount of days to be gone, and how many travelers are included in the trip.  

• Never boat alone- it’s recommended to travel to remote areas with a support system or other boaters. 

• Check the weather- be sure to check the marine forecast before heading out and pay close attention to the sky’s changing conditions.  

• Bring extra provisions in case of unexpected delays. Extra water, food, batteries, and a first-aid kit should be brought, in order to be prepared for possible issues.
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