Watch Hill is nestled along the shore of Block Island Sound in the southwest corner of Washington County, RI. Watch Hill is situated on a peninsula that is nearly surrounded by ocean, further adding to its attractiveness to boaters. Outdoor activities in the area include rowing, swimming, ocean sailing, fishing and hiking. Additionally, local shopping and fine restaurants combine to make this a favored resort area. Should you wish to venture outside the village, there are many local attractions for you to enjoy.

Located on the Connecticut/Rhode Island state line, the Pawcatuck River is home to the towns of Watch Hill, which is a well-equipped and long-established yachting center. The Pawcatuck River Inlet and Watch Hill Cove are 17 miles west of Block Island, 18 miles east of New London and 30 miles southwest of Newport. Although the river requires an indirect northern approach through Little Narragansett Bay, the Pawcatuck River and Watch HIll are very popular with boaters and cruising mariners.

Portions Courtesy Visit Watch Hill

Watch Hill was occupied in the 1600s by the Niantic Indians, who were led for many years by Chief Ninigret. Colonists later moved in and Watch Hill became a strategic lookout point during the French and Revolutionary wars. In 1806, the historic Watch Hill lighthouse was built. During the early 20th century, the area grew to resort status and became home to many hotels and beach cottages. In 1938, a great hurricane wreaked havoc on the village and destroyed nearly all of the hotels and cottages.

Portions Courtesy Visit Watch Hill

Use NOAA Chart 13214.

Watch Hill is reached via a northern route through Little Narragansett Bay. The southerly (closer) route near Watch Hill Cove has depths of one foot throughout and is basically impassable. From inside the breakwaters at Stonington Point to the north, pick up flashing red buoy “2,” and then chart a course for red nun “4” to the northeast. Once you have cleared the red nun buoy, move toward the northeast to intercept flashing green “5,” which is located at the entrance to Little Narragansett Bay between Sandy and Edwards points.

The southeast journey across Little Narragansett Bay to the mouth of the Pawcatuck River is about two miles, and the channel follows a long line of lighted and unlighted buoys with depths of at least seven feet. From Sandy Point and flashing green buoy “5,” you will follow green can ”7,” green can “9,” red nun “10,” green can “11,” flashing green “13,” red nun “14,” red nun “16,” green can “17,” red nun “18A,” flashing green “19,” red nun “18,” red nun “20” and red nun “22” to flashing green buoy “23” at the mouth of the Pawcatuck River and Watch Hill Cove.

Local Notices to Mariners are now exclusively available online from the [url=http://navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/d1/default.htm]U.S. Coast Guard.[/u

Guide to Watch Hill

Watch Hill Calendar of Events

Watch Hill Transportation