South Dartmouth Harbor

Marinas near South Dartmouth Harbor

Introduction:

South Dartmouth, MA is located at the head of Apponagansett Bay about four miles southwest of New Bedford and about 20 miles northeast of Newport, RI. Apponagansett Bay has an extensive mooring and anchorage area, and there are a couple of excellent marinas at the head of the bay that cater to transients and can undertake most marine repairs. Moorings are administered by the city.

This is a convenient stop-off point to base your further travels to Nantucket of Marttha's Vineyard, as the islands are just a short 20-mile hop through Woods Hole.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13230.

From Buzzards Bay, the approach to Apponagansett Bay is started at flashing red bell buoy "8," just east of Round Hill Point. When approaching this light, be sure to steer clear of the ledges at The Stanspit just to the west. After you have cleared flashing red bell buoy "8," set a course for flashing red and green buoy "AB" (making sure to stay clear of the rock ledge at White Rocks), and then head in toward flashing red "8" on the northern breakwall at Apponagansett Bay.

Once inside the breakwall at Ricketsons Point, depths range from seven to 13 feet all the way up to the swing bridge. Prior to the bridge, you will find the town of South Dartmouth, which has a variety of facilities for provisioning, plus a couple of top-rate marinas. Past the swing bridge, depths shallow quickly to two to four-foot depths.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.