THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Make the quick 75-minute hop aboard the Viking Superstar from New London to Champlin's Marina and step directly into Block Island’s beaches, bluffs, and bike-friendly lanes. Load a bike or surfboard, grab an upper-deck seat, and maximize island time without the fuss.
Make the quick 75-minute hop aboard the Viking Superstar from New London to Champlin's Marina and step directly into Block Island’s beaches, bluffs, and bike-friendly lanes. Load a bike or surfboard, grab an upper-deck seat, and maximize island time without the fuss.
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Operated by Viking Fleet · New Shoreham, Rhode Island
On a clear morning the Viking Superstar slips away from New London and makes the short, sharp crossing to Champlin's Marina on Block Island in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route — marketed here as Block Island to New London — is less a commute than an easy marine transfer that puts island time within reach for day trips or multi-day stays. Champlin's Marina sits on the sheltered edge of New Shoreham, Rhode Island (80 West Side Rd), where passengers step off into a compact seaside town with beaches, cliffs, and an offbeat coastal character. The vessel leans into comfortable travel: roomy indoor seating, open upper decks for wind-on-your-face views, and racks that welcome bicycles and surfboards. From the prow the coastline resolves into familiar Block Island landmarks — the reddish clay of the Mohegan Bluffs, the broad sweep of Crescent Beach, and the low shoulders of the Great Salt Pond — all carved from glacial till and marine sands that define the island’s dramatic shoreline. Watch for seals and sea birds on the approach; spring and fall are prime windows for migrating shorebirds. Why choose this crossing? It’s efficient: 75 minutes is shorter than planning a full driving-and-ferry day from much of mainland New England. It’s practical: you can load a bike for island exploration or a board for an ocean spin. And it’s connective: Champlin's Marina places you minutes from the village center, rental shops, and trailheads that climb to the island’s lighthouses and bluffs. Plan your time ashore around the island’s geology and ecology. Hike the bluff trails for panoramic views, walk the stone jetties at the marina, or pedal narrow roads that thread past stone walls and coastal scrub. Local history is visible in the lighthouses and in New Shoreham’s mercantile buildings; the island’s maritime economy stretches back centuries, reinforced today by tourism and conservation efforts to protect shorebird nests. Practical notes: book early in summer weekends; carry layers for channel wind; secure sun protection on bright days. This service is a straightforward way to swap cityscapes for coastal cliffs without a long commitment. For visitors who want a fast, scenic marine gateway to Block Island, Block Island to New London aboard the Viking Superstar is a compact passage that maximizes island time and minimizes hassle. At Champlin's Marina (80 West Side Rd) you can step ashore and find bike rentals, seasonal cafés, and short walks to ferry-friendly parking. If you plan an overnight, book lodging in New Shoreham early; summer fills fast. Keep tickets handy, check weather and ferry status before boarding, and aim for upper-deck seats for unobstructed views of the island approach. Bring a camera and binoculars for close marine encounters.
The Viking Superstar crossing takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes between New London and Champlin's Marina.
Yes—this ferry accepts bicycles and surfboards; reserve space or arrive early to load gear.
The ferry arrives at Champlin's Marina at 80 West Side Rd in New Shoreham, a short walk to the village.
Policies vary—check the operator’s rules before booking and bring required carriers or restraints.
Short-term marina parking and nearby ferry-friendly lots exist, but island parking can be limited in summer.
Pack layers, sun protection, water, and a small lock if you bring a bike; carry printed or mobile tickets.
Viking Fleet is a maritime operator based in New Shoreham, Rhode Island, offering a range of passenger ferries, sportfishing charters, whale watches, and scenic cruises. Operating custom-designed high-speed vessels and larger luxury sportfishing boats, Viking Fleet connects Block Island with Montauk and New London while providing recreational trips that include half-day and full-day fishing, offshore whale watches to the Great South Channel, and a popular Sunset Cocktail Cruise. The fleet includes specially equipped high-speed ferries such as the Viking Superstar and larger fishing vessels like the Viking FiveStar and Viking Starship. Viking Fleet supplies modern safety equipment and onboard amenities, including comfortable seating, upper-deck views, a galley on select offshore trips, and an onboard bar for evening cruises. Fishing trips provide rental gear and experienced captains; offshore charters include options for inshore and deep-sea fishing targeting species such as fluke, sea bass, porgy, and striped bass. Viking Fleet emphasizes reliable scheduling and clear trip information for travelers and anglers. Services accommodate bicycles and surfboards on ferry routes and offer varying capacities depending on the vessel, with the largest charter accommodating up to 44 guests. For visitors to Block Island and Montauk, Viking Fleet provides direct transport and recreational experiences backed by established vessels and seasonal itineraries.
Book with Viking Fleet