Visit Rose Island
Daily Visits
Visit and explore beautiful Rose Island for the day! Our guides will greet you at the dock and provide introductory historical information. They are available for questions and guidance throughout your visit. You can tour the lighthouse museum where each room is fully restored just as if keepers of old still lived there. Explore the grounds and gardens of the island rich in history and nature. Take in the stunning views of Narragansett Bay, the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, and the incredible sailboats as they pass the island by. Running off solar-powered electricity and a rainwater collection system, the lighthouse offers an unforgettable view into another century!
SEASON
- Daily visits to Rose island are available using the Jamestown Newport Ferry hop on-hop off ferry beginning late May thru early October. Kayaks, canoes and small private boats are allowed; however, they must be beached at the lighthouse beach or anchored as there is no available dock space.
HOURS
- 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
- March 1 – August 15 is nesting bird season in the wildlife refuge and access during this period is limited to the lighthouse grounds, beaches and Fort Hamilton. After August 15, the interior wildlife refuge and the island perimeter is open in the entirety. Please obey all signs.
COST
- Adult Admission $12
- Child Admission (under 12) $8
- Military Active or Veteran Admission $10
- Members Admission FREE
Getting to Rose Island
Visitors may choose to get to the island aboard the Jamestown Newport Ferry. The ferry transports riders from Jamestown or Newport to Rose Island, with other scenic stops along the way. Riders may also opt to purchase their Rose Island admission fee when purchasing their ferry ticket. View the ferry schedule and purchase tickets via the Jamestown Newport ferry website.
Visitors may also reach the island on their own boat, but only if you are able to beach it, or are simply dropping off guests. No anchoring or tying up at the dock is permitted.
Canoe, Kayak or paddle your SUP to the island!
Admission fees apply to all daily visitors.
If you are an overnight guest, we provide your transportation on our boat “Rose”. Transport on the Rose is included in your overnight rate.
Things To Do
Take a tour of the historic lighthouse and Fort Hamilton barracks. Guides are available during the summer months
Walk around and enjoy the gardens, natural flora and fauna including birds and crustacean.
Comb the beaches and check out the tidal pools
Fish off the rocks, or collect mussels if the tide is low
Enjoy your picnic lunch (remember to “pack it in & pack it out.”)
Relax in one of our Adirondack chairs
Bird Watch: On Rose Island you will likely see great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, black crowned night heron, glossy ibis and American oyster catchers, along with common herring gulls, greater black-backed gulls, Canada geese, a variety of ducks and many different songbirds. These birds are protected by State and Federal laws while they are nesting and may not be disturbed.
Walking: Starting August 16 you may walk the perimeter of the
island or follow trails into the wildlife refuge. Pay attention to the signs and the tides. The island’s interior was part of the Navy Torpedo Station present during WWl and ll, and contains many ruins, so use caution while exploring and walking in these areas. Proper footwear is required.
