Getting to the Reserve

While Reserve properties are located on Prudence, Patience, Hope and Dyer islands, The Reserve headquarters and learning center are located on the south end of Prudence Island, which is only accessible via ferry or private boat. (see map).

The Prudence and Bay Islands Transport Company operates the ferry that leaves from the Church Street Wharf in Bristol, R.I. The ferry dock is located at the intersection of Thames Street and Church Street across from Aiden’s Pub.

The Prudence Island ferry serves passengers, bicycles, and vehicles. If you elect to bring your own vehicle to the island, you will need to make a reservation on the ferry well in advance for both legs of the journey (to and from the island). To make a vehicle reservation, contact the Prudence and Bay Islands Transport at 401.683.0430 (Monday-Sunday: 8:30AM-10AM; 2:30PM-5:30PM). Ferry schedule information and reservations can be found at the Prudence and Bay Islands Transport website 

Reserve facilities and the one public bathroom on the island are located  approximately 4.0 miles south of the Homestead ferry landing on Prudence.

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Parking In Bristol

  • Free day parking is available in a municipal lot on located on Thames Street directly opposite the Prudence Island ferry landing and parking lot. Please note that this lot does not provide overnight parking.
  • If you are staying overnight, street parking is generally available two blocks west of the ferry landing on High street or surrounding locations. You will need to allow extra time (10 – 15 minutes) to find parking and to walk back to the ferry landing. Check street signs for ‘Resident Only’ or 2-hour parking to be certain.

If you are leaving a vehicle overnight in Bristol for one or more nights you can park on High Street (parallel with Thames Street, two blocks uphill) or you can park in the lot off of Bristol Common which is between High Street and Wood Street, along State Street.

Please pay particular attention to parking limitation signs, as the Town of Bristol has been known to ticket and tow cars for parking violations (although this is far more common in the summer months).