• A good anchorage for shallow-draft boats is Smith Cove, inside the Niantic River, just south of the Oswagatchie Hills. The cove is located just above town, on the west bank of the river.

• The special anchorage area 1/2 mile south of McCooks Park and Hole in the Wall Beach, and just north of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, offers good protection from prevailing southwest winds.

• Boaters can also anchor off Oswagatchie Hills, north of Smith Cove, which offers good depth and holding ground.​

Niantic bay is an ideal, if somewhat overlooked, boating destination—broad, wide open to long island sound and relatively free of navigational hazards. This village, part of the larger town of east lyme, is protected to the west by black point, home to elegant houses that harken back to a time when wealthy new yorkers traveled by ferry from hartford and new haven to enjoy summer on the sound.

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• On The Waterfront:  (860) 444-2800 Features a large dining room with waterfront views, a full bar, and an outdoor patio.

• Fat Tuna:  (860) 443-7259  Located on the Niantic Bay,  with quality, locally sourced seafood & Italian dishes. For boat docking availability, please call Cpt. John’s Dock at: (860) 443-7259

• 374 Kitchen and Cocktails:  (860) 739-0306Ct Magazine's 2024 - Best New Restaurant - London County.  Elevated comfort food, everyday brunch.

• Devson Main: (860) 451-8141 New to the Niantic scene!  Dev's on Main specializes in small plates, great wines and a casual vibe! 

• Black Sheep:  (860) 739-2041Upscale Irish bar and restaurant. 15 draft beers sitting at the dark mahogany bar, in a cozy nook, or by the fireplace when the weather turns cold.

• Flander's Fish: (860) 739-8866 Voted Best of CT: BEST SEAFOOD, BEST CAJUN, BEST AMERICAN TRADITIONAL. Family owned restaurant, bar, fish mkt, catering, chefs tables​

The Niantic River, which flows into the bay, is a busy place in summer, but well worth checking out in a boat. To get there, boaters must pass below the railroad liftbridge, which has 16′ of vertical clearance at mean high water. Just past the inlet are several marinas, a day-fishing and expedition boat, a public launch ramp and a number of other waterfront establishments. The channel is deep and well-marked, but it winds initially, so pay attention to the markers. On the North side of the river, accept transients and are a short walk from Main Street and its boutiques, classic movie theater, cute inns, beaches, boardwalk, children’s museum and more.

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A mixture of marine fish and anadromous fish inhabit Long Island Sound, providing ample options in fish to target. Some of your top options from inshore Long Island Sound fishing are Atlantic Croaker, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, and Bluefish. Nearshore species that you could target while Long Island Sound fishing include Spanish Mackerel, Black Sea Bass, and Tautog. Many different species of sharks also inhabit this body of water. You could catch them just about anywhere, but your higher chances are nearshore and offshore. Other types of fish that are commonly caught offshore include Bigeye Tuna, Blue Marlin, Mahi-mahi (Dolphinfish), Yellowfin Tuna, and Swordfish.

Millions of years ago, glaciers buckled, folded and fractured the bedrock shores of what is now Long Island Sound. This ancient activity underlies the crook-and-cranny beauty that attracts boaters from around the world. It's a popular body of water, yet you can still find quiet pockets surrounded by the bounty of nature, particularly with the right timing. Here are some of the anchorages that many enjoy and suggestions for when it may be best to hoist the anchor, secure a mooring and gunkhole by dinghy while boating on Long Island Sound.

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