Why is this harbor so important? New Rochelle Harbor is located along Long Island Sound. It is in the city of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York. Davenport Neck peninsula divides New Rochelle’s waterfront. The westerly bay is New Rochelle Harbor. The easterly is Echo Bay.
The upper portion of the harbor sits behind Davenport’s Neck. It’s known as “New Rochelle Creek”. This extends north about a mile. It starts from the main entrance to the harbor east of Glen Island. Titus Mill-Pond is at the northeastern end of the creek. The “Lower Harbor” is a long, narrow channel. It lies between Travers, Neptune, and Glen Islands. Davenport Neck, Glen Island, and Hunters Island protect the entire harbor. They shield it from rough water and storms in Long Island Sound.
The Lower Harbor is a hub of boating activity. The New York Athletic Club is on Travers Island. The Huguenot Yacht Club and boatyards are on the southerly half of Neptune Island. Glen Island Park also has two boat launching ramps that use the Lower Harbor. Only a few boats use the inner portion of the harbor. Most of its waters are not deep enough.
The harbor stretches about 6,500 feet long. Its width ranges from 500 to 600 feet. The main entrance channel is between Davenport Neck and Glen Island. Accessing the Lower Harbor means passing under a bascule bridge. This bridge connects Glen Island to the mainland. Every boat entering or leaving requires the bridge to open. This means the bridge needs twenty-four-hour staffing. Another entrance channel exists between Glen Island and Hunters Island. Other channels run between the islands. They lie on the Long Island Sound side. These protect the harbor from easterly storms. One channel passes between Glen Island and Goose Island. Another lies between Davids Island and Goose Island. Numerous rocks obstruct the waters around these islands and entrance channels.
The shoreline of New Rochelle Harbor mixes recreational and marine commercial uses. Medium and high-density residential developments are also present. Recreational uses dominate the Lower Harbor. These include Glen Island County Park, Glen Island Yacht Club, and the New York Athletic Club Yacht Club. Also there is Huguenot Yacht Club. Additional marinas line the shoreline. Commercial and residential uses are along Pelham Road in the upper harbor area.
The New Rochelle Harbor Unit patrols this area. It was established in the mid-1930s. They support neighboring communities, Westchester County, and New York City. The Harbor Unit has a small fleet of boats. These include an inflatable rig, patrol boats and a utility Boston Whaler. They also have a SAFE patrol-and-rescue boat.
The harbor offers much. The NRM operates the Sound Shore area’s only Clean Green and ADA-accessible facility. It has 350 boat slips, 150 moorings, and kayak storage. Services include launching, hauling, winter boat storage, and marine pump-out services. Amenities include bathrooms with showers, a laundry room, and marine supplies. You will also find vending and ice machines. It’s within walking distance of local entertainment and grocery stores.
New Rochelle Harbor offers the closest affordable dockage to New York City. It is just a 20-minute train commute. Transient boaters are welcome here. Daily and weekly rates are available. This vibrant harbor is a key part of New Rochelle. It blends recreation, commerce, and community.