New Bedford, home to one of the largest remaining fishing fleets

Fishing vessels in New Bedford, by South Coast Today

A destination steeped in history

The City of New Bedford, located in the lower Acushnet River, is the most densely populated area on Buzzards Bay in southeastern Massachusetts. The Port of New Bedford located on the west bank is flanked by the Town of Fairhaven on the east bank. The Port of New Bedford, with authorized channel depths of 30 feet, offers deepwater access for maritime vessels. The harbor is one of the safest havens on the eastern seaboard and features a hurricane barrier with a 150-foot opening that is closed during hurricane conditions and coastal storms. The port has a history of seafaring traditions spanning back to the whaling era that continue today with one of the largest active fishing fleets on the east coast, freight ferry service, and cruise ship docking. The port is supported by the city’s outstanding, services which include an adjacent airport, rail and interstate highway connections. With over 950 recreational boat slips, New Bedford Harbor is also an important center for recreational boating on Buzzards Bay. The New Bedford Yacht Club shares responsibilities with the Beverly Yacht Club for notable local sailing events.

There are several good sources of information about cruising to New Bedford, including the New Bedford Cruising Guide. Links are provided to those resources below.

Some usefull Links

Butler Flats Lighthouse on the approach to the Acushnet River
Photo by Alexey Sergeev, Department of Chemistry, Tulane University