Peirce Island

Peirce Island offers a well-maintained public boat ramp on the south side of the island, accessed via Peirce Island Road in Portsmouth's South End. The facility features a floating dock system (renovated in 2006) that provides easy water access for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, along with dedicated parking. **Note: As of January 2025, two of the four floating docks have been removed for repairs.**

From this launch, paddlers can access Little Harbor and connect to a variety of paddling destinations including Great Bay, the Piscataqua River, and the Atlantic Ocean—a unique advantage of this location. The Piscataqua River is a tidal estuary system, so water conditions and current strength vary significantly with tide cycles. The surrounding area includes walking paths and public amenities on the 27-acre island. For the most current information on dock availability and any seasonal closures, contact local Portsmouth parks and recreation authorities before your visit.