Inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, southeastern Rhode Island, U.S. It extends north for 28 mi (45 km) into the state, almost dividing it into two parts.
The bay includes Rhode, Prudence, and Conanicut islands and Mount Hope Bay, which is crossed by one of New England's longest bridges. Since colonial times it has been an active shipping centre; its chief ports are Providence and Newport . Much of the bay's area is devoted to fishing and recreation.