Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island is one place but many destinations. Resort communities abound and natural wonders are plentiful, and a major part of the island falls within the U.S. National Park Service’s (NPS) protection as a national seashore.

Boaters love to make the trip via the Great South Bay on summer weekends. Many are attracted to Talisman, Sailors Haven, and Watch Hill. (Motorboats, sailboats, and kayaks are permitted along the seashore, although jet skis are not).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Hill

 

Watch Hill, on the western edge of the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, is directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue. There’s an NPS visitor center, and ranger-led programs including free guided canoe tours, evening star watching

programs, fishing derbies, and junior rangers. There is a convenience store, snack bar, boardwalk nature trail, picnic area, and a lifeguarded beach in summer. Watch Hill also has tent camping at 22 rustic sites, a group site, and (new this year) four platform glamping sites.  After a fun day, dine at the Whalehouse Point restaurant — catch a glorious sunset from the deck.

 

 

Sailors Haven

Sailors Haven offers both a beautiful beach and the chance to visit the Sunken Forest, a globally rare ecological community. The forest has a 1.5 mile boardwalk trail to hike and a beautiful tree canopy to catch some shade; the NPS visitor center is staffed Wednesdays-Sundays and lifeguards are on duty seven days a week during the summer. Enjoy Sassyfrass, a casual café with delicious offerings, ranger-guided Sunken Forest tours, marine seining demonstrations, and junior ranger programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talisman

Located near the center of Fire Island National Seashore, across the Great South Bay from Bayport and Sayville, Talisman is a largely undeveloped area, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing place to spend the day. There’s a dock for boaters to load and unload only — boats must anchor in the Great South Bay. NPS lifeguards are on duty on the ocean beach weekends through Labor Day. A boardwalk trail meanders from bay to beach, and seasonal restrooms and picnic tables are available.

Visiting boaters

Sailors Haven and Watch Hill Marinas each have transient space and dock amenities. Reserve early by calling 631-597-6075.

 

For further information

https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm, https://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/boating.htm, and http://www.lovefins.com/.