Do you sometimes yearn to boat to a spot just to relax, hang out with friends, swim, and enjoy nature? It sounds like a cove is in your future!

Cedar Island Cove The southeast part of Coecles Harbor is one of the protected areas around Gardiners Bay, on the east side of Shelter Island. The land forming the cove’s beach line is part of the Mashomack Preserve, which prohibits motorized vessels.

Hemlock Cove The third cove east of Tobay Beach and just west of Cedar Beach Marina, it’s accessible through the New York State Boat Channel. Most of the cove is deep, but check the depth as you get closer to land.

Garbage Cove If Hemlock Cove is your destination, but you arrive to find it filled with vessels, head west to the next cove, also accessible from the State Boat Channel. This is a well-protected anchorage with deep water.

Pirates Cove Located on the most eastern part of the entrance to Port Jefferson. Surrounded by higher land, the cove is usually calm even if the Long Island Sound is a bit choppy.

Smith Cove This is a small and protected spot located off Shelter Island. The Mashomack coastal preserve is nearby for paddlecraft to explore.

Water and weather conditions are always changing. Consult the forecast and the local chart before setting out each time.