Sound travels well across the bay. So that everyone may enjoy a degree of solitude within the park boundary, vessels are not permitted to exceed a noise level of 82 decibels (as measured at a distance of 82 feet or 25 meters from the boat).

You can enjoy a variety of boating opportunities within Fire Island National Seashore. Motorboats and sailboats are common summer adornments on the Great South Bay. Canoes and kayaks are less common, but may be safely used close to the shoreline.

The use of personal watercraft (PWCs)—also known as "Jet Skis"—is restricted within the boundaries of Fire Island. PWCs may only be operated in the channels to some of the Fire Island communities.

You may stay overnight at the Watch Hill or Sailors Haven marina, operated within Fire Island National Seashore by Fire Island Concessions, LLC.  Both electric and non-electric sites are available, and rates vary by size of vessel. There is a 14-day limit of stay at National Park Service marinas.

Other public marinas on Fire Island include the Town of Brookhaven's Davis Park Marina and Great Gun Marina (see map), which provide lower fees for town residents but may accommodate non-residents' vessels; hourly rates may also be available at these facilities. The Town of Islip also maintains a marina on Fire Island at Atlantique, with a similar rate structure. Private marinas on Fire Island include those at Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, (which have seasonal and limited transient slips) and several establishments that provide a place to dock on a short-term basis.

You may also anchor off-shore, outside of channels. There is a 14-consecutive-day limit for all overnight stays in the park (except in the designated wilderness) or at park facilities.

Canoeing & Kayaking

There are currently no canoe or kayak rentals at Fire Island National Seashore's facilities. However, the National Park Service offers a guided canoeing program at Watch Hill during the summer, when staffing and conditions permit. The two-hour program provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate one of Fire Island's salt marshes. There are age requirements for children and you must be able to swim, but life jackets, paddles and canoes are provided. 

Always wear your PFD. A brightly colored life jacket helps improve your visibility on open water.

Coastal canoeing and kayaking requires a respect and understanding of tides and tidal currents, and wind, waves and weather. Weather can change quickly and fog can occur at times on the Great South Bay. As much as five miles off the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island's weather can be quite different from that on the mainland.

 Several local canoe and kayak clubs and outdoor recreation organizations can provide additional information.

In the event of any accident, collision, fire injury or other casualty within the boundaries of the park, you must report the incident to Fire Island National Seashore's Superintendent's Office within 24 hours. You will also need to file a report with the U. S. Coast Guard and Suffolk County Marine Bureau.

We prefer that you not need to complete any of these reports, so please BOAT SAFELY!  

Always Boat Safely

Additional sources of safety information and instruction include:

American Canoe Association (Kayak & Canoe Recreation)

U. S. Coast Guard Boating Safety

National Safe Boating Council

• North American Safe Boating Campaign
  National Safe Boating Council

New York State Boater's Guide
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation