• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

  • Pet restrictions in effect March 15 through Labor Day; East Zone Wilderness Camping restrictions.

    Due to beach erosion, east zone beach camping now suspended: 631-281-3010. Dogs/other pets (except for service animals) are not allowed in the wilderness or on any of Fire Island's federally owned oceanfront beaches from March 15 through Labor Day. More »

Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal

Ranger with little red wagon at Patchogue Ferry Terminal
Temporary exhibits, occasional programs and information are available inside the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal building.
 
Patchogue Ferry Terminal entrance

The Watch Hill Terminal Site in Patchogue includes on-site parking. Passenger ferries provide seasonal access from Patchogue (on Long Island, New York) to Watch Hill on Fire Island.

Located at the head of the Patchogue River, the Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is a key component of the transportation complex for Fire Island National Seashore. From this terminal, seasonal passenger ferry service is provided to Watch Hill and, by special arrangement, to Barrett Beach. 

The Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is located at 150 West Avenue, Patchogue NY 11772.

Fire Island National Seashore park headquarters is located nearby in Patchogue, at 120 Laurel Street.  

 
Passengers board ferry at Patchogue-Watch Hill Terminal along river

Designed to be reminiscent of the historic Gil Smith Boatyard structures along the Patchogue River, the new Patchogue Ferry Terminal building includes many energy efficient technologies and materials.

A new Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal opened in 2010. In addition to its interior waiting area and larger restroom facilities, the new space includes a large multipurpose room that is used for temporary exhibits, park meetings and programs.

Its deck overlooks the Patchogue River. Gardens were installed by a local Girl Scout troop as part of a 2010 First Bloom grant.

 
Map of Patchogue showing ferry terminal locations.

The Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is a short walk from the Long Island Railroad's Patchogue Station.

The Davis Park Ferry Terminal, which also runs to Fire Island, is located closer to the mouth of the Patchogue River.

How To Get There

Watch Hill Terminal Site is located at 150 West Avenue in Patchogue, New York, 11772.

From the Long Island Expressway (LIE or I-495), take Exit 61 S onto County Road 19 (Patchogue-Holbrook Road).

From Sunrise Highway (Route 27), take Exit 52 South onto County Road 19 (Patchogue-Holbrook Road/Waverly Avenue).

About 1 mile from Rt. 27, bear left. Cross Main Street, go over the railroad tracks, and cross Division Street. Pass the bowling alley. Ferry terminal parking lot is on your right.

Important Phone Numbers:
(Seasonal, mid-May — mid-October)

Watch Hill Ferry Service:
631-475-1665

  • Special Transportation Packages Special Transportation Packages

    Watch Hill and Sayville ferries join Long Island Railroad to offer summer beach get-away rates.

  • Camping on Fire Island Camping on Fire Island

    A variety of options are available to experience the barrier island overnight. Read More

  • Watch Hill Programs Watch Hill Programs

    Ranger-conducted programs help you explore and discover the treasures at the seashore. Read More

Did You Know?

Fiery orange-red sun sets over rippled water, which relects the golden clouds above.

The origin of the name "Fire Island" has not been officially documented, and several theories exist. What do you think? More...