• 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

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  • More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013

    Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »

Sailors Haven

Sailors Haven with many boats at anchor outside the marina.
Located in the middle section of Fire Island, Sailors Haven and the adjacent Sunken Forest are considered by many to be the "crown jewel" of Fire Island. Highlights include a quiet marina, clean ocean beach, and a 1½ mile trail through a rare maritime holly forest hidden behind the secondary dunes .
NPS Photo/Stewart
 
People on dock stroll toward bulletin board and small building, surrounded by lush green shrubs.

The Sailors Haven Visitor Center is conveniently located near the passenger ferry dock.

Sailors Haven is home to one of the best known areas of Fire Island National Seashore—the Sunken Forest. It is located near the center of the island, across the Great South Bay from Sayville, New York. It is accessible by Sayville Ferry, private boat, and foot only.

The well-developed secondary dune system and rare maritime holly forest are among the natural features at this site.
 
Small group of people walk up to the snack bar and shaded picnic tables.

The Sailors Haven snack bar, convenience store and gift shop is located at the bay-side marina, providing a quiet place to sit and enjoy your lunch.

In addition to a one and a half mile long boardwalk trail through the Sunken Forest, Sailors Haven also offers a visitor center; snack bar/convenience store/gift shop; picnic tables and grills; lifeguarded beach (summer only); a 45-slip public marina with electricity, water and a free boat pump-out station; restrooms and showers. (See this year's dates and rates.)

 
Four boats in slips at Sailors Haven marina.

Fire Island Concessions offers a free overnight slip after your 12th night at the Sailors Haven marina.

The Sailors Haven Marina can accommodate boats with a draft to 5 feet and a 15-foot beam. All slips have electric and water (extra fee charged). There is a 14-day limit on each stay. Reservations are not accepted at this time.

Ranger-led interpretive programs are conducted throughout the summer months and by reservation for schools and other organized groups.

Things To Do:

Pets are not permitted on the ocean beach at Sailors Haven from March 15 through Labor Day. You're welcome to bring your dog, but remember that this may restrict your options for enjoyment of Sailors Haven. Pets must always be leashed, and you're required to properly dispose of your pet's excrement.


Important Phone Numbers:
(Seasonal, mid-May - mid-October)
Sailors Haven Visitor Center:
631-597-6183
Sailors Haven Marina, Snack Bar, Gift Shop:
631 597-6171
Sayville Ferry Service:
631-589-8980

 
Map of Fire Island National Seashore ferry terminal locations in Sayville and Patchogue.

How To Get There

Sayville Ferry Terminal is located at 41 River Road, Sayville, NY 11782

 
2010-05-31 Ranger Talk in Sunken Forest
A tour of the magical Sunken Forest is a highlight of many people's Fire Island visit. See for yourself!
  • Sailors Haven Facility Hours & Rates Sailors Haven Facility Hours & Rates

    Open from mid-May to mid-October, hours of operation vary by season. Read More

  • Fire Island's Sunken Forest Fire Island's Sunken Forest

    is a significant natural resource and favorite location for a cool summer stroll. Read More

  • Sailors Haven Programs Sailors Haven Programs

    Special interpretive programs are offered at Sailors Haven and in the Sunken Forest during the summer. Read More

  • Special Transportation Packages Special Transportation Packages

    Watch Hill and Sayville ferries join Long Island Railroad to offer summer beach get-away rates for a one-day visit. Read More

Did You Know?

Winter Backpacker in Fire Island Wilderness.

The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness was named for New York Congressman Otis G. Pike, who served from 1961-79, and co-sponsored the bill to create Fire Island National Seashore in 1964. The Fire Island Wilderness was designated in 1980. More...