AMC Recommended Trips – Sea Kayaking Fire Island (Moderate Sea Kayaking in NY)

Source: Sea Kayaking Along the Mid-Atlantic Coast

What you’ll see: The Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Area offers the paddler a world of splendid isolation just 40 miles from the heart of New York City. It is a treasure trove of shifting dunes and storm-stunted pine forests with wildlife-filled salt marshes on its bay side and pounding surf on its Atlantic Ocean beaches.

What you’ll experience:

• Trip Mileage: 7 miles between Watch Hill and Smith Point, Crossing of Great South Bay varies from 1 to 4 nautical miles
• Charts: NOAA Small craft Chart #12352
• Tidal Range: 3 feet on the bay side, 5 feet on the ocean side. Currents are below 1 knot except in heavy winds

What’s in the area:

• Signs of previous human settlement—fishing and hunting shacks as well as “squatter” vacation retreats
• Natural channels and mosquito drainage ditches give access to the marshes
• Abundant birdlife

Getting There

• Fire Island is accessible in a number of ways. For leisurely day trips use the Smith Point parking lot (no overnight parking permitted) on the eastern flank of the National Seashore Wilderness Area. The put-in is located at a small beach at the eastern end of the parking lot. For more information on getting there and camping regulations please visit www.nps.gov/fiis.