Shelter Island
A quiet island between the North and South Forks, reachable only by ferry, with a third of its land protected as a nature reserve.
Shelter Island lies in Peconic Bay between the South and North Forks of Long Island and can only be reached by ferry: about 10 minutes from the south ferry terminal to North Haven near Sag Harbor, and about 10 minutes from the north terminal to Greenport. The island has no large commercial development; cycling, kayaking and bay swimming are the main pursuits. About a third of the southeastern part is the Mashomack Preserve, run by The Nature Conservancy. The island has old windmills, waterfront hotels and restaurants, and in summer it is a gathering place for yachts. A one-way ferry ticket for a car is about $20, so cycling is more economical; a loop around the island is about 25 km.
Opening hours
Open all day (ferry approx. 06:00–24:00)
Nearby sights
- Greenport
- Mashomack Preserve
- Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
- Sag Harbor
- North Fork Wine Country
- Parrish Art Museum
- LongHouse Reserve
- Southampton Village