You can drive to Shelter Island, but only by using one of the two car ferries that connect the island with the mainland. Despite the island being located just a few hundred meters offshore from the North and South Forks of Long Island, there are no direct road connections or bridges. There has been much talk about constructing a bridge to the island for decades, but plans have never progressed past the initial proposal. The North and South Ferry remain the only way to reach the island, either by foot or vehicle.
Shelter Island is located at the eastern end of Long Island. It’s separated from Long Island’s North and South Forks by just a few hundred meters of water at the closest points. The Shelter Island Sound surrounds Shelter Island to the north, west, and south, while Gardiners Bay lies to the east. The island is 90 miles from NYC as the crow flies or 106 miles by road.
Situated between Long Islands North Fork and South Fork, traveling to Shelter Island from either direction is possible. In fact, it’s a popular alternative route to the Hampton’s during weekends and holidays when Route 27 can become heavily congested. There are only a few ways to reach the island, so read on to find out how.
Road – There’s no direct road connection via a bridge or tunnel between the mainland on Long Island and Shelter Island. While the construction of a bridge has been debated several times, the plans have never become a reality. Many other nearby islands have seen bridges built, but Shelter Island has remained resolute.
Ferry – The only way to reach Shelter Island with or without a vehicle is by ferry. The island is connected with Long Island’s North Fork by a ferry service that departs from Greenport. It arrives 10 minutes later in the Shelter Island Heights area. Known as the North Ferry, it’s operated by North Ferry Co. and sails year-round. Departures leave every 10-30 minutes between 5 am and midnight. It costs $14 for a vehicle and a driver to use the ferry one-way. Additional passengers or foot passengers are charged $2 each.
In the south of the island, a service operates between North Haven and the Ward’s Point area of Shelter Island. Known as the South Ferry, it’s operated by the South Ferry Company. Sailing 365 days per year, a ferry departs every 10-15 minutes. The first boats leave at 5.40 a.m., while the last departs at 1.45 a.m. The only exception to this is during weekdays in the winter season when the last sailing is at midnight. The South Ferry is slightly more expensive than the North Ferry. A one-way crossing for a vehicle and a driver costs $15. Foot passengers and additional passengers cost $2 each.
Air – Shelter Island has no airport, so it’s impossible to travel to the island by air. The closest airport is East Hampton Airport, which is 9 miles away from the island.
You can take a car onto the island and drive around Shelter Island without permits or issues. There’s a good road network on the island, although there are no roads in the eastern area of the Mashomack Preserve. While the island is relatively small, you’ll need a car (or a bicycle, at the very least) to get around and see everything. While the roads are much quieter than much of Long Island, the island can still suffer from some congestion during peak season. This is particularly the case for the areas around the ferry terminals.
Shelter Island is known for its beaches, coastline, and nature. The best things to do on the island include one or more of these key ingredients.
Mashomack Preserve – A large preserve that takes up the eastern third of Shelter Island. Its 2000+ acres include creeks, marshes, woodlands, and plenty of birds. There’s some good hiking in the preserve with a color-coded trail system to designate the trail’s difficulty. The longest trail runs for over 10 miles. This is a great place to see untouched nature and to escape the summer crowds.
Louis’ Beach and Wade Beach – These two town beaches are located on the north and south sides of the island, respectively. They’re both home to lovely sandy beaches, that are popular with families. Both have plenty of amenities with restrooms, lifeguards, and restaurants in the close vicinity.
Kayaking / Paddle Boarding Tour – The best way to experience Shelter Island is undoubtedly on the water. Its calm and warm waters make it an ideal place for either kayaking or paddle boarding. There’s plenty of coastline to explore, along with inlets and creeks. One of the best places to visit on the water is Taylors Island, a great spot for a picnic lunch. You can hire kayaks and paddle boards from several different outlets on the island.
Sylvestor Manor Educational Farm – This historic location is the site of a former plantation that dates back to the 17th century. Nowadays, it offers a mishmash of different activities and attractions. Visitors can walk the various trails on its 243 acres or tour the historic manor house. You can also take in one of the regular culinary activities on the farm or visit the organic farm shop.
Shelter Island Historical Society – Also known as the Haven’s House Museum, it’s situated in a beautifully restored building. The museum is home to various pieces of art, historical artifacts, and countless documents. It’s a great place to learn about the island’s history. During summer, there are various activities run for children, while a farmers market is held on the grounds every Saturday morning. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed.
Shelter Island is a summertime destination. The warm days of summer from June through August see the island come alive. Beaches, water-based activities, and hiking are best done during the warmer months. This is also peak season, so availability dwindles and costs increase. If you want to see the best of the island but want to avoid the crowds, try the shoulder months of May and September. The weather is still good during this time, but there are considerably fewer visitors. Outside of these times, the island largely closes down. While the ferries run year-round, visitor numbers are reduced to a trickle. The island is cold during the winter months, but it still offers plenty of solitude if that’s what you’re pursuing.
You can drive to Morocco from the neighboring countries of Spain and Mauritania, but not Algeria, despite a nearly 2000 km long border between the two countries. Travel between Morocco and any of its neighbors comes with its fair share of challenges. At first glance, you could be mistaken for
If you love solitude, amazing landscapes, and vast open spaces, you’re going to love Western Australia. This amazing land, and the northwest in particular, is often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’. It’s a land of endless remote possibilities and nowhere showcases this better than the amazing array of national
The Albanian port city of Vlore is one of Albania’s spectacular coastal highlights. Situated at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Vlore, the city is blessed with a wealth of attractions. The home of Albanian independence and the gateway to the Riviera, the
You can drive to remote Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean using the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, also known as the “Mackenzie Highway” or “Tuk Highway.” The road provides access to Tuktoyaktuk from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Inuvik is accessible from mainland Canada by using the Dempster Highway, which runs all the
It’s possible to drive to beautiful Gasparilla Island from the nearby Florida mainland using a bridge known as the Boca Grande Causeway. The causeway connects the unincorporated community of Placida on the mainland to the northern tip of Gasparilla Island, allowing vehicles to access the island. There’s a $6 round
