Sailors Haven, Fire Island
Sailors Haven is one of the most scenic and environmentally significant destinations within Fire Island National Seashore. Located between Cherry Grove and the Sunken Forest Preserve, the area combines a protected maritime forest, elevated boardwalks, a marina, visitor facilities, and one of Fire Island’s widest undeveloped Atlantic beaches. Most visitors arrive by seasonal ferry from Sayville or by private boat across the Great South Bay.
Unlike Fire Island’s residential communities, Sailors Haven is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on conservation and public recreation. The absence of homes and commercial development gives visitors an opportunity to experience the barrier island much as it has existed for centuries.
The Sunken Forest
The centerpiece of Sailors Haven is the Sunken Forest, one of the rarest maritime holly forests in North America. Sheltered behind towering ocean dunes, the forest occupies a naturally protected depression where reduced winds allow American holly, black cherry, sassafras, shadbush, and other native trees to thrive.
An elevated boardwalk winds through the preserve, allowing visitors to explore this fragile ecosystem while protecting the vegetation below. Interpretive exhibits explain how the dunes shield the forest from salt spray and why the preserve has been designated a National Natural Landmark.
Beach and Marina
Beyond the forest, visitors will find a wide stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach that is popular for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, and wildlife photography. During the summer season, portions of the beach are typically staffed by National Park Service lifeguards.
On the bay side, Sailors Haven’s seasonal marina welcomes recreational boaters exploring the Great South Bay. Transient slips, picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water make it a convenient stop for visitors arriving by water before heading to the beach or Sunken Forest.
Visitor Center
The visitor center serves as the park’s information hub, offering exhibits about Fire Island’s ecosystems, wildlife, and history. Throughout the summer, park rangers lead guided walks, educational programs, and family-friendly activities that help visitors better understand one of Long Island’s most unique coastal environments.
Wildlife
Sailors Haven supports a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year.
Common species include:
- White-tailed deer
- Red foxes
- Ospreys
- Great blue herons
- Egrets
- Diamondback terrapins
- Horseshoe crabs
- Monarch butterflies during migration
- Numerous migratory songbirds
The combination of dunes, forest, wetlands, bay shoreline, and ocean beach creates one of Long Island’s richest natural habitats.
Hiking and Boardwalks
Visitors can explore several elevated boardwalks connecting:
- The ferry dock
- Visitor center
- Marina
- Sunken Forest
- Ocean beach
These accessible pathways protect sensitive vegetation while providing excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Getting There
Most visitors reach Sailors Haven by ferry from Sayville during the operating season. Private boaters may also access the marina from the Great South Bay.
There is no public automobile access, maintaining the quiet and natural character that defines Fire Island National Seashore.
Preservation
Sailors Haven plays an important role in preserving one of the Atlantic Coast’s last remaining undeveloped barrier island ecosystems. National Park Service management focuses on balancing recreation with long-term protection of dunes, maritime forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and coastal processes.
The result is one of the most scenic and environmentally significant destinations anywhere on Long Island.
Key Facts & Details
| Location | Sailors Haven, Fire Island National Seashore, Suffolk County, New York |
|---|---|
| Managed By | National Park Service |
| Known For | Sunken Forest, marina, visitor center, protected beaches, maritime forest |
| Access | Seasonal ferry, private boat, and seasonal ferry service from Sayville |
| Beach | Atlantic Ocean beach with seasonal lifeguards |
| Marina | Seasonal transient dockage for recreational boats |
| Nature Preserve | Sunken Forest National Natural Landmark |
| Activities | Swimming, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, fishing, photography, and ranger-led programs |
Sailors Haven offers one of the most complete natural experiences within Fire Island National Seashore. Whether arriving by ferry to walk through the remarkable Sunken Forest, spending the day on the quiet Atlantic beach, or docking at the marina while exploring the Great South Bay, visitors experience a side of Long Island that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Its combination of protected landscapes, educational opportunities, and peaceful shoreline makes Sailors Haven one of Fire Island’s premier destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
