6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Long Island, NY

Discover the hidden gems of New York’s coastline.

Long Island offers enchanting waterways perfect for paddleboarding adventures.

Explore the best places to paddle board in Long Island, and immerse yourself in its scenic beauty.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Long Island

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from May through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 84 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Long Island

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Oyster Bay

Joe Mabel, South Oyster Bay 07 (9338710763), Scaling by stand-up-paddling.org, CC BY-SA 3.0

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Beekman Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Cove Neck, landscapes of North Shore
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect wildlife

Oyster Bay, located on the North Shore of Long Island, offers sheltered, calm waters perfect for paddleboarding.

With scenic landscapes framing the bay, it’s a great place for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders to unwind and enjoy nature.

#2 Fire Island

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Atlantique Beach (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild ocean currents, moderate winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Fire Island Lighthouse, white sandy beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for outgoing currents, respect barrier island ecosystem

Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, boasts unspoiled sandy beaches and breathtaking views.

Paddleboarding here offers a unique oceanfront experience with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Always respect the fragile barrier island ecosystem and adhere to safety guidelines.

#3 Nissequogue River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Paul T. Given County Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, sheltered from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, herons, osprey
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sprawling woodlands, marshlands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, respect private properties along the river

The Nissequogue River, winding through wooded landscapes and marshlands, offers a serene paddleboarding experience.

Its gentle currents and sheltered environment make it an ideal spot for a peaceful, scenic journey immersed in nature.

#4 Northport Harbor

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Northport Village Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, light wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, aquatic birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Asharoken Beach, historic Northport Village
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, follow navigation rules

Northport Harbor, situated on the North Shore, is a charming spot for paddleboarding.

The calm harbor waters make for a leisurely paddle, with picturesque views of historic Northport Village, Asharoken Beach, and surrounding nature.

#5 Zach’s Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Jones Beach State Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, minimal wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, aquatic birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Jones Beach Theater, Tobay Beach
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, adhere to park regulations

Zach’s Bay, located within Jones Beach State Park, offers safe and tranquil paddleboarding for riders of all levels.

Paddle along the calm bay waters while taking in beautiful views of Jones Beach Theater and nearby Tobay Beach.

#6 The Great South Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Patchogue River (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm to moderate bay waters, light to moderate winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, aquatic birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Davis Park, Captree Island, Fire Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, be conscious of tides

The Great South Bay, stretching between Long Island and Fire Island, features numerous picturesque spots for paddleboarding.

From crystal-clear waters to views of nearby Davis Park, Captree Island, and Fire Island, the bay offers a varied and engaging paddleboarding experience.

Long Island paddling happens in the bays, not on the ocean side, and the difference is night and day. The Hamptons and Fire Island are the eastern options, Greenwood Lake the inland one.