Long Island Boating & Coastal Navigation Command
Cross Sound ferry wave chop comfort index, real-time tidal bridge vertical air-draft clearances, Shinnecock Canal locks operational windows, and transient marina fuel docks.
Cross Sound Ferry Crossing Comfort Index
Port Jefferson – Bridgeport Ferry
18.5 NM Transit across Central SoundModerate 12-knot westerly breeze blowing with the outgoing tide; produces long, gentle chop with no green water over vessel bow. Passenger vehicles and motorcoaches loading smoothly.
Orient Point – New London Ferry
16 NM Transit across Eastern Race & Plum GutPlum Gut tidal rip is moderate. High-speed Sea Jet catamaran operating on normal timetable; automobile vessels experiencing mild cross-sound roll off Little Gull Island.
Tidal Bridge Vertical Air-Draft Clearances
Smith Point Bridge (Narrow Bay)
Mastic Beach & Shirley, NYConnects mainland Shirley to Fire Island National Seashore. Bridge opens on signal except during weekday peak rush hours.
Loop Parkway Drawbridge (Long Beach Channel)
Point Lookout & Long Beach, NYMain navigational inlet bridge to Hempstead Bay and Long Beach. Opens on the hour and half-hour on demand.
Meadowbrook Parkway Drawbridge (Sloop Channel)
Jones Beach & Freeport, NYKey link between Jones Inlet and Zachs Bay. Significant tidal flow on moon phases; requires prompt bridge tender hailing.
Ponquogue Bridge (Shinnecock Bay)
Hampton Bays, NY (South Fork)High-level fixed span carrying Ponquogue Ave to Dune Road. 55-foot clearance accommodates nearly all cruising sailboats.
Captree Island Bridge (State Boat Channel)
Captree & Fire Island Inlet, NYConnects West Island to Captree fishing fleet harbor. Strong cross-current on ebb tide; watch for channel shoaling.
The only navigable passage connecting Peconic Bay to Shinnecock Bay and the Atlantic Ocean without circling Montauk Point:
Warning for Low-Power Vessels: Current velocity through the lock chamber can exceed 4 knots during maximum hydraulic head differentials. Always check slack water windows before entering.
Long Island Transient Marinas & Fuel Docks
VHF 09 / 16 CallingCompletely sheltered deepwater harbor basin. Short walk to Port Jeff restaurants, pump-out boat on duty, and launch service.
World-class offshore sportfishing headquarters. Full-service boatyard, tackle shop, marine mechanics, and fuel dock.
Located in the center of historic Greenport Village. Steps from North Fork dining, carousel, and Shelter Island ferry.
Historic Hamptons destination harbor accommodating superyachts and cruisers in sheltered Shelter Island Sound waters.
Long Island's famous seafood dining and charter boat strip with direct dredged inlet access to Jones Inlet and open Atlantic.
Quiet, historic maritime haven. Parkside docks, launch service, and deep harbor protection from nor'easter wave action.