5 scenic kayaking communities on Long Island
Leo and Katie Fridley, of Smithtown, along with their daughters Ella and Maura, kayak on the Nissequogue River near Paul T. Given Park in Smithtown. Credit: Joseph Sperber
When Stefanie Hochhauser kayaks in Manhasset Bay, she’s impressed by the Gold Coast mansions and mega yachts she sees along the way, but is even more intrigued by the view, she says.
"It’s very relaxing when I want to get out of my head," says Hochhauser, of Merrick, an account executive. "You find peace on the water."
As kayaking season launches, local rental companies say the paddle-powered water sport is on the upswing on Long Island. "In the last several years, kayaking has gotten a lot more popular. We rent twice as many kayaks as canoes," says Linda Sandstedt, owner of Nissequogue River Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Kings Park.
Here are five scenic Long Island kayaking adventures boasting paddle-worthy scenery, historic sights and abundant wildlife.
An adventure in Port Washington
Kostal Paddle: Manorhaven Beach Park, 158 Manorhaven Blvd., Port Washington; and Town of North Hempstead Beach Park (Bar Beach), 175 W. Shore Dr., Port Washington
Aimee Levinson, of Port Washington, paddles near Port Washington. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
John-Michael Kostallas, owner and operator of Kostal Paddle in Port Washington, says kayaking is "good for your mind, body and soul." Paddling amid nature, "you can disconnect and leave your phone at home," Kostallas says. For scenery buffs, Nassau County’s Gold Coast offers views of Gatsbyesque mansions on land and a variety of wildlife encounters in the water.
"We had beluga whales in the bay one spring," Kostallas says. "The American bald eagle population came back, and you can see some of them in Roslyn Harbor," he says.
Kayakers can launch from either a boat ramp in Manorhaven Beach Park or from the beach in North Hempstead Town Park, both in Port Washington. The more adventurous paddlers can venture out to the historic Execution Rocks Lighthouse, a granite tower on a remote island in the middle of Long Island Sound, Kostallas says.
Season June 20 through Labor Day weekend
Cost $40 per hour single kayak, $20 each additional hour, and $60 per hour double kayak, $30 each additional hour. Paddleboards available for rent, children's program starts in July.
More info 855-567-8251, kostalpaddle.com
A glimpse of sea life in Oyster Bay
The WaterFront Center: 1 West End Ave., Oyster Bay
A kayaker paddles in the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor at The WaterFront Center. Credit: Heather Walsh
The WaterFront Center, a nonprofit marine education organization, is known for its sailing programs and harbor tours aboard the historic oyster sloop Christeen. But it also rents out kayaks for exploring local waters. Kayaks launch from an on-site pier at the center. "Staff will help you get into the kayak and keep an eye on you when you’re in the water," says Katie Murcott, program manager. Murcott says many kayakers can follow the harbor along Shore Road and see the area’s shorebirds and sea animals. "It’s really beautiful to see all the wildlife, all the houses we have and be able to dip your toe in the saltwater," she says.
Season Memorial Day through Labor Day
Cost $32 single kayak and $40 double for 90 minutes; educator-guided kayak wildlife tours $50 single, $70 double
More info 516-922-7245, thewaterfrontcenter.org
Spot birds in Kings Park and Smithtown
Nissequogue River Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Nissequogue River State Park, 799 Saint Johnland Rd., Kings Park; and Paul T. Given Park, West Main Street, Smithtown
Terrapin turtles, river otters and 50 bird species (American bald eagles included) can be seen on your one-way trip along 5½ miles of the Nissequogue, a New York State-designated "Scenic and Recreational River."
Dawn and Joe McGuire, of Kings Park, with their kids Mason and Mackenzie, paddle along the Nissequogue River in Kings Park. Credit: Joseph Sperber/Joseph Sperber
Sandstedt says kayakers launch on the incoming tide from Nissequogue River State Park and on the outgoing tide from Paul Given Park. The fee includes a ride in a vehicle back to the starting point.
"You see wildlife, marsh areas and beautiful houses. Some are mansions, some are little shacks," says kayaker Janine Cheskay, of Holbrook, a physical education teacher.
Season April 15 through Nov. 1
Cost $50 single kayak, $70 double. Parking at Nissequogue River State Park is $8 a car daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24-Sept. 1
More info 631-979-8244, canoerentals.com; call/text 631-219-4887 for tidal information.
Historic landmarks in Stony Brook
Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals: 51 Shore Rd., Stony Brook
Michael Conlin, center, of Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals, helps put Angela Campos, left, and Peter Siebenkas, both of Selden, in the waters of Stony Brook Harbor. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Stony Brook, known for its quaint Colonial-style village center, also boasts some of Long Island’s most charming harbor-front scenery — especially as seen from a kayak. The sights in Stony Brook Harbor include a historic, 300-plus-year-old gristmill and the Hercules Pavilion, housing the figurehead and anchor from the USS Ohio, the first ship launched from the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1820.
"Along the harbor there are beautiful mansions, you can see part of the Harmony Vineyards winery, and Avalon Nature Preserve bought a piece of untouched land near the water," says Nick Barbera, owner of Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals. "And two eagles are occasionally seen flying overhead."
Season May through November
Cost $45 single kayak, $70 double for two hours
More info 631-834-3130, sbharborrentals.com
Scenic tours in Orient
Eagle’s Neck Paddling Company: Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Main Rd., Orient
Rent a kayak at Orient Beach State Park. Credit: Newsday/Gordon M. Grant
"Hallock’s Bay is the definition of serenity," says Eagle's Neck Paddling Company owner Victoria Caggiano. "It is a protected estuary system that runs the length of Orient Beach State Park. Thriving with natural beauty and filled with wildlife, it showcases itself through calm waters and is the perfect place to remove yourself from the land static."
Season Weekends May 23 to June 21, daily June 23 to Sept. 7
Cost $35 per hour single kayak, $40 per hour double kayak and paddleboards. Parking at Orient Beach State Park is $8 a car daily May 25-June 20; $10 daily June 21-Sept. 7.
More info 631-765-3502, eaglesneckpaddling.com
