Best Places to Kayak Near Shelter Island, NY

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Shelter Island, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby14 Lakes12 Rivers4 Oceans
← All paddling in New York

Top Picks Near Shelter Island

a boat is sitting on the shore of a lake1

Bayberry Lane

Open-water sea kayaking access on Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound

OceanBeginner23 mi away
a large light house sitting on top of a body of water2

Dock Road

A top-rated ocean launch on Atlantic Ocean/Long Island Sound

OceanBeginner20 mi away
a sailboat with people on it sailing in the ocean3

Great Island

Just 15 miles from Shelter Island — the closest quality launch

OceanBeginner15 mi away
a sailboat with people on it sailing in the ocean

Great Island

Connecticut · 15.4 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hammonasset Beach Boat Launch

Connecticut · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Four Mile River

Connecticut · 17.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Lieutenant River

Connecticut · 17.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Connecticut River (Baldwin Bridge)

Connecticut · 17.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Dodge Pond

Connecticut · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large light house sitting on top of a body of water

Dock Road

Connecticut · 19.5 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Harbor Hill Marina

Connecticut · 19.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Niantic River

Connecticut · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Gorton Pond

Connecticut · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats on a lake with autumn trees in the background

Fort Pond

New York · 20.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Rogers Lake

Connecticut · 20.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Messerschmidt Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Uncas Pond (Hog Pond)

Connecticut · 21.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Pattagansett Lake

Connecticut · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rock formation surrounded by trees and body of water

East River

Connecticut · 21.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Norwich Pond

Connecticut · 22.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees reflected on water

Marina

Connecticut · 22.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is sitting on the shore of a lake

Bayberry Lane

Connecticut · 22.9 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Powers Lake

Connecticut · 23.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Boats in the harbor at dusk, by the shore.

Thames River

Connecticut · 24.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Bluff Point Boat Launch

Connecticut · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
rock formation surrounded by trees and body of water

Thames River (Kenneth Streeter)

Connecticut · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch (Connecticut River)

Connecticut · 25.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
calm body of water during golden hour

Cedar Lake

Connecticut · 25.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat is sitting on the shore of a lake

Marina

Connecticut · 25.3 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Pattaconk Lake Boat Launch

Connecticut · 25.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Horse Pond Boat Launch

Connecticut · 27.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Branford River

Connecticut · 28.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by trees in a forest

Connecticut River (Salmon River)

Connecticut · 28.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Shelter Island.

Shelter Island Heights, NY1 miGreenport, NY3 miEast Marion, NY4 miSouthold, NY5 miSag Harbor, NY6 miOrient, NY6 miPeconic, NY7 miCutchogue, NY8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Shelter Island, NY?

Top picks near Shelter Island include Bayberry Lane, Dock Road, Great Island. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, oceans.

What types of paddling can I do near Shelter Island?

Near Shelter Island you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Shelter Island?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Shelter Island are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.