August 26, 2020

The Sunken Forest – Sailor’s Haven, Fire Island NPS

A Centuries-Old Forest

The Sunken Forest in Sailor’s Haven is a special place for us. Almost 8 years ago, I took Jordana on a freezing boat ride across the Great South Bay for a walk through the forest. We just had another tropical storm aka “hurricane” and things were pretty bad. I told her we should go for a ride to see how the forest made out. We took a walk through the forest and came upon the overlook where I dropped to one knee and proposed. It’s been our spot ever since.

The overlook in the Sunken Forest where I proposed to Jordana.

Aurrelia love’s walking through the forest and is becoming quite the guide.

Every time we visit Sailor’s Haven we take a walk through the forest and get lost in it’s history and see how much it’s been reshaped by Nature.

Odin almost walked the whole thing this year. He’s getting so big.

Once past the overlook the boardwalk leads you down to the swale walk where you can hit the beach, make a left to go back to Sailor’s Haven or a right to Point of Woods.

How to get here?

Sailors Haven is located near the center of Fire Island, across the Great South Bay from Sayville, New York. It is accessible by Sayville Ferry, private boat, and foot only. Most people will take a walk over from Cherry Grove.

For Ferry Service check in with Sayville Ferry for ferry times. Sailor’s Haven is a seasonal destination, but during the off season you can still take a ferry to Cherry Grove and walk over on the swale walk.

The other way over is by private boat. We are lucky that Jordana’s parents bring their boat over every summer and we get to stay with them for a few days. If you have a private boat and want to stay in their 45 slip marina, please visit LoveFins.com or call the Sailors Haven Marina at 631-597-6014 for the most up to date information on rates and reservations. There is a 14-day limit for each stay. Tell Steve we sent ya.

What’s there to do?

You can take a Range guided tour of the Sunken Forest or visit the nature center and check out their touch tables and aquariums.

Fish in the Great South Bay.

Swim, Surf, Boogieboard in the Atlantic Ocean. Sailor’s Haven usually has a great sand bar break that even produces some fun waves during the summer. Unfortunately, it looks like the sand bar didn’t form this summer. There was plenty of shore break to body surf in though.

You can also visit the Sailor’s Haven gift shop and snack stand for some yummy treats.

There are also some great programs for kids and you can learn more by visiting the National Parks Website.

Last year Aurelia became a Junior Ranger.

The Weather

We always experience a variety of weather on Sailor’s Haven during the summer, but luckily for the most part, it’s always sunny. But sometimes, the summer squall comes through producing some strong storms that can test even the seasoned boater.

Pet policy

Pets are not permitted on the ocean beach at Sailors Haven from March 15 through Labor Day. You may bring your dog, but remember that this may restrict your options for enjoyment of Sailors Haven. Pets must always be leashed and under control, and you are required to properly dispose of your pet’s excrement.