How long is the ride?

The trip to Davis Park takes about 20 minutes. Because of the terminal location upriver, the trip to Watch Hill is 30 minutes.

What is the difference between DAvis Park and Watch Hill? What is there to do over there?

Fire Island runs along most of the south shore of Long Island, and has about 17 distinct communities, of which we run to two.

Davis Park is a community of about 250 homes with a large marina, where homeowners, seasonal renters, weekly renters, boaters, and day-trippers take a break from the stress of their daily lives. Davis Park has a main lifeguarded beach as well as access to beaches in front of private homes. The flagship (and only) bar and restaurant is the Casino Cafe and Casino Bar, which has been serving up oceanfront drinks and meals since 1945. There is also a convenience store and Snack Bar, The Harbor Store, located in the main marina.

Watch Hill is located only a mile East of Davis Park, so the beach experience will be similar - but the community aspect is very different. Watch Hill is run by the National Park Service, a national park in your own backyard! Watch Hill is complete with a nature trail, lifeguards, and programming throughout the summer season, but has no lodging options beyond camping. “Regulars” at Watch Hill are the loyal boaters who love the sheltered and updated marina, as well as campers who love the various options for tented campsite camping, wilderness camping, and even glamping. There is a NPS Welcome Center as well as a convenience store, Snack Bar, and full service outdoor tented restaurant - while a new restaurant is under construction!

Can I bring my bike? or my car?

No — Most of Fire Island, including Davis Park and Watch Hill, is pedestrian only. The only vehicles permitted are work and emergency vehicles. This shouldn’t worry you as the area is incredibly walkable; Davis Park is about 3/4 miles from East to West, the distance from the ferry to the beach is only a tenth of a mile (usually a 3 minute walk). Watch Hill is a slightly further walk to the main beach, about 1/3 of a mile from the ferry dock, as the island is wider at that point.

Please note that Town of Brookhaven Ordinances prohibit bicycles, skateboards, scooters, etc. on all boardwalks.

I missed the ferry. Are there any water taxis?

Generally, no — There are no true “water taxis” that can be booked or called like a traditional taxi. All passenger vessel trips require licensed captains and trained crewmembers, which must be scheduled in advance, so last minute bookings are not generally feasible. If you miss the ferry, you will have to wait for the next scheduled trip. If you miss the LAST ferry or there is a large gap between scheduled trips, please contact us as quickly as possible; we may be able to accommodate you.

Can I walk to another beach?

Davis Park and Watch Hill are close enough to easily walk between, about 1/3 of a mile from the west edge of Davis Park to the East Edge of Watch Hill and about 1 mile from marina to marina. But they are the Easternmost communities on Fire Island and generally pretty separated from the rest of the island.

From the East edge of Davis Park, it is about 1 mile to the next beach community, Water Island—and 2 1/2 miles to the Western edge of The Fire Island Pines. But the distance to the Fire Island Lighthouse? About 11 1/2 miles, mostly on the beach. Make sure you do your research on the community you want to visit and take the right ferry for your destination.

There are lateral water taxis that will transport you from beach to beach so you can visit the whole island if you wish.

How do I buy tickets?

In person sales only — Tickets are only available to purchase in person directly prior to boarding the vessel.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes — We accept all major credit cards ($10 minimum) as well as contactless payment in our office. Please review the fares list for full pricing information.

Can I buy a round Trip?

Yes — There is a slight discount for purchasing an everyday Round Trip ticket (about $1 cheaper than purchasing one-ways).

But—you MUST retain your return ticket. Lost tickets must pay full one-way fare. Tickets are not tied to you personally and as such cannot be tracked or voided if lost.

Do you accept this ticket?

We only accept tickets produced and distributed by Davis Park Ferry Co., Inc that are not expired. We know there are so many other ferries throughout Long Island, including others on Fire Island. These are all completely separate, independent companies and therefore the tickets are NEVER interchangeable. If your ticket does not say Davis Park Ferry Co., Inc. on it, we cannot accept it.

Please note that all of our tickets carry expiration dates and cannot be accepted past the year noted on the ticket.

What can I bring?

Carry-on rules are similar to airline policies:

One carry-on and one smaller personal item permitted per person. These items must remain with you for the duration of the trip and should not prevent passengers from being seated. Example: beach chair + beach bag OR small cooler + backpack.

Additional freight is handled by our crew and stored in a designated area. All wheeled items such as carts and coolers are considered freight and must be loaded by the crew. All freight is charged for and will not be loaded without payment. Prices start at $1.50 per piece, and is dependent on weight and size.

Both Davis Park and Watch Hill permit food, non-alcoholic drinks, games, and chairs to be brought onto the beach.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes — We love dogs! They must be leashed onboard the vessel and are always charged for ($6.75) regardless of size.

Dogs are permitted in all areas of Davis Park, but are not permitted on the oceanfront beach at Watch Hill during the summer season. Please clean up after your dog—there are numerous baggie stations throughout Davis Park. Please ensure your dog does not venture into the dunes or disturb the local wildlife (Piping Plovers nest on the beach!), and check them for ticks when you return home.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

No — There is no restroom available on any of our vessels. The trip is only 20-30 minutes, and there is a public restroom available in both Patchogue and upon arrival at Fire Island.