Old Fort Pond Inlet

About

Introduction:

Located in the northeast corner of Shinnecock Bay on the eastern end of Long Island, Old Fort Pond is three miles from both the Shinnecock Inlet and Shinnecock Canal. This is an excellent location to take a break if you are heading to the Shinnecock Canal from the Shinnecock Inlet and arrive in the area late in the day (there are marinas at the canal, but passage to them from the Shinnecock Bay Inlet can be tricky at dusk or in the evening).

The two marinas in Old Fort Pond have excellent facilities, but only one of them officially accepts transient guests. You may be able to arrange for a slip with the other marina here, but be sure to radio or call ahead. There is an anchorage here fwith good holding in five-foot depths.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 12352.

Old Fort Pond is approached from the eastern end of Shinnecock Bay just south of Middle Pond. From Shinnecock Bay, set a course for flashing green “1,” just southwest of the inlet. From here, there are no official navigation aids (aside from tethered milk bottles left by locals), but the passage is at least five to six feet deep all the way to the marinas in the upper corner of the pond.

The two marinas in the pond are well-equipped, but only one of them will accommodate transients. If you prefer to drop the hook, a reasonably well protected anchorage with good holding in five-foot depths right off of the marinas.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.