Active Pursuits

Beaches

Beaches here tend to be narrow strips of sand, but the protected waters are perfect for swimming. Head to Crescent Beach and Silver Beach, both along the southwestern area of the island.

Fishing

Take off among the rich waters around the island in search of striped bass and bluefish (May-July), then catch stripers, blues, and false albacore on a half- or full-day charter with Light Tackle Challenge, 91 W. Neck Rd. (tel. 631/749-1906).

Hiking

The Mashomack Preserve, Route 114 (near the South Ferry office; tel. 631/749-1001), encompasses more than 2,000 acres in southeastern Shelter Island, more than a third of the island. Ex-hunting club territory, the Nature Conservancy purchased it in 1980 and has protected its oak woodlands, marshes, freshwater ponds, and tidal creeks ever since. Car-free, it's a great place to go for easy hikes and look for osprey, ibis, hummingbirds, muskrats, foxes, harbor seals, and terrapins. It's open daily July to August from 9am to 5pm; September to June 9am to 4pm, closed Tuesdays. Park just inside the preserve entrance and pick up a trail map and hike the four well-marked trails of varying lengths and difficulty (up to 11 miles).

Kayaking

The protected waters of Shelter Island's bays make for a scenic place to slice through on a kayak. You'll likely see the island's deer, osprey, and other wildlife. Go with Shelter Island Kayak Tours, Route 114 and Duvall Road (tel. 631/749-1990). Rent a kayak ($30 per hour, 2-hr. minimum) or take a 2-hour tour ($60). The Nature Conservancy (tel. 631/749-1001) also runs a few kayaking trips around Mashomack Preserve in the summer.