Getting There -- Shelter Island is accessible only by boat; it's about a 10-minute ferry trip from the mainland. If you're driving, take the LIE out to Riverhead, then head north to Greenport or south to Sag Harbor -- the distance is roughly the same. From Greenport on the North Fork, the North Ferry Co. (tel. 631/749-0139) runs every 15 to 30 minutes from 6am to midnight. The price is $9 for car and driver one-way, $2 per extra person or for walk-ons. From Sag Harbor, the South Ferry (tel. 631/749-1200) runs every 10 to 12 minutes from 5:40am to 11:45pm year-round, with extended hours in the summer and extended weekend hours the rest of the year. The price is $12 per car one-way, $1 per person for walk-ons. Since Shelter Island is so small, it doesn't matter which ferry you take, but if you don't want to bother with a car, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (tel. 516/822-LIRR) to Greenport; the ferry is right next to the train station.
Visitor Information -- Contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau at tel. 877/FUN-ON-LI or 631/951-3440.
Getting Around -- While the island is small, if you really want to explore, you'll need a car. Check out the South Fork section of this chapter for information on rentals. If you just want to relax at your hotel, you can arrange for a pickup at the ferry, or get a taxi by calling Shelter Island Go-fors (tel. 631/749-4252).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
