Visitors often call Montauk “The End” because it is the easternmost village on Long Island, and many locals tout it as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” But Montauk’s appeal goes well beyond fishing. The surf at Ditch Plains Beach draws experienced surfers from across the region, and the beaches are wide, white and well maintained. Deep Hollow Ranch, which offers beach and trail rides, claims the distinction of being the oldest working ranch in the United States. Montauk Lighthouse, completed in 1796, stands as a National Historic Landmark and an enduring symbol of the area. Golfers can play the public Robert Trent Jones–designed layout at Montauk Downs, and a lively selection of restaurants and nightlife keeps the village buzzing after sunset. For boaters especially, Montauk is an ideal destination, combining maritime access, coastal scenery and plentiful outdoor activities.
Like much of the South Fork, Montauk fills up quickly in the summer, but arriving by boat lets you avoid the busiest parts of the village. Transient slips are generally reasonably priced, many docks have casual restaurants within easy reach, and the harbor-front activity tends to stay concentrated near the inlet, leaving the central village a short walk away. Gosman’s Dock is a favorite provisioning spot for boaters and a popular place to watch the day’s catch come ashore while enjoying seafood and waterfront drinks.
Montauk Harbor sits at the north end of Lake Montauk, which remained the largest freshwater lake in New York State until a channel to Block Island Sound was dredged in 1926. Today the inlet is considered safe and straightforward to navigate under most conditions, making it one of the more accessible harbors on the East Coast. A 2015 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey measured at least 10 feet of water in the channel at mean low water, and the local tide range averages a little more than two feet. Most marinas and commercial fishing docks are located on the western side of the harbor near the inlet or on Star Island.
Several marinas offer transient accommodations and services. Montauk Marine Basin and its boatyard take vessels up to around 50 feet and provide standard transient amenities. Uihlein’s Marina nearby accepts boats up to about 35 feet. Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina has slips for much larger yachts and recently renovated hotel facilities, while the Star Island Yacht Club & Marina advertises ample transient dockage and a full-service ship’s store and tackle shop. These facilities make Montauk convenient for both overnight visits and longer stays.
Anchoring in Montauk is straightforward in recommended spots. South of Star Island is a common anchorage with about six feet of water at low tide in the anchoring area—reasonable for many coastal cruisers but something to watch if your vessel draws close to that depth. The harbor’s harbormaster advises paying attention to the channel on the way in and considering arriving near high tide if your draft is significant. There is no strict time limit on anchoring as long as someone remains on board; unattended boats are limited to shorter periods, and moorings are privately owned, so anchoring is generally the preferred option. For convenience and shelter, anchoring closer to South Lake Beach is often recommended.
Fishing is integral to the Montauk experience. Striped bass fishing is strong through the summer months, and bluefish are a persistent and feisty presence. Anglers can also expect fluke, black sea bass and porgies in local waters. Many experienced captains note that some offshore species have shifted farther from the coast over recent years, so trips that venture well offshore can produce different targets than inshore outings.
For boat owners and visitors alike, chartering a local fishing boat can be a smart way to access proven fishing grounds and local expertise. Full-service charters typically include tackle, electronics, bait, licenses and cleaning of the catch, with captains and mates who know where—and how—to find fish. Party boats are an economical option for casual anglers who want a walk-on experience and the chance to fish without renting an entire charter. Alternatively, hiring a light-tackle or fly-fishing guide gives anglers a chance to learn specialized techniques for catching stripers or bluefish on spinning or fly gear.
Beyond fishing, Montauk rewards visitors with a variety of shore-based activities. Surfing, beachcombing and scenic walks around the lighthouse or along coastal trails provide alternatives to a day on the water. Dining and nightlife in the village cater to a range of tastes, from casual dockside seafood to more refined evening options. For provisioning, Gosman’s Dock remains a go-to spot for fresh seafood and supplies, and most marinas offer basic on-site services to keep boats ready for the next outing.
Montauk Travel Guide
Montauk is a multifaceted destination for boaters, anglers and coastal visitors. If fishing is your focus, consider hiring a light-tackle or fly-fishing guide to learn the local techniques for stripers and blues; party boats and full charters are available for a variety of budgets and group sizes. For provisioning, Gosman’s Dock is convenient and well suited to boaters. Moorings are privately owned, so plan to anchor or book a transient slip in advance during peak season. Enjoy the surf, the historic lighthouse, the ranch rides and the relaxed harbor life—arriving by boat is often the best way to experience everything Montauk has to offer.
This article originally appeared in the August 2019 issue.