Waterfront Center
Experience maritime history and water sports in Oyster Bay. Sail on a historic boat or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunset sails
Waterfront Center
Best Time
Magical sunset sails
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience maritime history and water sports in Oyster Bay. Sail on a historic boat or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding.
"Truly amazing when you realize you are standing on a boat that was built at the same time of the shootout at the OK Corral!"
🎯 Book Waivers Online
Sign your waiver online before arriving to speed up the check-in process for kayaking and paddleboarding.
📱 Dry Pouch for Phones
Single kayaks come with a dry pouch to keep your phone safe while you capture photos on the water.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 91 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sail on the Historic Christeen
Oyster Bay
Experience sailing on a boat built during the time of the OK Corral. Help raise the sails and learn from knowledgeable crew.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Oyster Bay
Enjoy a fun day on the water with easy online booking and helpful staff. Dry pouches are available for phones.
Adult Sailing Classes
Oyster Bay
Learn to sail in a supportive environment. The Waterfront Center offers classes for adults looking to gain sailing skills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Sails
Weather & Activity Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beach for non-residents (north shore)
You can park at the Waterfront Center here in Oyster Bay and walk over. Or park in the LIRR lot outside the park and walk in. They will not stop you. Parking at the LIRR and waterfront center is free. They just installed a new cafe so it's a pretty nice now. Also it's not the…
🎯 Book Waivers Online
Sign your waiver online before arriving to speed up the check-in process for kayaking and paddleboarding.
📱 Dry Pouch for Phones
Single kayaks come with a dry pouch to keep your phone safe while you capture photos on the water.
Town of oyster bay state free boat ramp
The single boat ramp next to Theodore Roosevelt park that’s across the waterfront center, does anyone know if they put the dock back. I was told it was a dock that comes in and out every year. Apparently the oyster bay beaches department said it hasn’t been there last summer.…
Kayaking spots
Hello! I'm interested in finding good spots for kayaking around here. Is the Connetquot Preserve a good place for kayaking? If so, where is the best place for launching the kayaks?
⛵ Learn to Sail
The Waterfront Center offers adult sailing classes. Check their website for schedules and availability.
🌟 Evening Sails
Consider booking an evening sail for a truly memorable and beautiful experience on Oyster Bay.
Beginner sailing
Hi All: Does anyone have any recommendations for someone who is an adult looking to learn to sail? Age range for the people would be 30-50. Thanks in advance for the help!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Waivers Online
Sign your waiver online before arriving to speed up the check-in process for kayaking and paddleboarding.
📱 Dry Pouch for Phones
Single kayaks come with a dry pouch to keep your phone safe while you capture photos on the water.
⛵ Learn to Sail
The Waterfront Center offers adult sailing classes. Check their website for schedules and availability.
🌟 Evening Sails
Consider booking an evening sail for a truly memorable and beautiful experience on Oyster Bay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Waterfront Center offers a mix of historical sailing experiences and water sports. Many visitors praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff, especially on the Christeen sails, and enjoy the interactive nature of helping with the sails. However, some have reported significant issues with cancellations and perceived incompetence, which have marred special occasions.
"this was so cool and so much fun. its truly amazing when you realize you are standing on a boat that was built at the same time of the shootout at the OK Corall. the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. the weather was great. we all helped raise the sails. We are going to bring friends to do it again. We really really loved it!"
Ryan Vasey
"We booked a special birthday sail on the Christeen for 20 people. Everyone had an amazing time! Our captain and crew were so fun and knowledgeable-sharing fascinating information as we sailed around beautiful Oyster Bay. The front desk staff is also very welcoming and helpful! We plan to book another sail next summer in the evening.
Highly recommend!"
Mari D'Alessandro
"Canceled on my family an hour before launch. First excuse: not enough people on the boat. Fine, I offered to pay the difference. Suddenly the problem became no crew. I drove over and watched her make calls for the very first time—an hour before launch. Total lie. Total incompetence. Lazy workers. Lazy director (spoke to him on the phone. What a gem! ) A stunning day destroyed by people with zero pride in their jobs and zero respect for customers. I simply cannot wait to hear the excuse/response you come up with Giving one star out of kindness and google force"
Christina Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Waterfront Center is located in Oyster Bay, NY. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method. Parking availability can vary, especially during peak times.
Parking information can be limited. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead to confirm parking availability and any associated fees, especially if you plan to visit during a busy period.
Many visitors opt to drive to Oyster Bay. If coming from further afield, consider train services to nearby stations and then a taxi or rideshare to the Waterfront Center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sails on the historic Christeen can be booked through The Waterfront Center's official website. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for special events or group bookings.
The Waterfront Center offers adult sailing classes, typically for ages 18 and up. Specific age ranges for different programs can be found on their website.
Cancellations can occur, sometimes with short notice. While some experiences are highly recommended, be aware that cancellations have been reported, impacting special occasions.
Yes, a waiver is required for kayaking and paddleboarding. Signing it online in advance can significantly speed up your check-in process upon arrival.
Yes, private events and birthday sails can be booked. These special experiences are highly praised for their fun and knowledgeable crew.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Waterfront Center offers a variety of activities including sailing on historic vessels like the Christeen, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding. They also provide sailing classes.
Yes, on certain sails, particularly on the Christeen, guests have the opportunity to help raise the sails, making for a more interactive experience.
Staff are generally described as knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming, and fun, especially the captains and crew on the sailing excursions.
Absolutely! Kayaks often come with dry pouches for phones, perfect for capturing photos. Sunset sails also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
While August afternoons can be hot for kayaking, a sunset ride is highly recommended for a more comfortable and picturesque experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on onsite dining is not readily available. It's best to plan for meals before or after your visit, or bring your own snacks and drinks if permitted.
Policies on bringing food and drinks may vary by activity. For sails, it's advisable to check with the Waterfront Center directly regarding their specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The decks of the historic Christeen offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially with the sails raised. Sunset sails provide dramatic lighting.
Single kayaks are equipped with dry pouches, ideal for safely storing your phone or camera to capture shots while you paddle.
Generally, photography is encouraged to capture the experience. However, always be mindful of other guests and follow any specific guidelines provided by the staff.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit