Sag Harbor is the largest yachting center on Long Island's East End, with more than ten marinas packed along a short stretch of waterfront. For a visiting boater, that means plenty of options — and a few quirks worth knowing before you call the dockmaster. Here's how the harbor is laid out, where transient boats can tie up, and what to expect when you arrive.
How the harbor is laid out
Coming in from Shelter Island Sound, the village waterfront is straight ahead. Long Wharf runs out from the foot of Main Street, with the Bay Street marinas and yacht clubs lined up to the east. To the west, the fixed bridge to North Haven has roughly 20 feet of vertical clearance; sailboats with taller masts can't get into Sag Harbor Cove and the marinas inside it.
Marinas that take visiting boats
| Marina | Where | Hail | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sag Harbor Village Marina & Long Wharf | 1 Long Wharf | VHF 9 | Village-run; transient slips and moorings by reservation; Long Wharf has power for visiting yachts |
| Waterfront Marina | 1 Bay St | VHF 12 | Top of Main Street; 77 slips for boats 20–200 ft; day dockage first-come when space allows |
| Sag Harbor Yacht Club | 27 Bay St | VHF 9 | On the waterfront since 1899; welcomes visiting boaters |
| Sag Harbor Yacht Yard & Marina | 53 Bay St | VHF 77 | Full-service yard founded in 1797; transient and seasonal dockage, moorings, repairs |
| Yacht Hampton Boating Club & Marina | 51 Pine Neck Ave | Phone | Newest marina; transient slips only for boats 32 ft and under |
Full contact details, slip counts and phone numbers are on our Sag Harbor marinas page.
Slip, mooring or anchor?
Slips
The easiest option, with power, water and a short walk to Main Street. Summer weekends sell out, so reserve ahead — several marinas take bookings through Dockwa.
Moorings
The village and private operators rent moorings in the harbor. They're usually cheaper than a slip and quieter at night; you'll need a dinghy or launch to get ashore. Some boaters report fouled pennants late in the season, so check the lines when you pick one up.
Anchoring
Many visiting boats anchor outside the breakwater or head to nearby anchorages like Northwest Harbor and Coecles Harbor on Shelter Island, then dinghy in.
Arrival tips
- Call ahead on the right channel. The village marina and yacht club hail on VHF 9, Waterfront Marina on 12, and the Yacht Yard on 77.
- Know your air draft. Don't plan on the Cove unless you can clear the North Haven bridge.
- Arrive early on weekends. First-come day dockage goes quickly in July and August.
- Plan your evening. Restaurants, the Whaling Museum and the village shops are all within a block or two of the docks.
Don't have your own boat?
You can still enjoy the harbor. Dozens of captains run sunset sails, harbor tours and fishing trips from Long Wharf — browse the Sag Harbor charter directory or read how to pick the right charter.
FAQ
Does Sag Harbor have transient slips?
Yes. The Village Marina at Long Wharf, Waterfront Marina, Sag Harbor Yacht Club and Sag Harbor Yacht Yard all take visiting boats. Reserve ahead for summer weekends.
What VHF channel does Sag Harbor use?
The Village Marina and Sag Harbor Yacht Club monitor channel 9, Waterfront Marina channel 12, and Sag Harbor Yacht Yard channel 77.
Can sailboats get into Sag Harbor Cove?
Only if they can clear the fixed bridge to North Haven, which has about 20 feet of vertical clearance.