Best Kayaking Launch Sites in Port Washington

Kayaking is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy Manhasset Bay, whether you aim to fish or simply tour the local waterways. There are a number of launch sites in town. Atlantic Outfitters has rated these spots in a simple guide, posted below. To assist readers with planning a day of kayaking, Patch included some of the restaurants and shops located near the launch sites.

INSPIRATION WHARF

Parking: Free

Fees: $5 for dock use.  Free to customers of Atlantic Outfitters.

Services: Water for equipment wash down, Atlantic Outfitters, R & G bait and tackle, and restaurants, including Dynasty, Louie's Oyster Bar & Grille and La Parma on the Bay. 

Points of interest: Osprey nests at Leeds Pond

Fish-ability: Excellent

Touring: Excellent

Notes: Better fished in the morning and evening. Less boat traffic. Great access to back of Manhasset Bay. Waterfront homes are spectacular.

TOWN DOCK

Parking: Free

Fees: None

Services: Restrooms

Points of interest: Lower Main Street shops – including Dolphin Book Shop, Bubba Brown's Treasures, and Glenn Bradford Fine Jewelry – and restaurants, including those at Inspiration Wharf, as well as Ayhan's Mediterranean Marketplace, Shish Kebab, Fish Kebab and La P'tite Framboise. And if you need last minute supplies or services, Atlantic Oufitters is just a few feet away from the Town Dock, at Inspiration Wharf.

Fish-ability: Good

Touring: Good

Notes: The new kayak launch is in.  If you are unsure where it is, ask at the Harbor Master office. Baxter Beach and Sheets Creek are a nice paddle.  Watch out for boat traffic here.  It can be busy.

MANORHAVEN PARK

Parking: $15 for non-residents, $10 for residents

Fees: For use of pool

Services: Water for wash-down, snack bar, pool, tennis courts, restrooms. Olivia Deli & Grocery across the street, as well as Restaurant Livorno and Mi Ranchito Bar & Grill

Points of interest: Creek at high tide

Fish-ability: Excellent

Touring: Excellent

Notes: Great launching site with beach access and low boat traffic.  Hug the shore to the west and paddle under the marinas.  Closest access to mouth of Manhasset Bay and Long Island Sound. Check out the cove inside Plum Point.

NORTH HEMPSTEAD BEACH PARK

Parking: $15 for non-residents, $10 for residents

Fees: For use of boat ramp to launch trailered boats

Services: Water for wash-down, snack bar, bathhouse, fishing pier

Points of interest: Back of Hempstead Harbor

Fish-ability: Excellent

Touring: Excellent

Notes: Great launching site with beach access and low boat traffic.  You must pay for parking, and you are limited by the park hours.  Channels in the harbor are great for trolling.  Make sure to check the weather – this harbor can get very lumpy in a Northerly wind. The back of the Harbor is for non-powered boats only.