MORICHES BAY
- Latitude: 40.7728
- Longitude: -72.8161
- US East Coast
- Marina in US
Address: US
Moriches Bay is an estuarine bay located on the South Shore of Long Island, New York, within Suffolk County. It forms part of a chain of bays that create a marine environment separating Long Island from the Atlantic Ocean. Here are some details and specifications about Moriches Bay and its surrounding marinas.
Geographical Location
- Coordinates: Approximately 40°48′N 72°45′W.
- Borders: It is bounded by the towns of Brookhaven to the west and Southampton to the east.
- Access: The bay is accessible via several inlets, with Moriches Inlet being a primary entry point from the Atlantic Ocean.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Moriches Bay stretches roughly 9 miles in length and varies in width from 1 to 3 miles.
- Depth: The bay is relatively shallow, with depths generally ranging from 3 to 15 feet, though dredged channels are deeper to accommodate marine traffic.
- Water Type: Brackish, due to the mix of sea water from the Atlantic and freshwater from several creeks and rivers.
Ecological Insights
- Habitat: The bay supports various marine and bird species, including shellfish beds and eelgrass meadows.
- Conservation Areas: There are areas within the bay designated for wildlife protection due to the presence of sensitive and endangered species.
Marina Overview
While Moriches Bay itself doesn't house many marinas directly within the bay, there are several nearby, particularly in the neighboring hamlets:
Moriches Yacht Club
- Location: Center Moriches, NY
- Facilities: Offers boat slips, moorings, fuel docks, and basic amenities.
- Services: Boat repair, seasonal storage, and access to yacht club amenities like dining and event spaces.
Silly Lily Fishing Station
- Location: East Moriches, NY
- Facilities: Known for boat rentals, kayak and paddleboard rentals, bait and tackle shop, and fish cleaning services.
- Access: Provides easy access to Moriches Bay for recreational fishing and water sports.
Windswept Marina
- Location: Eastport, NY
- Facilities: Provides a wide range of services including boat slips, repair services, a marine store, and fuel dock.
- Storage: Offers both wet slips and dry storage options.
Recreational Activities
- Boating: The calm waters of the bay are ideal for sailing, powerboating, and kayaking.
- Fishing: Known for good catches of fluke, flounder, striped bass, and bluefish.
- Birdwatching: The bay is a hotspot for observing diverse avian species, especially during migration seasons.
Important Considerations
- Navigation: Mariners should be cautious of shifting sandbars, shallow areas, and strong tidal currents, particularly near the Moriches Inlet.
- Environmental Regulations: Due to its ecological sensitivity, certain activities may be regulated to protect the habitat.
Accessibility
- Road Access: The area around Moriches Bay is accessible via Montauk Highway (Route 27A) and the Long Island Expressway (I-495) with exits leading to local roads.
- Rail Access: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Montauk Branch serves nearby areas, including Mastic-Shirley Station.
For precise details and current operational status, always check with individual marina management and local nautical charts.