
New York/Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary Top Hotel Picks
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Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary is one of NYC’s hidden gems—a coastal haven where gulls soar above tidal pools and seals nap on sunlit rocks. Walk the quiet shoreline at sunset, listen to waves kiss the shore, and feel the city fade away. This isn’t just nature—it’s peace, raw and real.









Everything you need to know about Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary
Near Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary in New York, NY, stay at The Inn at the Harbor, a boutique hotel offering exclusive birdwatching tours and private dock access for observing migratory ducks and coastal species. Rooms feature double-glazed windows to enjoy morning bird calls without disturbance, plus complimentary binoculars and eco-guides. The property is nestled within a protected wetland zone, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking immersive wildlife experiences.
From Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary, take advantage of the free shuttle bus service connecting to the Shelter Island Historical Society Museum and Morgan Park, just a 10-minute ride away. The sanctuary also offers bike rental stations with electric and mountain bikes for exploring coastal trails, tidal zones, and mangrove forests. Use the MTA Citymapper app or NYC MetroPass for real-time transit updates and seamless navigation across the island’s eco-friendly transport network.
At Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary, guests can join guided night tide observation tours using infrared detectors to track sea turtles and otters. Participate in wetland restoration workshops, planting native salt marsh grasses to support coastal ecosystem recovery. Each spring, the Bird Tracking Challenge combines technology and adventure—using GPS devices and mobile apps to map migratory bird paths, blending education with outdoor exploration in a truly immersive way.
Visit Seabird Bistro, a secluded seaside bistro tucked beside Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its daily fresh seafood. Their signature dish, "Tide Pool Salmon Tartare," features wild-caught salmon and local herbs, delivering a rich, layered flavor. Built with sustainable timber and solar power, the restaurant operates with zero carbon footprint. Dine with panoramic views of tidal pools and circling gulls—some tables even feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls that seamlessly blend nature into your meal, perfect for eco-conscious travelers seeking elegance and authenticity.
Camping is not permitted within Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary, but designated sites are available at Shelter Island County Park, requiring reservations 30 days in advance. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles: no open fires, pets prohibited, and no vegetation damage. All waste must be packed out, and only biodegradable cleaning products allowed. A mandatory ecological safety training session is required before entry to ensure respect for wildlife habitats and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.
Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, year-round with no closure on Mondays. Admission is free, though a suggested $5 donation supports conservation efforts. Guided tours cost $25 per person and include expert guides, binoculars, and educational handouts. Parking is $10 per day, with free entry for disabled visitors and children. Real-time crowd monitoring is available on the official website, recommending off-peak visits during peak seasons for a more enjoyable experience.
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