Destination
East Hampton
Three Mile Harbor, quiet mornings, long light.
East Hampton charters run out of Three Mile Harbor. It is calmer than Sag, and the boat ride out to Gardiners Bay opens up fast. Boarding here is our favorite for a small crew who wants to skip the village bustle. A little quieter, a little longer to fuel and provision, but you get water almost immediately. Gardiners Bay is protected on three sides and shallow enough for kids to swim off the swim platform. The old salt pond and the north side of Cedar Point give you a real sense of how the East End used to feel. We hold a handful of slips at a marina here and can meet you at whichever end of the harbor makes your morning easier. If you are staying in Amagansett or Springs, this is the one we usually suggest.
Top routes from East Hampton
A slow cruise around a private island. Bring cameras.
Thirty minutes to the light, anchor for a swim.
Push east for a lunch at the docks, back before sunset.
A sample day in East Hampton
- 10:00 amBoard at Three Mile Harbor. Coffee waiting.
- 10:30 amHead out through the channel toward Gardiners Bay.
- 11:15 amAnchor near Cedar Point for a swim.
- 1:00 pmLunch aboard, slow cruise past Gardiners Island.
- 3:30 pmReturn to Three Mile Harbor.
Boats that depart from here
Local FAQ
Where in Three Mile Harbor do we meet?+
We use two marinas depending on the boat. You will get exact directions the day before.
How rough is the ride?+
Gardiners Bay is one of the calmest bodies of water on the East End. Great for first-timers.
Overnight docking?+
Yes, we can hold you overnight in the harbor on the right vessel.
We are Carter and Sean, local captains out of Sag Harbor. East Hampton is right next door for us. We run charters into Three Mile Harbor, Napeague, and Gardiners Bay every week in season. If you want a private day out of East Hampton, we know the water and the docks. Fast reply and clear pricing on every trip.
Why charter out of East Hampton
East Hampton has some of the best bay water on the East End. Three Mile Harbor is a big, well marked harbor with good depth and easy access to Gardiners Bay. From there you have miles of open water, quiet coves, and long sandy beaches. The vibe is a little quieter than the village scene in Sag Harbor. People come out here to unwind.
A lot of our East Hampton yacht charter guests want the dock and dine day. That is the classic move. We pull up to a waterfront spot on Three Mile Harbor, tie up for lunch, then head back out for a swim. Others want a full day tour with stops at Cartwright Shoal and a run past the Gardiners Island shoreline. Both are great days on the water.
We are USCG licensed and insured. All charters come with a captain. See our full fleet at .
Top routes and stops from East Hampton
Route one is the Three Mile Harbor and Maidstone loop. We leave the harbor, run north along the Maidstone shoreline, and swing over toward Cedar Point. The water is usually calm here. Great for a first time out.
Route two is Napeague Harbor. This is a narrow, shallow harbor east of Three Mile. The water is warm and clear. You can wade for a mile in some spots. Good for kids and paddleboards. We anchor and let the group play.
Route three is Gardiners Bay and the shoal. We push out into the big bay, run past Cartwright Shoal, and get close to the Gardiners Island coast. The island is private, so we do not land, but the view from the water is a treat. On a clear day you can see all the way to Plum Island.
A sample day departing from East Hampton
10:00 am. Meet at the dock in Three Mile Harbor. Bags on. Quick safety brief.
10:20 am. Lines off. Idle out the channel, then open up in Gardiners Bay.
11:15 am. First swim near a soft sand bar. Toys off the back if you want.
1:00 pm. Dock and dine. We tie up at one of the waterfront restaurants inside Three Mile Harbor.
2:30 pm. Back on the water. Head east toward Napeague for a quieter afternoon.
4:00 pm. Second swim and drift. Watch for ospreys overhead.
5:30 pm. Return to the dock. Home in time for dinner in town.
Best boats for East Hampton
For a small group, our 28 ft day boat is a great pick. It handles the chop on the bay and still gets shallow enough for the Napeague flats. For a larger family or friend group, one of our mid size cruisers is the move. If you are hosting an event, we can bring the 122 ft yacht in for the day. See the page for specs.
Boarding, parking, and logistics
Most of our East Hampton charters board at a private dock inside Three Mile Harbor. We share the exact spot after booking. Parking is easier here than in the village. There is space at the marina and along the road. Give yourself 15 minutes to load in.
Bring soft soled shoes, sunscreen, hats, and a light jacket for the ride home. We supply ice, water, towels, and a clean head. Coolers welcome. If you want food from town, we can point you to spots that will pack and deliver to the dock.
Best time of year and weather notes
June through mid September is prime. Water hits the mid 70s by July. Afternoon southwest wind is normal in summer. We plan routes around it so the ride stays smooth. Early morning trips are glassy and quiet. Great for photos and for guests who get seasick.
What locals do vs. what tourists ask for
Tourists ask us to run past the big houses on the shoreline. That is fine, we do it, but the better move is to head the other way. Locals go to the flats in Napeague and let the kids run wild in ankle deep water. Locals eat lunch on the boat and skip the crowded restaurants at peak hours. Locals also know that the best swim of the day is often at 4 pm when the light softens and the wind lays down. Also see our Amagansett and Sag Harbor pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book an East Hampton boat rental for a half day?+
Yes. We run three, four, six, and eight hour charters. Half days are popular for families.
Do you dock and dine in Three Mile Harbor?+
Yes. There are a few waterfront restaurants inside the harbor that take boat traffic. We handle the timing and the tie up.
Is Three Mile Harbor good for beginners?+
Very good. The harbor is well protected. Even on a breezy day the water inside is calm.
How far is Gardiners Island from East Hampton?+
About 20 minutes at cruise speed from the mouth of Three Mile Harbor. The island is private, so we admire it from the water.
Can we take private boat tours out of East Hampton at sunset?+
Yes. Sunset cruises are one of our most requested trips. We leave about two hours before sundown.
Do you allow pets on board?+
Yes. Just let us know ahead of time so we can prep the boat.