Destination
Southampton
Shinnecock, sand bars, and quiet coves.
Southampton charters run out of Shinnecock or across the bay from Peconic. The water here is warm, shallow in stretches, and full of sandbars that draw a crowd on summer weekends. If your group is coming from the estates on Meadow Lane or Gin Lane, we can arrange a beach pickup by tender rather than making you drive to a marina. Shinnecock Inlet is the only way in and out for the ocean crossing, and it is worth doing on a calm day. The bay side gives you protected water, a couple of great anchorages tucked behind sand spits, and easy access to Robins Island. Southampton is the right choice if you want the sandbar and the low-key feel of the western East End, without the drive to Sag or Montauk. Bring sunscreen. There is no shade on the sandbar.
Top routes from Southampton
Anchor for four hours in shallow water. Music, mats, tenders.
A private island loop with a swim on the north side.
Out through the inlet and east along the beach on calm days.
A sample day in Southampton
- 11:00 amBoard at Shinnecock or by tender from the beach.
- 11:30 amSlow cruise to the sandbar behind Cow Neck.
- 12:00 pmAnchor. Lunch aboard, floating mats out.
- 3:00 pmCruise past Robins Island.
- 4:30 pmReturn.
Boats that depart from here
Local FAQ
Can you pick us up from the beach?+
Yes, tender pickup is possible on flat days from most bay-side estates.
How crowded is the sandbar?+
Saturdays are a party. Weekdays feel like a private beach.
Do we go in the ocean?+
Only on calm days through Shinnecock Inlet. We check conditions the morning of.
We are Carter and Sean, local captains out of Sag Harbor. Southampton has a different flavor than the towns to the east, and we love it for that. Whether you want a day on Peconic Bay or a run into Shinnecock, we set it up. Boats from 22 ft to 122 ft and clear pricing on every trip.
Why charter out of Southampton
Southampton gives you two very different waters. On the bay side you have Peconic Bay, which is calm, wide, and easy. On the ocean side you have Shinnecock Bay, which sits behind the barrier beach and connects to the ocean through Shinnecock Inlet. That means you can pick your day. Flat water and a swim, or a run through the inlet for something bigger.
A Southampton yacht charter with us usually starts on the bay side. Peconic Bay has more places to anchor and more calm water. We can drop the group at a sandbar, run over to Robins Island for a scenic drift, or head east toward North Sea. Shinnecock is also fun, but the inlet needs the right tide and a settled forecast.
We are USCG licensed and insured. Every charter has a captain. See boats at .
Top routes and stops from Southampton
Route one is the North Sea and Little Peconic Bay loop. We leave the North Sea area, run west into Little Peconic Bay, and swing past Robins Island. The island is private, so we stay off shore, but the water around it is some of the prettiest on the East End.
Route two is the Cooper's Beach view from the water. This is an ocean side option that only works on a calm day. We come out of Shinnecock Inlet, run east along the beach, and give you a look at Meadow Lane from a totally new angle. Bucket list run for people who know the area.
Route three is the Shinnecock Bay drift. Inside the barrier beach, Shinnecock Bay is a big shallow bay with good swimming and easy anchoring. Great for a lazy afternoon with the kids.
A sample day departing from Southampton
10:00 am. Meet at the dock. Coffee, load in, safety brief.
10:20 am. Lines off. Idle out to open water.
11:00 am. First anchor at a soft sand spot in Peconic Bay.
12:30 pm. Lunch on the boat, or a stop at a waterfront restaurant on the bay.
2:00 pm. Cruise past Robins Island and toward North Sea Harbor.
3:30 pm. Second swim. Toys off the back if you brought them.
5:00 pm. Return to the dock. Easy ride home.
Best boats for Southampton
For a small group on Peconic Bay, our 22 ft or 28 ft day boat is a great pick. Easy in and out of shallow spots. For a bigger group or an all day trip, our mid size cruisers give you more shade and more room. For events, the 122 ft event yacht meets you in deeper water. See .
Boarding,parking, and logistics
We board most Southampton charters at a marina on the bay side. The exact spot depends on the day and the boat. Parking is easier here than in the village of Sag Harbor. Give yourself 15 minutes to load in.
Pack layers, hats, sunscreen, and soft soled shoes. We supply ice, water, towels, and a clean head. Coolers welcome. If you want to plan around a specific restaurant, tell us ahead so we can time the tide and the tie up.
Best time of year and weather notes
Peconic Bay is nice from mid May through mid October. July and August are peak. Wind out of the southwest builds in the afternoon, so morning is glassy. Shinnecock Inlet is tide sensitive. We only run the inlet at the right stage of tide and with a calm ocean forecast.
What locals do vs. what tourists ask for
Tourists ask us to run down Meadow Lane and stare at houses. We do it, and it is fun, but the better day for most people is on the bay. Locals anchor off a sandbar in Peconic Bay, eat lunch, swim, and nap on the bow. Locals also know Robins Island is prettiest from the west side in the late afternoon light. Tell us the day you want. Also see our Sag Harbor and Shelter Island pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a Southampton boat rental for a birthday?+
Yes. Birthdays are a big part of what we do. We can bring cake, decor, and speakers if you want. Just ask.
Do you run charters through Shinnecock Inlet?+
Sometimes. It depends on the tide and the ocean forecast. We only run the inlet when it is safe.
What is the best swim spot near Southampton?+
Sandbars in Peconic Bay. The bottom is soft and the water gets shallow enough to stand.
Do you offer private boat tours of Southampton?+
Yes. All charters are private. Just your group on board with your captain.
How long is a typical Southampton yacht charter?+
Most guests book four to six hours. Full days are also popular in the summer.
Can we bring guests who do not swim?+
Yes. Most of the day is spent on the boat. We can plan the trip so nobody has to get in the water.