Seaplane ramp at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Floyd Bennett Field

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Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Floyd Bennett Field Home Page

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There are two hand-paddled watercraft launches at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Floyd Bennett Field. One is large enough to launch an ocean liner—it’s actually an old seaplane ramp near Hangar B—and the other is located at the North Forty Natural Area near the end of a runway now used for remote control airplanes. No permits are needed to use the ramps or park at the ramps during daylight hours.

Canoe launch at the North Forty Natural Area at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Floyd Bennett Field

Canoe launch at the North Forty Natural Area at Gateway National Recreation Area’s Floyd Bennett Field

There are numerous islands within Jamaica Bay, some solid land masses and others crisscrossed by narrow channels that run through the salt marshes, but boaters are only allowed in the open water. It is illegal to land on any island or paddle through any of the salt marshes.

The National Park Service runs canoe and kayak trips from Floyd Bennett Field at various times from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and maybe later into September if staffing and weather allows. I did not go on any of the trips, but checking the park schedule I saw there was one at Dead Horse Bay, one that goes up Gerritsen Creek to the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, one that went around Ruffle Bar Island in Jamaica Bay, and a few others. I’m sure they change things up each season as well. These aren’t held on a regular basis and some require a reservation, so you must get the schedule on the National Park Service’s Calendar web page for Gateway National Recreation Area. Type KAYAK or PADDLE into the By Keyword search box.

There is a regularly scheduled Floyd Bennett Field Kayaking for Beginners program on Jamaica Bay that launches from the seaplane ramp at Floyd Bennett Field every Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend between the hours of 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Times can always change, so if you are heading to Floyd Bennett Field specifically for the kayak program, be sure the check the Calendar web page or call (718) 338-3799 to verify times and days.

The way the program works is that you just show up, sign a waiver, and take an available kayak or wait until one is returned. A Ranger on the shore will get your equipment and show you how to paddle. Another Ranger is out in the bay, and you just paddle out to where the group has congregated. I don’t think there is any time limit, so when you are done, just paddle back and give your boat to the next person in line. Ages 6 and up are welcome, but young kids must have an adult with them. While anyone can participate, the program is really designed for those who have never been in a kayak or who have nothing better to do, not seasoned kayakers looking for an adventure. All you do is paddle around a short distance from the shore. I did a similar excursion at Great Kills Park on Staten Island.

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