Satellite view of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge canoe launch area
Jamaica Bay Unit Home Page | Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Home Page
At the very northern end of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens are two parking lots located at the south abutment of the Addabbo Bridge (aka North Channel Bridge), one on either side of the road. It is from the east parking lot that hand-paddled watercraft can be launched into Jamaica Bay. There is no ramp or particular spot that you must use, and to tell the truth, the terrain is no different here than on the west side of the road, but you can only launch your boat from here. This puts you in on the east side of the bay. To get to the west side you must cross under the bridge.
Canoe launch area at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area
Per a sign in the parking lot, a permit is required to launch your hand-paddled watercraft (the sign may have been removed by the time you visit). However, permits are no longer needed for launching from dawn to dusk. Permits are required for after-hours parking at the canoe launch. Inquire about after hours permits at the Ryan Visitor Center or by calling (718) 338-3799.
There are numerous islands within Jamaica Bay, some solid land masses and others crisscrossed by narrow channels that run through the salt marshes. However, no boats are allowed to land on any island or paddle through any of the marshes.
Jamaica Bay Kayak Map (click to enlarge)
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Last updated on December 9, 2024
