Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Marine wildlife sanctuary in Nassau County, United States.
Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a marine protected area on the north shore of Long Island, New York, covering salt marshes, tidal flats, and estuarine waters. It sits near the historic Sagamore Hill estate and offers one of the few largely undeveloped stretches of coastline in this part of the state.
The refuge was founded in 1968 after the Town of Oyster Bay transferred the land to the federal government to protect the marine environment surrounding Theodore Roosevelt's former estate. It has since been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a national network of protected lands.
The waters here are home to one of the last working oyster farming operations on Long Island, a tradition tied closely to the coastal identity of the area. Visitors on the water can spot the floating oyster cages and small boats that keep this old practice going.
The refuge can only be reached by boat, as there are no roads or parking areas leading directly to it. Anyone planning to enter the shallow water zones should obtain a permit from the Town of Oyster Bay before visiting.
From October to April, more than 20,000 waterfowl gather here at the same time, including black ducks, scaup, and canvasback. The concentration is so dense during peak weeks that the water can appear nearly covered from a distance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
