Don't pay any mind to any of the negative reviews! This was such an awesome experience! We went kayaking at 6:30pm and it was an absolutely perfect time to go. The sun was a bit lower in the sky but just over the trees and was beautiful to look at as we kayaked through the bay. If you're any bit of a nervous nelly there are boats that also come through the bay but they did tend to stay further away from us. The staff are quite friendly too. And there is a place right nearby called Coopers Bluff where we had went to grab a frozen drink after and watch the sunset. Overall a great time and great date night! read more

The Waterfront Center - Beautiful view - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

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Can't believe this was my first time at The Waterfront Center! Have been going to this beach for years and I've never rented a paddleboard or kayak and I will for sure be back. So easy to make a reservation and get the kayak! The kids at the dock were super friendly and even though I tapped out early cause my arms were sore, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! read more

The Waterfront Center - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

I took my bride of three years on a sunset sail on the Christeen for a simple anniversary trip. We had a great time. The crew was friendly, very well prepared and extremely knowledgeable of the boat and harbor. Although it was a very cloud evening we loved the sail and will definitely book another trip! read more

The Community Sail with Jean was excellent. It was just what I needed to refamiliarize myself with the Sonar. I recommend it to anyone looking to to "get their feet wet" again. read more

We had an absolutely wonderful kayak wildlife tour with Cameron this afternoon. Our family of 4 enjoyed learning about the marine life, ecology and conservation including oyster farming, and spotted some ospreys. We were first-time kayakers and Cameron made us feel comfortable - and it was good for our family to get out of our shell and do something different. We will definitely come back to kayak again and possibly sail as well. read more

The experience was wonderful and memorable! Reserve online, show up and paddle away! read more

The Waterfront Center - Having fun! - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

Just finished a great weekend in the 16 hour "Basic Sailing" class at the The WaterFront Center.... seriously, could not ask for better weather or better instructors. We had it all in two days.... conditions this weekend ranged from practically no wind , to perfect sailing wind, and then to a choppy 12-15 knots that required reefing the sails....16 hours in the boat, EXCELLENT learning experience! We really got lucky to have all of that in just 2 days... the only thing we missed was rain.... and yes, as a previous poster noted.... they do sail in rain. Since my goal is the sailing certification and later the cruising cert, I actually may go in some crappy weather weekend to learn what I need to know while I have a seasoned instructor to guide me. They use 23' Sonar racing boats with one instructor and 3 students. You know how racing boats lean with the wind (heel)?.... you get to do that enough that you feel comfortable knowing what is happening, how to maintain, and how to get out of it. (Yes..... it is as fun as it looks). I had been dreaming of living on a boat and finally realized the only thing holding me back was that I didn't have the boat.... so.... bought one... despite having no sailing experience. The previous owner helped me sail it for the couple of hours from the old marina to the new and I scheduled a Coast Guard Safety class and then this Sailing class. After 16 hours of sailing this weekend, I am in very good shape to go out and SAFELY build my experience level. Going back in a month or two to take the "intermediate" class and then take the test for the sailing certificate. (allows you to rent sailboats at resorts). They also have a "cruising" class that I want to take before the end of September since sometime, sooner rather than later, I want to sail to Cape Cod. For $300, it is a true bargain.... they taught me enough that I feel comfortable with my boat. The place is ran professionally, everyone that I met was really friendly. There is a water taxi that makes getting out to the boat absolutely painless. They also have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.... when the high winds kicked up, I was impressed with the way they were on the radios making sure that everyone on the water was accounted for and had a ride in if it was too much for them. Make sure you take a hat, shades, and sun screen.... 16 hours on the water is a lot. Trust me on the sun screen. read more

The Waterfront Center - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

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I had so much fun kayaking, you get nice views while out there in the water. The staff were very helpful and friendly. read more

The Waterfront Center - Kayak - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

Excellent customers service even I call and booked appointment. When we ready to go kayaking and try to check in the young lady try to help us quickly with scan QR code for us to answer some questions even she helping another customers so we don't need to wait for so long. Nice place and view. Definitely will go again! read more

The Waterfront Center - Boating Near Me - Oyster Bay, New York

My friends and I took a sunset sail on the Christeen and had a wonderful time. The crew was very knowledgeable and fun to speak with. The cruise itself took us around Centre Island, over to Cold Spring Harbor, and back through Oyster Bay. We saw so many beautiful homes and learned some of the histories of the area. I am highly recommending this to friends in the area. It was such a treat and I can't wait to go back! read more

The leader of the wildlife tour was knowledgeable, encouraging and warm in his interactions with the group of 8 (a mix of kids, teens and adults). The trip was the full 90 minutes and took us out into the easy to navigate waters of Oyster Bay. The only possible downside is that the initial interaction with the young lady at the table under the tent was not particularly engaging, appearing somewhat disinterested. Luckily that did not continue with the group leader. read more

Came here in the morning today a little after 10am, wasn't to busy which was perfect for me. Got myself a single kayak, the person helping me at the counter was friendly, and knowledgeable. Fairly priced kayaks and offer a lot of other watercraft (double, SUP and pedal kayak) water is calm, pretty clean and the scenery is nice! Will return again it's close to work so that's a huge plus! read more

We love this place. We first discovered it last August (2012) when we went out on a sunset sail on the Christeen, which was absolutely fantastic and we had an amazing time. I still remember being impressed by how much our Captain knew about the area's history and how friendly he was. This year we discovered that kayak and paddle board rentals are 50% off on Fridays after 5pm. Amazing. So off we went last Friday to rent a double kayak. We had a blast. The staff is pretty friendly and helpful, even the younger guys who were launching the kayaks were happy to point out landmarks that would allow us to tell how far out we were and the approximate time it would take to reach them so we wouldn't run over our time. The kayak was comfortable and clean. Importantly, it was super sturdy. I was kind of freaking out because I can't swim - like, I can't even adequately doggie-paddle - but I was completely okay once we got out into water. The views were great. Our advice: load up on bug spray. Life preservers are mandatory, and they were all piled on shelves and in a huge, smelly pile on the floor. They were clearly intended to be sorted by size, but it didn't quite work out that way. Then again, it was the end of the day and they may have jumbled all together and have been tossed about by people returning them. Some smelled quite a bit funky. We're going out on another Christeen sail in a couple of weeks. Check this place out! read more

We purchased a sail for 2 through groupon. We called to schedule a session near the expiration of the groupon and when we tried to work out a day the woman on the phone was curt and rude and was almost angry with us that we had waited too long to use the groupon. All that was left were random Tuesdays throughout the month and the woman was unwilling to work with us to get better availability. We ended up letting the groupon expire and will if we get around to it just go with the paid value. Its a real shame though since they have very nice facilities down at the water. read more

I have rented the Christeen private charter three times and each time is better than the last. The crew is wonderful and boat is a beautiful experience especially at sun set. I highly recommend. Worth every penny. read more

I love renting boats here. It is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. It is not expensive and easy to get to.

Excellent organization and communication. Visited during COVID-19 restrictions. Booking is simple online. If need help or modification, phone call easily made to very cooperative and friendly office staff. Rented kayaks twice with four to five kids and two adults in past two weeks and had to make a few minor adjustments in reservations regarding time slots and double vs. single kayaks- no problem. Handled very efficiently. Highly recommend. Only caveat has nothing to do with the business: be sure to not visit during low tide - a little mucky and shallow. (Or at least be sure to stay far enough off shores to avoid muck.) Parking is easy in lot on site. Cost is fair and affordable for the easy and fun activity - get outside, get fresh air and exercise in the lovely bay. read more

We had the best day on the water for the wildlife tour with Cameron this morning! We saw some awesome birds, learned about the history of the area and the entire ecosystem. We will definitely be back! read more

A real treasure for the town of Oyster Bay. Between sails on the Christeen, camp for the kids and kayaking for the family, this establishment never disappoints. This year of course comes with limitations but a blessing we can at least rent kayaks and enjoy the beautiful waters and views that that Oyster Bay has to offer. Thank you for a beautiful day. read more

WFC offers great community boating options, Oyster Bay is beautiful and Sonar 23' or Hobie Getaway 17' are very fun sailboats.

This is a fun place to learn, refresh you skills, and rent. The office help is very friendly and I have nothing but nice things to say about this organization. I've just started using the waterfront center in July 2017. read more

My family and I had a very enjoyable morning kayaking. Our reservation time was kept, there were safety precautions taken into account (masks were required at check in and on the docks) and the staff was friendly and helpful. I'm not sure what there is to complain about if you are just looking for a fun, outdoor activity with the family. I highly recommend read more

Booked a sunset sail for the family to celebrate my birthday. Had no idea this place was run so badly. They ruined the night for all of us and made no attempt to make it up to us. So disappointed! read more

This was our first time renting a Kayak from the Waterfront Center. Was an excellent experience. Booked online. Was so enjoyable! We highly recommend this place! read more

Ditto on the previous review. I recently purchased a full day sail lesson for 2 ($195) using Groupon. After the purchase I happened to be at Harborfest in Pt. Washington and saw the Waterfront Center people who had a signup sheet and asked about Sail 101. She was unfriendly, bordering on rude. I immediately regretted paying $200 for their services. I scheduled the sail anyway since already paid. The weekend that I scheduled, NYC and LI were evacuating homes and shutting down services throughout the region due to the oncoming Hurricane Irene. I called the day before my reservation in order to reschedule in light of the storm hitting on the day of the sail and they told me I could not reschedule and that they were expecting only a bit of rain and mostly toward the end of the day. I would have to come or forfeit my purchase and if I wanted a refund I should take it up with Groupon. Fortunately Groupon seems to have common sense about sailing in the largest storm to hit the I95 corridor since 1938 and refund our money. Between the rude woman that I met, and hoped would not end up being our instructor, to the unreasonable cancellation policy I'm glad we did not end up going. Seriously, how could you not reschedule when a deadly and devastating storm is moving up the coast and right into your Center. You'd think they'd be trying to take in and secure boats which is what my coworkers were doing with their boats Fri night - not planning a Saturday sail. If you have used this Center please post. I would like to read other's experiences. I am still looking for a place for sailing certification in the LI area. read more

Excellent! This is my 2nd time taking adult sailing . And it was great! Jean is a calm cool instructor. My confidence is up after not sailing for a few years and i will be back. This is the place to go to learn to sail. read more

We ventured into this gem in Oyster Bay, when we joined a sunset sail on the Cristeen and we couldn't have been more impressed. The boat is a beautifully restored oyster sloop with volunteer staff as crew and they treated us to a wonderful history lesson combined with peaceful sail all along the harbor. Then, this past summer we registered for the Sailing 101 course and got probably one of the most professional and friendly instructors around. Alicia answered every question with both depth and breadth of knowledge, helped us apply what we were learning right on the boat, evaluated how were were doing and gave us practical advice on how to keep going with a sailing 'career'. I couldn't say enough good things about the place and feel so fortunate to have it right on our doorsteps. read more

Great experience paddle boarding!!! Helpful staff and easy to find. Very relaxing beautiful sights absolutely must come again to paddleboard, kayak and sunfish sail!!! read more

Went for a day of sailing with the organization Third Eye Insight. The staff there were all as friendly and helpful as one could ask for. Looking forward to going back more than once next year, now that I know about this place! read more

I was booked for a sunset cruise. It was raining buckets, with thunderstorms predicted for hours ahead. When I called at 3pm, the "captain" was still watching the radar, because weather could change. Meanwhile, every weather center I could Google predicted 100% chance of rain. At 4 pm, they contacted me and told me to bring a raincoat, the cruise was on. An hour later, they cancelled. I could call back later in the week to reschedule. No, thank you. Refund please. An overabundance of lack of consideration for customer's day plan. read more

On vacation and decided to try the harbor. The kids who worked at the Waterfront Center were polite and respectful. I wanted to try stand up boarding and the husband wanted to kayak. Reasonable rates: $18 each for an hour. I tried the SUP for 20 minutes, but with 1-2 foot seas and a strong north wind, I was wearing myself out. They let me switch out for a single kayak, which they'd told me I could do before I even started out. read more

Do not go to this place! I mistakenly beached the boat I rented and they tried to charge me over $700 as a result. They are thieves.

I love the Waterfront Center. I come here all the time with my family. I love the instructors and I don't live too close to the center but we make the trip every season. I am planning a sailing trip with my boyfriend at the end of the summer and I can not wait to come back here for a few more lessons. I highly recommend this place to anyone that wants to sail or is considering it. Also it is a fun day out with the family!!! read more

Did the Sunday brunch this weekend on the historic Christeen and had a fantastic time. The brunch, catered by Spinnakers in Oyster Bay, was excellent and way more than we expected! The sail was beautiful and included a fun and interesting Gold Coast history lesson. The crew and Captain were so accommodating and fun. It was the perfect way to spend a summer morning. I highly recommend taking advantage of this brunch sail! read more

I had quite the opposite experience then the other reviewers. My day was wonderful and i certainly look forward to coming back already! I thought the staff were friendly and helpful, and my lesson was great. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Waterfront Center! read more

Being able to enjoy West Harbor at the WaterFront Center is one of my favorite summertime activities. I have been able to rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and have even participated in some learn-to-sail classes. The WFC is a great way to enjoy a usually difficult to access activity at a reasonable cost. read more

I signed up two years in a row for the Ladies Sailing lessons on Thursday nights during the summer. What a great time I had! The instructors are so nice and they are very patient. Sailing with the other women is a fun experience and no one judges you- you work together. I learned sooo much I can't thank these people enough for such a wonderful experience! read more