One of LI's hidden gems - also happens to be free. Well kept trails and birds of prey you can check…read moreout before talking a nice walk. Trails are very easy to walk, even if you have a stroller with you. Easy beginner hike or leisurely stroll for just about anyone.

4.5 Stars.    I love…read morethe Long Island Pine Barrens Region. So much so, that in Las Vegas, I have had dreams that I was hiking in Sears Burrows County Park. A few forested miles southwest of it, my dream kind of came true when we visited the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. My stepmother, who is familiar with the Refuge encouraged my dad and I to join her there on a nature walk.    The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has been protecting this 305 acre naturescape since 1934. It is a naturescape adorned with pine forests, fields, the rare dwarf pine forest, bogs, swamps, a pond, and pine oak forests.    Contrary to how I envisioned the Refuge, it was not this difficult to find place. Parking was right off Old Country Road. Across from the unpaved parking lot were the attractions that serve as a trailhead to the four color coded trails (please see the map proceeding the review) that range from a 0.8 mile hike on the Green Trail to a 2.5 mile hike on the Blue Trail. Welcoming us was the Outdoor Wildlife Complex where injured wildlife are well taken care of thanks to the kindness of people that care. One of the acts of kindness are the Visitors who donate money at the entrance. This leads to the point that admission is free, yet a donation is the right thing to do. I took some time photographing the animals that included owls, foxes, raccoons, and Giant African Spurred tortoises in the nearby greenhouse. Although these aren't grand habitats that would be found in the Bronx Zoo, I appreciated that the animals had a home. In the shadow of the Outdoor Wildlife Complex and pine trees was the full service restrooms. All the way to the left was the Old Ice Pond.    My Dad, stepmother, and yours truly engaged in a relatively short walk in the southeast corner of the park where a pine oak forest interspersed with fields dominate. My Dad's knees bother him, so we engaged in a shorter hike with breaks on the benches breathing, hearing, and sightseeing the pine barrens. We'd see a deer and birds up on the pine trees. Our ears would also take in the sound of the nearby train. Our experience leads to the point that the seven miles of hiking trails appear to be more relaxing than strenuous.    The Old Ice Pond framed by a mature forest is the picture postcard centerpiece of the landscape. There are hiking trails that overlook it. We took in this picture postcard from a bench and inside the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center, which looks like an inn overlooking the pond. We shared the panoramic spectacular views of the ice pond with several volunteers who were sending out materials that we assumed were promoting the Refuge. Within this building that reminds me of a lodge, is a museum of neat nature related stuff. Some were real like the lizards. The preserved butterflies were really cool. This is a neat place to check out when it os open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.    Our visit ended with the three of us taking in the springtime scenery of the Old Ice Pond.    I do have a concern that is causing me to leave my rating at 4.5 instead of 5 stars. That has to do with the east preiphery fence. When we walked along the southeast border there was a fence smack dab in the middle of the pine forest. My concern is that this is unprotected land that can fall victim to the bulldozer. If that were to happen, it would ruin the experience on account of a truncated forest causing the Refuge to feel more like a caged in 305 acre yard than a part of a pine forest. I really hope that the other side of the east periphery fence is a protected forest. My concern is merited from seeing a before and after picture inside the Nature Center of rapid sprawl along nearby County Route 104.    On the future, I would love to return to Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Especially in the Fall when the trees change colors over the pond. Until then, I hope to have more dreams about the Pine Barrens.

i went out to the hampton lady to have a good experience ,because he was recommend by a friend. the…read moremates didnt care if you caught fish or not.They were more concern about the mate daughter washook up and catching fish .While the captain and mates were in front of the boat fishing people in the back needed help. I would not go back on this boat if you paid me .

The best boat on the east end! The captain and crew are very personable and knowledgeable. The boat…read morewas immaculate with a very clean bathroom. We did a full day charter in the Peconic and caught tons of fish. The Mates Billy and Derek helped us throughout the day and made sure we had everything we needed. We left with a bag full of beautifully filleted fish. After fishing we went up to Oaklands Restaurant where the boat is docked and had a great lunch. We will definitely be back!

What a fun day fishing with Captain Brad!!! It was a beautiful day on the water. We did the morning…read morefishing so we got to witness the beautiful sunrise and the water I caught a large striped bass and a little thrasher shark. We there the little guy back in the water. Worry free, friendly Captain and a fun day to be had. He worked so hard trying to find the perfect spot.

Went out with Capt. Brad, my two teenaged sons and a friend for some early season Shinnecock fluke…read more First off, the Someday Came, a 26 foot Fortier, fishes more like a 30 footer...huge beam and plenty of space to keep apart. Second, it was an absolute pleasure fishing with such a knowledgeable Captain and even nicer host! Last, we went home with plenty of keepers. We left em bighting. I highly recommend Capt. Brad and his beautiful boat for a great day on the water! Roy and the boys.

Such a great hidden gem! If you love yoga like I do, and you love the water, what a amazing…read morepairing. The water is in the bay so its calm and beautiful with lots of birds and wildlife. Cameron is the best, so helpful and made sure everyone got onto and off of their paddle boards safely. Cheryl is the teacher and owner. You can tell she loves what she does and cares about everyone. She showed us what to do ahead of time and explained just how to get ourselves ready for a fabulous class. She asked if there was anyone who was new to Paddleboarding and/or yoga and helped those who were new to the practice. We all had a very good time. Afterwards, she was helpful for those who wanted to paddle more or do additional poses. Some did headstand- on the board- wow! Just wow. Great time! Highly recommend this fabulous experience to everyone. If you are in the Hamptons (near Dockers) its a must do for you and your friends and family.

An awesome experience ! Great location to kayak and paddle board. The owner was terrific to work…read morewith.

We had such a delightful afternoon! Everything was as expected and Captain Mike made it fun and…read moreeasy. We took the 2 hour cruise with 4 adults and 4 kids. Wonderful experience in the Hamptons!

I took my friends and family out for the day with Captain Mike on the HampTiki. It was the perfect…read moreway to relax, get some sun and Vitamin SEA!!! Everything was easy from making the reservation, setting up catering, and rolling on our cooler. The boat (more like a floating dance floor!), was spectacular, felt totally safe and taken care of and the tunes never stopped. We cruised for a few hours, everyone had a blast and we can't wait to come back. Everyone we passed was totally drawn to the boat, not sure if it was the party, or just the giant floating tiki hut!!! Left a nice tip for Captain Mike also, he was the BEST!!!! Book the HampTiki ASAP!!

Everything, great captain and great mate. Most of the fishermen were regulars and for good reason.read more

Owner is very rude. The owner who is also the captain of the boat does not pay attention to the…read moresurrounding boats. Today 7/7/19 the boat would have hit our boat if we did not move and when we said something to the captain about him not moving the boat he was very nasty to us in front of his passengers. i do not recommend using the Shinnecock star.

Such a great value add to Fire Island activities. Being able to charter a boat with friends for a…read morefew hours, get on a paddle board or ride the fat tire bike really changes the dynamic, in a good way, for day time activities. Captain Keith was fun, knowledgeable and extremely professional when he took our group out for a day cruise. Can't wait to do it again next year!!!!

Our big family had a great time with Fire Island VIP! Keith was a great captain who took us on the…read morebanana boat and fishing. They have a small boat that can accommodate 6 people for fishing. He was able to take 6 for a banana boat ride while 2 sat in the boat and took pictures. We had 11 people for the banana boat so he made 2 trips for us. Everyone had a great time from the youngest (5 yrs.) to grandma and grandpa. Keith was so accommodating to all the needs of our large group and everyone liked him so much. My husband and boys went fishing and caught a couple fluke. The boys were excited to catch a couple of crabs and robinfish as well. We definitely felt like VIPs and we will only use Fire Island VIP for our yearly vacation from now on! Thanks for a great time we all thought it was awesome!

Rented kayaks here and guy running it was super nice. We did run into some trouble when it started…read moregetting windy on our trip. PRO TIP: Go upwind on the first leg when you're fresh. That way the wind will help you on the way back when you're tired.

Had a wonderful experience kayaking with P & L Watersports. Departed from Indian Island County Park…read morewith 3 2-person kayaks. Had a great guide, who led us to sheltered areas on a windy day. Pointed out many shore birds, fish, and shellfish. He was personable, well-informed, & knew his audience. Dylan, the company owner, was very responsive to our needs. Would highly recommend this company for a very enjoyable few hours on the water.

"My 5 & 7 year old kids fished, learned about boat safety and had a great time for 4 hours. I would…read morehighly recommend this activity for kids of all ages !"

Argo is a care taker and a fun maker. You can't possibly go wrong with Argo Adventures.read more

Beautiful setting to kayak. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Easy access to the water and…read moreyou will thoroughly enjoy the peaceful water. Lots of interesting little areas and beaches to explore. Highly recommend this place!

Outstanding Marina!! Couldn't be happier with the location, slip or the people. Thanks so much…read moreJim and Sharon for all of your help!!