Atlantique is one of the smaller towns at the western end of fire island-maybe 50-60
homes, maximum. Even in peak season, there are only 5 ferries on weekdays, 4 on
Saturdays and holidays and two on Sundays. While there are some
singles, there are many families as well (things mix nicely) it is nowhere near as stuffy as Saltaire or Seaview.
There are no shops or restaurants with the exception of a snack stand called "The Galley"-where one can get souvenirs and "bargain" priced cans of coke for $1.50.
But on the cheerier side of things, the town of Islip runs its own ferry to
Atlantique between July 4th weekend and Labor Day weekend. You may have seen signs on the way to the main ferry that say
"Atlantique ferry". You can get that ferry from the Bay Shore
Marina, located at the very end of Maple Avenue, about 3/4 mile down from the main
ferry. Fares are the same; It leaves the Bay Shore Marina at 10 AM and 12 Noon. It returns to Bay Shore Marina at 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM from Atlantique If you park a car at the Bay Shore
Marina, get a non-resident parking permit-good for the day to avoid being
towed. At Atlantique, there is a marina, a basketball court and handball court along with a volleyball net that's usually up. These facilities are open to
all. There are bathrooms and phones at the
marina, but no shower or locker facilities.
In addition to the facilities mentioned, in
Atlantique there are also BBQ pits where one could use either wood or
briquettes. In addition to the lack of shops and restaurants, there are no markets of any
kind, you have to purchase things either in Ocean Beach or Fair Harbor.
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