Port Jefferson, New York · Long Island Sound · 40°57.0′N 73°04.3′W · VHF Ch 09
Port Jefferson is the deep, protected working harbor of the central Sound — a bustling ferry town wrapped around one of the best-sheltered harbors on Long Island, with excellent holding once you're inside.
Enter between the spits on the marked channel, keeping clear of the constant Bridgeport ferry, then anchor in the designated area in the upper harbor in 10–15 ft of thick mud — holding is excellent and the surrounding land gives all-round protection. Moorings and full-service marinas line the harbor; hail the harbormaster on Ch 09.
Ashore, downtown Port Jeff — restaurants, provisions, chandlery — is right at the water. A reliable, deep, all-weather harbor and a natural mid-Sound stop.
Hazards & cautions. The Bridgeport–Port Jefferson ferry runs constantly through the entrance and lower harbor — stay clear of the ferry lane. The entrance between the sand spits shoals to the sides; hold the marked channel and mind the strong current on the big tide.
Coast Pilot notes Port Jefferson's marked entrance between sand spits and its deep, well-protected harbor with a large ferry operation.
No cruiser reports yet. If you've anchored here, be the first — your note helps the next boat in.
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