Fire Island is a popular summer vacation destination located off the southern shore of Long Island, New York. Known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and relaxed atmosphere, a trip to Fire Island offers an enjoyable getaway from New York City, which is located just across the Great South Bay. However, as with most vacations, a trip to Fire Island requires some financial planning and budgeting. The cost of a visit can vary widely depending on factors like transportation, lodging, activities, food and more. This article will break down the typical costs associated with a trip to Fire Island to help you determine how much you might expect to spend.
Getting to Fire Island
One of the first major expenses to consider is transportation to and from Fire Island. Since it is an island with no roads connecting it to the mainland, you must take a ferry to access the island. There are several ferry options:
Sayville Ferry
The Sayville ferry provides transportation between Sayville, Long Island and Fire Island Pines/Cherry Grove. It is approximately a 40 minute ride.
Round trip fare:
Passenger Fare | $19 |
Bicycle Fare | $12 |
Golf Cart Fare | $45 |
Bay Shore Ferry
The Bay Shore ferry provides transportation between Bay Shore, Long Island and Ocean Beach. It is approximately a 30 minute ride.
Round trip fare:
Passenger Fare | $17 |
Bicycle Fare | $10 |
Point O’ Woods Ferry
The Point O’ Woods ferry goes between Point O’ Woods, Long Island and Cherry Grove/Fire Island Pines. It is about a 20 minute ride.
Round trip fare:
Passenger Fare | $12 |
As you can see, round trip passenger fares range from $12-$19 depending on which ferry you take. Add in the potential cost of bringing bicycles or golf carts, and transportation costs can start adding up quickly. You’ll also need to factor in the price of getting to the ferry terminal location, whether by car, rail, or taxi/rideshare.
Lodging on Fire Island
Fire Island offers a variety of lodging options to fit different budgets and preferences. Most are beachside properties ranging from hotels and inns to rental homes. Popular areas to stay on Fire Island include Ocean Beach, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines and Point O’ Woods.
Hotels
There are a handful of hotels on Fire Island, mostly concentrated in Ocean Beach. Hotel prices range from budget to luxury:
Budget hotel (per night) | $150-$300 |
Mid-range hotel (per night) | $300-$500 |
Luxury hotel (per night) | $500-$1,000+ |
Rental Homes
Renting a private house is popular on Fire Island, allowing you to have home amenities and often more space. Home rental prices widely vary by size, location and amenities. Some sample weekly rates:
Small 1-2 bedroom (weekly rate) | $1,500-$4,000 |
3-4 bedroom (weekly rate) | $4,000-$10,000 |
Large 5+ bedroom (weekly rate) | $10,000-$15,000 |
As you can see, lodging on Fire Island can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per night depending on your preferences. Factor this into your vacation budget.
Food
Dining out and getting groceries on Fire Island can be more expensive than on the mainland since all food supplies need to be brought over by ferry. Here are some estimated costs for food:
Restaurant meal | $15-$30 per person |
Groceries | 20-50% higher than mainland |
Beer/wine | $5-$15 per drink |
Expect to pay a premium on dining, groceries, and alcohol while on the island. Packing food from home can help save money.
Activities
There are endless recreational activities to enjoy on Fire Island. Here are pricing estimates on some popular options:
Beach | Free (may need beach pass) |
Nightclub cover charge | $10-$40 |
Boat rental | $150-$500/day |
Bike rental | $20-$40/day |
Sunset cruise | $20-$60 per person |
Kayak rental | $30-$60/hour |
Guided walking tour | $10-$30 per person |
Fire Island offers a mix of free activities like beachgoing along with pricier options like renting boats or taking guided tours. Determine your activity budget beforehand.
Total Sample Budgets
So how much can you expect to spend on a Fire Island vacation? Here are some sample budgets for a 1 week (7 night) trip for one person:
Budget Trip | $1,500-$2,500 |
Mid-Range Trip | $3,000-$5,000 |
Luxury Trip | $6,000-$10,000+ |
A budget Fire Island vacation keeps costs minimal by staying in hostels or basic hotels, cooking inexpensive food, and focusing on free activities like swimming. Mid-range trips offer more comforts like rental homes and dining out. Luxury vacations mean 5-star hotels, fine dining, renting boats and more.
For a family or group trip, multiply these sample budgets by the number of people. Kids may receive discounts on transportation and activities.
When to Visit Fire Island
Fire Island is overwhelmingly a summer destination. The season runs May through September, peaking in July and August when the weather is warmest. Island businesses and amenities are on summer schedules.
Visiting during peak season means the island is livelier, with more people, events, and things to do. However, it is also the most expensive time with peak lodging rates.
Shoulder season in May, June, September, and October offers lower prices and smaller crowds. However, amenities are more limited.
A few hotels remain open year-round but most lodging and restaurants close down after September/October. Winter is very quiet on the island with few open businesses.
Saving Money on Fire Island
Here are some tips to cut costs on your Fire Island getaway:
– Visit in shoulder season for lower prices
– Stay outside of trendy beach communities for more budget lodging
– Cook meals instead of eating out
– Bring your own food and alcohol
– Rent a house and split with other people
– Walk or bike instead of paying for transportation
– Limit pricier activities like boating
– Take advantage of free amenities like beach, parks, libraries
Conclusion
A trip to the beautiful beaches and communities of Fire Island offers the perfect New York summer getaway. While not a budget destination, you can plan a fun-filled Fire Island vacation across a wide range of prices. Transportation, lodging, food, and activities on the island carry premium price tags. But following tips like visiting in shoulder season, staying in affordable lodging, and limiting expensive activities can bring down costs. For a one week vacation, budget anywhere from $1,500 to over $10,000 per person depending on your preferences. With some savvy planning, Fire Island can provide lasting summer memories without breaking the bank.