Shelter Island: Ferry
Live Cam

South Ferry runs the short crossing between Shelter Island and North Haven, the little stretch of water that every visitor heading toward Sag Harbor has to cross. This camera looks out over the slip and the channel, where the flat-decked boats shuttle back and forth all day with cars, cyclists and delivery vans lined up bumper to bumper.

Why Shelter Island? Shelter Island sits in the crook between the North and South Forks of Long Island, reachable only by boat. That single fact shapes everything about the place, and the ferry is its front door. Watching the crossing gives you the rhythm of the island in miniature, busy and bustling in summer, quiet and grey-green in the off season.

South Ferry highlights: As you enjoy the live view, be sure to look out for:

• The Short Crossing: The trip takes only a few minutes, so you can often watch a full loading, crossing and unloading cycle without looking away.
• Traffic On Deck: Cars, bikes, landscaping trucks and the occasional boat trailer pack the deck, a snapshot of everyday East End life.
• Light On The Water: Early mornings and late afternoons bring low, golden light across the channel, with sailboats and small craft slipping past.

Beyond the Ferry Slip: Across the water lies North Haven and, just beyond, Sag Harbor with its whaling-era streets and waterfront. On the island side you find quiet lanes, beaches and the wooded preserve at Mashomack. A second ferry runs from the island's north end toward Greenport on the North Fork.

Thanks to Hamptons.com for keeping this camera trained on the South Ferry crossing. It is a simple, honest view of a working waterway, and sharing it lets anyone with a fondness for the East End check in on the island whenever they like.

Tune in to watch the boats shuttle back and forth across the channel, and see whether Shelter Island is bustling with summer traffic or resting through a quiet winter afternoon.