Atlantique is centered around sand dune guided walkways. Consisting of only about 50 homes, Atlantique is a close-knit community devoted to boating. The entire town gathers at the 150-slip marina and corresponding snack shack, the heart of the community. Atlantique is a community for serious boating enthusiasts. Located on one of the narrowest parts of Fire Island, the community of Atlantique was founded in 1912 by Carlton Brewster and Dr. George King. Shortly thereafter a strip of land to its west that had been known as Sea Fire Beach was acquired by the Town of Islip and deemed a public recreational facility. Subsequently, Sea Fire Beach was renamed Atlantique Beach. Today the two Atlantiques are at once distinct yet linked.
The community proper consists of only about 50 homes, including the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Fire Island headquarters. The park consists of a marina with more than 150 slips that offer electrical and freshwater hook-ups, a pump-out station, 24-hour restrooms, and hot showers, children’s playground, handball and basketball courts, barbeque areas, as well as lifeguard protected bay and ocean beaches and sand dune guided walkways.
Marina docking rates are extremely reasonable for Islip Town residents, but higher for non-residents. Availability is on a first come first served basis at the digression of the dockmaster. Anchoring out on either side of the marina is permissible. The Atlantique Marina dockmaster’s office monitors VHF Channel 9 and is also available by telephone at 631-583-8610.
The snack shack serves as a restaurant, mini-mart, and all-around social gathering spot. Additional services are available via the western and eastern neighbors of Fair Harbor or Ocean Beach respectively, both of which are a short walk away via the ocean or the famous “Burma Road.” Ferry access on the Dunewood / Atlantique line out of Bay Shore is limited to just a few boats a day, so those without private boat access often opt for using the Ocean Beach or Fair Harbor lines as alternatives. The quiet rustic charm of Atlantique makes it worth the trip.