Living Breakwaters Tour

Living Breakwaters is a state-of-the-art blue-green infrastructure project designed to reduce risk to Tottenville’s shoreline, enhance harbor ecosystems, and support education and stewardship across Staten Island and Raritan Bay. As of spring of 2024, all breakwaters are visible from the shoreline at high tide, and construction for the project is expected to be completed in fall of 2024.

The Living Breakwaters Spring Public Event will consist of two free activities: a shorewalk with a tour and discussion of the breakwaters from the beach (open to all) and kayaking to get up closer to the breakwaters! Please RSVP for both or one of the events:

ACTIVITY 1.) SHOREWALK

The shorewalk will consist of a tour and discussion of the Living Breakwaters from the beach. Representatives from the client, construction, and design teams will be present to discuss the construction process and answer all your questions! This activity is open to everyone of all ages.

ACTIVITY 2.) KAYAKING

The kayaking portion of the event will consist of a group kayak tour of the Living Breakwaters. Guided by our friends from Kayak Staten Island, this opportunity offers a closer look at the breakwaters! Reservation is required on a first come first serve basis with no experience necessary, but please only sign up if you are in good physical condition. Please read below for more information.

*The Kayak activity will be guided by Kayak Staten Island with a minimum 100’ buffer distance from the breakwaters and in-water equipment.

Kayak Activity Details (PLEASE READ PRIOR TO SIGNING UP):

- Minimum Age: 12 years old +

- Attire: Active wear that may get wet

- Bring/Don’t bring: Kayakers might find sunscreen, water, waterproof phone case, towel, and a change of dry clothes to come in handy. However, anything brought onto kayaks may get wet/lost. Belongings may be left on shore, but event organizers will not be held responsible for any lost personal items on shore or in the water.

- Kayak Staten Island to Provide: tandem kayaks (two people per kayak), life vests, and waivers onsite. You may review waivers/fill out prior to the event HERE.

- Approximate length of paddling: Approximately (2) hours. Please only sign up if you are in good physical condition and feel comfortable paddling the estimated duration.

-Kayak Waitlist: Reservation is required on a first come first serve basis with no experience necessary. The kayaking activity is currently full but please join the waitlist and you will still be able to join us for the shorewalk. On the day of, if individuals that have RSVP’d for the kayak tour have not arrived, we will grant spaces to individuals on the waitlist who are present in the order they have signed up.

Note: Parking at the meeting point (850 Page Ave.) is limited. Additional parking is available at the Conference House Park Visitor Center at 200-236 Satterlee St. (40 min. walk to our meeting point). The event is also accessible via the SIM2, SIM26, S78, and S59 buses, or a 40 min. walk from Tottenville SIR station. If you arrive late, please walk directly to the beach at the end of Page Ave. to find our group.