West Hempstead Bay offers nearly 400 acres of calm waters, abundant wildlife viewing and a connected network of channels and tidal creeks passing through sheltered bays and salt marsh islands. Popular pastimes on the bay include birding, recreational fishing and waterfowl hunting. A kayak or canoe is a perfect way to explore West Bay. Knowledge of the tide timing is critical to safely navigating West Bay.  The shallow tidal flats are exposed at low tide and can leave a paddler stuck in the mud. With Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant discharging millions of gallons of treated sewage into the southern portion of the bay, it is advisable to check with the county hotline for spills as part of trip planning.  Take in Osprey nests and wildlife viewing along the marsh islands, paddle up to Pop’s Seafood Shack, or land and rent a bike on Long Beach. The lights of the New York City skyline are visible at dusk from the marshy waters in the western part of the Bay.