Seals of Montauk, Long Island

Text and photography copyright Kevin Ferris
All rights reserved
Although seals have always been seen in the waters around Long Island (New York), the numbers and frequency have increased significantly in recent years. In fact, the numbers of seals visiting Long Island during the colder fall and winter months, have increased to a level where various nature groups routinely sponsor seal walks to the seal haul out areas.
The most reliable area to seal watch is at Montauk Point on the east end of the south fork of Long Island. However, seals have periodically “hauled out” in other areas of Long Island.
Seals will occasionally climb up onto rocks along the beach shores to rest and dry out. This is called “hauling out”. They will also come up right onto the beach. However, this is rare and it is often an indication that the seal is sick or injured.
The most consistent haul out area is about three quarters of a mile west of Montauk Point on the north shore of the beach. This area is ideal for a seal haul out because of all the rocks in the water along the shore.
The seals tend to haul out onto the rocks as low tide approaches. The best times for photographs are actually about an hour before low tide, because that is when the seals are climbing onto the rocks (at the lowest point of the tides it can be difficult for them to get up onto some rocks). In addition, the numbers of seals tend to increase when the wind is low and the waves are smaller. When you get high wind and rough waves, they have a hard time staying on the rocks.

Some points to consider if you are planning a trip out to Montauk for some seal photography:

1) Plan on getting there an hour or two before Low Tide.

2) Try to go when there are no seal walks scheduled. The crowds can be fairly large during a scheduled seal walk and this may lead to a lower number of seals.

3) Try to go when the weather may be mild (low wind, a little sun, etc.). This can be difficult since the seals are most prevalent during the months of December through March.

4) Try to minimize your movement. The seals will haul out onto the rocks while you are on the beach. However, they seem to be more comfortable if you keep your movement to a minimum. In addition, they also seem most comfortable when there are just a few people on the beach.

5) If possible, try to schedule your photography during a weekday when the crowds are smallest.

6) Stay back a safe distance from any seal that comes up onto the beach. Some younger seals may come up onto rocks that are very close to the shore. However, when a seal comes up onto the shore, it is generally a sign that something is wrong. A seal that is sick or injured will often come onto a beach to rest because it is too weak to swim. If they stay on the beach for any length of time, you should contact the Costal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) at (631) 244-3352 to report the seal. This organization can get them help if needed.

7) Beware: As cute as seals may look, they are big animals, and will do some serious damage if you get too close.


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