Beach Permits, Costs, and Other Information

Proceed at your own risk

Please note that driving on any beach or over-sand trail is done entirely at your own risk. Please familiarize yourself with all applicable rules and regulations including your Turo contract. Insurance coverage typically does not extend to off-road or beach driving, meaning you are fully responsible for any damage, mechanical issues, or recovery costs that occur while on the sand. In the event that the vehicle becomes stuck or damaged, you will be solely responsible for all associated expenses, including specialized beach towing fees, which can easily cost several hundred dollars on the island.

Included Beach Permits

Our Jeeps include both required annual over-sand vehicle (OSV) stickers; these are permanently affixed to the vehicle, so please do not remove them. You do not need to worry about purchasing or picking up annual passes. However you will be responsible to purchase day passes to access the Great Point area (see below).

Where You Can Drive

Having both permits grants you legal access to all designated over-sand driving areas across the island:

  • Town Beach Permit Access: This grants you entry to the town-managed municipal beaches, including popular spots like 40th Pole, Eel Point, Nobadeer Beach, Smith’s Point, Cathcart Beach, and Low Beach.

  • The Trustees Permit Access: This gives you full access to the stunning, remote northern peninsula managed by The Trustees of Reservations, including the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and the drive all the way out to Great Point Lighthouse.

    • Please note that you are not allowed to drive past marker #6 with any non-owned vehicles.

Great Point Access & Day-Pass Structure

While our Jeeps carry the necessary annual stickers, access to Great Point is strictly regulated to protect the delicate coastal ecosystem and nesting shorebirds. Please keep the following access structure in mind:

  • The Day-Pass System: The Trustees require all vehicles entering the refuge to secure a daily access slot. Because spots are strictly capped to prevent overcrowding, passes are released online in batches (usually a few days in advance) on a rolling basis.

  • Applicable Fees: Because you are not the owner of the Jeep, you will still need to purchase a Day Pass to access Great Point (this is in addition to the annual pass already included). At the Wauwinet Gatehouse, you will need to pay the daily access fee, which is $70 for your first day on the refuge, and a discounted rate of $10 for each consecutive day you wish to return during your rental period.

Tip: Be sure to check the Trustees' online portal or ask us about the current week's release schedule so you can lock in your preferred day to visit the lighthouse!

Tip #2: Check ahead prior to heading out as erosion, protected animal activities, or other events can close the beach in part or in whole on any given day with little notice.

Car Washes and Vacuuming

If during the course of your rental you need to wash the Jeep or vacuum out excess sand, we recommend utilizing the carwash and vacuums available at the Mid-Island Auto Wash, located at 41 Sparks Ave. They are behind the gas station.