Beach Visits

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.

Critical Rules and Regulations

Before heading out, remember that beach driving is a privilege contingent upon fragile environmental conditions. Both jurisdictions strictly monitor nesting shorebirds (like Piping Plovers) and beach erosion; sections of the beach or entire driving trails can close with very little notice during peak summer months. Additionally, if you are heading up to Great Point or the Coskata-Coatue refuge, no dogs are allowed anywhere on the property from April 1 through September 15, even if they remain inside your vehicle. Beach driving hours for the refuge are strictly enforced from 9:00 AM to sunset.

Essential Tips for Driving on the Sand

Driving over-sand is vastly different from highway driving and requires proper vehicle configuration.

  • Air Down: The golden rule of beach driving is to deflate your tires to between 12 and 15 PSI before entering the sand. This widens the tire's footprint, allowing the vehicle to float over the soft sand rather than digging into it. Failing to air down is a guaranteed way to get stuck and hold up traffic. We’ve included a tire pressure gauge in the vehicle, located in the front pouch of the gear bag. Please remember to refill the tires prior to driving on the road again. There are free air stations available for use at the Great Point exit as well as elsewhere near OSV beaches.

  • Shift to 4WD: Consult the Jeep Operations tab for how to operate the 4WD system.

  • Maintain Momentum: Drive at a steady, relaxed pace (under 15 mph), and try to stay within the existing tire ruts already carved into the sand. Avoid sharp turns or sudden braking, which can cause the tires to plow into the sand and bury the vehicle.

  • Recovery Gear: We’ve included a bag in the trunk for you including basic beach recovery gear in the vehicle, including a tire pressure gauge, a heavy-duty tow strap, a shovel, traction boards, and a jack board. When you return to the pavement, you can reinflate your tires at public air stations located near the beach exits. PLEASE ENSURE THIS BAG AND ALL OF ITS CONTENTS ARE LEFT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU RETURN IT IF YOU REMOVED IT DURING THE RENTAL.