Hempstead Harbor is a V-shaped bay on the northern coast of Long Island, bordering the western portion of Long Island Sound. It runs approximately 5 miles long and encompasses 14 miles of shoreline from Prospect Point to Matinecock Point. The harbor is a significant estuary, historically important for transportation and industry, and now a hub for recreational fishing. It is surrounded by the towns of Glen Cove and Sea Cliff and features a mix of residential areas, parks, and nature preserves. The water body is categorized by depth into distinct zones, with the outer harbor reaching depths up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) over a rocky bottom. The harbor supports a rich ecosystem with ongoing restoration efforts focused on improving water quality, removing invasive species, and reviving wetlands.