📜 Swinburne Island is a 4-acre artificial island in Lower New York Bay, east of Staten Island, New York City. 🔍 Originally built in the 1870s for immigrant quarantine hospitals, it is now a wildlife sanctuary and part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. # Why Go 🦭 Observe a large population of harbor seals and grey seals in their most densely populated NYC habitat 🐦 Birdwatching for nesting shore birds (herons, gulls) 🏞️ Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, managed by National Park Service 📚 Explore its history as a quarantine hospital, Merchant Marine training site, and a site with significant history for immigrants. # Why Avoid 🚫 Not open to the public, access is restricted. 🚶 Cannot walk on the island, only view from a distance. 🚧 Features dilapidated buildings and deserted docks. # Tips 🛥️ Guided seal watching tours depart from Jacob Riis Landing in Queens.