Home to over 300 species of bird, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is definitely large enough to accommodate such a large amount of wildlife - more than 9,000 acres to be exact. One could get lost navigating the many islands that dot the area. Note that the islands are not to be beached. It is recommended to get a compass and map of the area, and/or find an experienced guide. High winds can also cause the water to be choppy and produce significant waves. The mapped route travels along the perimeter of the refuge, but one can certainly create their own route to shorten the duration spent on the water. It's recommended to paddle this area four hours before/after high tide. Be cautious of other boat traffic.