Boating & Water Sports
From thrilling jet ski rides to peaceful kayak excursions, whale watching adventures to sunset cruises. Discover 40 ways to enjoy the Jersey Shore waters.
Atlantic City Boat Show
One of the largest indoor boat shows on the East Coast. Hundreds of boats on display from fishing boats to luxury yachts. 25,000+ attendees, FREE parking at the convention center.
Bay Boating & Water Sports
Calm waters perfect for kayaking, crabbing, and bay fishing
Beyond the ocean, New Jersey's bays offer sheltered waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and crabbing. Barnegat Bay—the state's largest estuary—stretches 42 miles along Long Beach Island, while Great Bay to the south offers pristine wilderness kayaking through the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge.
Boat on Barnegat Bay
The sheltered waters of Barnegat Bay offer perfect conditions for kayaking, fishing, and sunset cruises along Long Beach Island.
Water Sports Rentals
Jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more
Wildwood Water Sports
Premier jet ski and parasailing operator on the Wildwood beach. Offering jet ski rentals, parasailing flights, and banana boat rides right from the beach. Family-owned and operated with over 20 years of experience.
Activities
Starting from
$25
OC Water Sports
Ocean City's go-to spot for kayak and paddleboard rentals. Located right on the bay with easy launch access. Rentals include a brief safety orientation. Perfect for exploring the back bay and spotting wildlife.
Activities
Starting from
$30
Viking Outfitters
Full-service kayak and SUP rental shop on Long Beach Island. Offering single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and guided eco-tours through the Barnegat Bay. Also sells gear and offers lessons.
Activities
Starting from
$45
Cape May Kayak
Kayak and paddleboard rentals in historic Cape May. Explore the Cape May Harbor and wetlands. Sunset kayak tours are a specialty. Great for spotting dolphins, horseshoe crabs, and shorebirds.
Activities
Starting from
$50
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Wildlife cruises along the coast
Cape May Whale Watcher
by Cape May Whale Watcher
The premier whale and dolphin watching experience in New Jersey. Operating since 1993, the Cape May Whale Watcher offers 3-hour cruises into the Atlantic where you can see humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Onboard marine biologists provide expert narration.
- +Most whales seen April-May and September-November
- +Dolphins seen on 90%+ of trips
- +Marine biologist narration
Tip: See a whale or dolphin or receive a free return trip
$55
3 hours
Jersey Shore Whale Watch
by Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Whale and dolphin watching cruises departing from Belmar Marina. See humpback whales, fin whales, and dolphins in the coastal waters off the Jersey Shore. Convenient location for Central Jersey and the Monmouth County shore.
- +Convenient Monmouth County location
- +Shorter cruise time
- +High success rate in season
$45
2.5 hours
🐋 Browse Cruises by Port
Whale Watching
Dolphin Cruises
Sunset & Special Cruises
Popular Activities by Town
Wildwood Area
- • Jet ski rentals on the beach
- • Parasailing with ocean views
- • Banana boat rides
Cape May
- • Whale watching (best Apr-May, Sep-Nov)
- • Dolphin cruises
- • Winter seal watching
Long Beach Island
- • Kayaking on Barnegat Bay
- • Paddleboard rentals
- • Sunset cruises
Marinas & Boat Ramps
Docking, launches, and marina services
Farley State Marina
Full-service marina near AC casinos
Ramp: $20
(609) 441-8200Utsch's Marina
Historic family marina in Cape May Harbor
Ramp: $15
(609) 884-2051Belmar Marina
Municipal marina on the Shark River
Ramp: $15
(732) 681-2266Book Online
Reserve cruises and rentals in advance
🎯 ActivityCape May Beach Yoga
33066
I've taught Beach Yoga for 14 years in our quaint tourist town of Cape May, NJ. I love the opportunity to provide visitors and locals with an...
From $18
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Sunset Tour
22324
Join Sandbar Joe for an unforgettable Sunset Tour through the back bays of Wildwood, NJ, where the day melts into a golden glow. Departing from our...
From $200
per person
via Viator
🎯 ActivityAlpaca and Llama Encounter with Guided Walk
22324
Our Alpacas & Llamas offer a delightful contrast. Alpacas, with their soft, fine wool, evoke elegance, while Llamas, taller & sturdier, exude rugged...
From $30
per person
via Viator
🚌 Tour90 Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise
22324
Private, scenic pontoon cruises with wildlife, history and optional onboard brunch—book your adventure today!
From $224.5
per person
via Viator
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Tips for Water Activities
Whale Watching
- • Best months: April-May, September-November
- • Bring binoculars and a camera
- • Dress in layers - it's cooler on the water
- • Take motion sickness meds 30 min before
Jet Ski & Rentals
- • Book early in peak summer
- • Bring ID and credit card
- • Apply sunscreen before, not after you're wet
- • Most places provide life jackets
Activities by Experience Level
Beginner
- • Dolphin watching cruise
- • Kayaking on calm bays
- • Paddleboarding (bay side)
- • Banana boat rides
Start on calm bay waters, not ocean. Guided tours recommended. No experience needed.
📍 Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, Cape May harbor
Intermediate
- • Jet ski rentals
- • Ocean kayaking
- • Parasailing
- • Pontoon boat rentals
Some water experience helpful. Pay attention to safety briefings. Watch weather conditions.
📍 Wildwood, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant
Advanced
- • Kiteboarding
- • Open ocean sailing
- • Deep sea fishing charters
- • Personal boat launching
Requires certification or significant experience. Check conditions and have proper gear.
📍 Island Beach State Park, offshore waters, private marinas
💰 Water Activities Budget Guide
| Activity | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin/Whale Watch Cruise | $35-60/person | 2-3 hours | Book ahead in summer |
| Kayak Rental | $25-50/hour | 1-4 hours | Single or tandem available |
| Paddleboard Rental | $25-40/hour | 1-2 hours | Lessons often included |
| Jet Ski Rental | $80-120/hour | 30 min-1 hour | Must be 18+ to operate |
| Parasailing | $75-100/person | 10-15 min flight | Weather dependent |
| Pontoon Boat Rental | $200-400/half day | 4 hours | Good for groups up to 10 |
| Sunset Cruise | $40-80/person | 2 hours | BYOB on some boats |
| Fishing Charter (party boat) | $50-80/person | 4-8 hours | Gear usually included |
🎒 What to Bring for Water Activities
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Water reflects sun - you'll burn faster than on land
Waterproof phone case
Protect your phone from splashes and drops
Towel & change of clothes
You will get wet, even on cruises
Motion sickness meds
Take 30 minutes before departure if prone to seasickness
Cash for tips
Tip boat captains and crew 15-20%
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces water glare for better visibility
Water bottle
Stay hydrated - sun and salt water dehydrate you
Light jacket/layers
It's 10-15 degrees cooler on the water
🌤️ Best Conditions for Each Activity
Kayaking/Paddleboarding▼
Best: Calm winds under 10mph, morning hours
Avoid: Windy afternoons, incoming storms
Pro tip: Bay side is always calmer than ocean. Go early for glass-like water.
Whale Watching▼
Best: April-May and Sept-Nov migrations, calm seas
Avoid: Rough weather days (check marine forecast)
Pro tip: Spring and fall have best sightings. Summer is hit or miss.
Jet Skiing▼
Best: Calm to moderate waves, warm sunny days
Avoid: High winds, thunderstorms, crowded beach hours
Pro tip: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer boats on the water.
Parasailing▼
Best: Light winds, clear skies
Avoid: Wind over 15mph, overcast or rainy days
Pro tip: Operations cancel in poor weather - call ahead to confirm.
Seasonal Guide
Spring
Whale migration begins. Early kayak season. Seal watching ends.
Summer
Peak season for all activities. Jet skis, parasailing, dolphin cruises.
Fall
Excellent whale watching. Fewer crowds. Kayak through changing foliage.
Winter
Seal watching from Cape May. Most water sports closed.
NJ Offshore Fishing Grounds
Explore 650+ prime fishing spots from inshore wrecks to deep-water canyons like Hudson Canyon. Interactive map with species, depths, and navigation info for every ground.
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