Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge
Plunge for wildlife! Join the Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Save Coastal Wildlife. Your icy dip helps protect New Jersey's shorebirds, seals, and marine life.
Plunge for Wildlife Conservation
Every plunge supports the protection of NJ's seals, shorebirds, and marine life!
Quick Facts
Jan 10, 2026
Saturday
12:00 PM
Plunge Time
Sea Bright
Beach
Conservation
Charity
About the Sea Bright Polar Plunge
The Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge offers a unique opportunity to combine winter adventure with wildlife conservation. Organized by Save Coastal Wildlife, this annual event raises funds to protect New Jersey's diverse coastal ecosystem, from harbor seals to endangered shorebirds.
Sea Bright sits on a narrow barrier peninsula in Monmouth County, with the Shrewsbury River on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. This location makes it a prime spot for wildlife sightings, especially during winter months when harbor seals visit the nearby Sandy Hook area. The plunge takes place on the second Saturday of January, offering an alternative for those who missed the New Year's Day events.
The intimate, community-focused atmosphere of the Sea Bright plunge appeals to nature lovers and conservation-minded participants. After your plunge, consider taking a winter wildlife walk at Sandy Hook or exploring the charming nearby towns of Highlands and Long Branch.
Sea Bright Plunge Budget
What to expect for a wildlife-focused plunge day:
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plunge Registration | $25-40 | Includes commemorative item, supports wildlife |
| Parking | FREE | Winter street parking is easy |
| Hotel (Long Branch) | $100-180 | Pier Village area, closest options |
| Post-Plunge Lunch | $15-30 | Red Bank or Long Branch restaurants |
| Wildlife Watching Gear | $0-20 | Binoculars for seal spotting at Sandy Hook |
| Total (Day Trip) | $40-90 | Registration + food |
| Total (Overnight) | $175-350 | Registration + hotel + food |
💡 Your registration fee directly supports coastal wildlife conservation
Mistakes to Avoid
Make the most of your conservation-focused plunge:
Approaching seals if you spot them after the plunge
Harassing wildlife is illegal and dangerous. Seals bite, and human contact stresses them. You could face federal fines.
✓ View from 150+ feet away. Bring binoculars. Report injured seals to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, don't "rescue" them yourself.
Assuming the plunge is on New Year's Day like others
Sea Bright is the SECOND Saturday of January (Jan 10, 2026). You show up January 1st to an empty beach.
✓ Mark your calendar: January 10, 2026. Check Save Coastal Wildlife's website to confirm each year.
Not registering online and expecting to walk up
Unlike bigger plunges, this is a smaller charity event. Walk-up may be available but quantities are limited.
✓ Register online at SaveCoastalWildlife.org. Your fee directly supports local conservation. Worth the commitment.
Leaving right after the plunge without exploring
You missed the whole point! Sandy Hook (10 min north) has seals in winter. The area is a wildlife paradise.
✓ Plan a full day: plunge, warm up, then head to Sandy Hook for seal watching. Make it a conservation adventure.
About Save Coastal Wildlife
Save Coastal Wildlife is dedicated to protecting New Jersey's coastal animals and their habitats. Their work includes seal monitoring, shorebird protection, sea turtle rescue, and marine mammal stranding response. Your plunge registration directly supports these critical conservation efforts.
Learn more at SaveCoastalWildlife.org →Wildlife in the Sea Bright Area
After the plunge, explore the area's incredible wildlife:
Harbor Seals
Winter
Sandy Hook
Shorebirds
Year-round
Sea Bright Beach
Ospreys
Spring-Fall
Shrewsbury River
Sea Turtles
Summer
Offshore
Plunge Day Schedule
Check Save Coastal Wildlife's website for exact times and registration details.
Location & Parking
Plunge Location
Sea Bright Beach
Ocean Avenue (Route 36)
Sea Bright, NJ 07760
Exact beach location announced before event
Parking
Free street parking along Ocean Avenue and side streets. Winter parking is plentiful. Sea Bright is compact and walkable.
Where to Stay
Long Branch Hotels
3 miles
Pier Village area with oceanfront options
Sandy Hook Area
5 miles
Highlands and Atlantic Highlands B&Bs
Red Bank
6 miles
Downtown hotels and dining
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Explore Sandy Hook
Just north of Sea Bright, Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and offers incredible winter wildlife viewing:
Harbor Seal Watching
December-April - Seals rest on Sandy Hook beaches
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Oldest working lighthouse in the US (1764)
Other Polar Bear Plunges
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Plunge for Wildlife!
Your icy dip helps protect New Jersey's coastal animals.