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.
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
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)
More Jersey Shore Polar Plunges
If you can't make Sea Bright, check out these other options:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge 2026?
The Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge takes place on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The plunge typically happens around noon at Sea Bright Beach.
What charity does the Sea Bright Polar Plunge support?
The Sea Bright Polar Bear Plunge benefits Save Coastal Wildlife, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting New Jersey's coastal wildlife including shorebirds, seals, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Your participation directly supports conservation efforts.
Where exactly is the Sea Bright Polar Plunge held?
The plunge takes place on Sea Bright Beach, accessible from Ocean Avenue (Route 36) in Sea Bright, NJ. The exact beach location will be announced closer to the event - check Save Coastal Wildlife's website for details.
How do I register for the Sea Bright Polar Plunge?
Registration is available through Save Coastal Wildlife's website. A registration fee typically includes a commemorative item and supports wildlife conservation. Walk-up registration may be available on event day.
What makes the Sea Bright Plunge different from other plunges?
The Sea Bright plunge focuses on wildlife conservation rather than general charity. It's held on the second Saturday of January (not New Year's Day), offering a fun option for those who missed the January 1st plunges. The intimate, community feel appeals to nature lovers.
Is there parking for the Sea Bright Polar Plunge?
Street parking is available along Ocean Avenue and side streets in Sea Bright. Winter parking is generally easy to find. The town is compact and walkable from most parking spots.
How cold is the water in Sea Bright in January?
Ocean temperatures in Sea Bright in early January typically range from 40-44°F (4-7°C). The water is cold but the brief exposure is manageable - and it's for a great cause!
Can I see wildlife at Sea Bright?
Sea Bright and the nearby Sandy Hook area are excellent for wildlife viewing! Winter months often bring harbor seals to the area, and shorebirds are active year-round. The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area is just a few miles north.
Take the Plunge for Wildlife!
Your icy dip helps protect New Jersey's coastal animals.