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.
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
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
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) 681-2266Tips 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
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.
More Jersey Shore Activities
Looking for more? Explore fishing charters, beach activities, and attractions.