Boating Gear Guide
Everything you need for boat trips, cruises, and water adventures along the Jersey Shore. From safety essentials to comfort accessories, gear up for your time on the water.
Whether you're heading out on a fishing charter, whale watching cruise, or day trip on your own boat, having the right gear makes all the difference. From marine binoculars for spotting dolphins to non-slip deck shoes, these essentials will keep you comfortable and safe on Jersey Shore waters.
Boating Gear Comparison
Marine Binoculars
Bushnell
Bushnell Marine 7x50 BinocularWaterproof, fog-proof binoculars for whale watching and dolphin cruises.
$212.79
Check Current PriceMotion Sickness Relief
Sea-Band
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion & Morning Sickness, 1 Pair, GraySea bands, patches, or tablets for offshore fishing and cruises.
$8.53
Check Current PriceWaterproof Camera Pouch
Pelican
Pelican 2 Pack Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Regular Size) Floating Waterproof Phone Case - Beach Cruise Ship Travel Essentials - Works w/All Phones - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis YellowProtect phone or camera from spray on boat trips.
$38.67
Check Current PriceBoating Sun Hat
Comhats
Comhats UPF 50 Sun Hats Wide Brim Summer Safari Hat Fishing Hiking Boonie Hats for Men Chin Strap Waterproof Navy X-Large XX-Large XL XXL OversizeWide-brim hat with chin strap for windy boat conditions.
$23.99
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Boat Trip Essentials
Essentials for boat trips & cruises
Ships free with Prime
Quality gear for cruises, fishing trips, and water adventures.
Marine Binoculars
Waterproof, fog-proof binoculars for whale watching and dolphin cruises.
Motion Sickness Relief
Sea bands, patches, or tablets for offshore fishing and cruises.
Sea-Band
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion & Morning Sickness, 1 Pair, Gray
“Charter captains keep a stash of these on board. Bring your own anyway.”
Sea-Band
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion & Morning Sickness, 1 Pair, Black
Waterproof Camera Pouch
Protect phone or camera from spray on boat trips.
Pelican
Pelican 2 Pack Marine - IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Regular Size) Floating Waterproof Phone Case - Beach Cruise Ship Travel Essentials - Works w/All Phones - Detachable Lanyard - Black/Hi-Vis Yellow
TORRAS
TORRAS IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch Floating, Underwater Screen Touchable, Water Proof Case with Lanyard for iPhone 17 Pro Max 16 S26, Cellphone Dry Bag Cruise Essentials 7.0 inch, Black
Boating Sun Hat
Wide-brim hat with chin strap for windy boat conditions.
Comhats
Comhats UPF 50 Sun Hats Wide Brim Summer Safari Hat Fishing Hiking Boonie Hats for Men Chin Strap Waterproof Navy X-Large XX-Large XL XXL Oversize
Home Prefer
Home Prefer Outdoor UPF50+ Mesh Sun Hat Wide Brim Fishing Hat with Neck Flap (Dark Gray)
Boat Deck Shoes
Non-marking soles with excellent grip on wet decks.
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Safety Equipment
Safety first on the water
USCG approved gear
Life jackets, whistles, and safety essentials required on NJ waters.
Adult Life Jacket
USCG approved. Required for paddling beyond bathing areas.
STEARNS
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket with Standard & Oversized Fits, Great for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, & More
STEARNS
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket with Standard & Oversized Fits, Great for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, & More
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 50 to 90 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More, red
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 30 to 50 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More, Red
Safety Whistle
Attach to PFD. Required for paddle sports in many areas.
LuxoGear
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Safety Whistle Survival Shrill Loud Blast for Kayak Life Vest Jacket Boating Fishing Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Rescue Signaling Kids Lifeguard Plastic 2 Pack
AUGSUN
AUGSUN 10 Pcs Safety Whistle Marine Whistle Plastic Whistles with Lanyard for Emergency (Red and Orange)
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
First Aid Only
Pac-Kit Watertight Explorer 1 First Aid Kit for Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Activities, 67 Pieces
Vriexsd
VRIEXSD Premium First Aid Kit, 320 Piece Waterproof Hard Shell Eva First Aid Kit for Home, Camping, Cars, Hiking, Travel, Businesses & Outdoor Emergencies - Emergency Medical Kits (Red)
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NJ Boating Spots
Barnegat Bay
75 square miles of protected bay waters. Popular for sailing, fishing, and crabbing. Multiple marinas and public boat ramps along the bay.
Great Bay
Open bay waters near Tuckerton. Access to offshore fishing grounds via Little Egg Inlet. Home to the Jacques Cousteau Reserve.
Delaware Bay
Major estuary on the southern shore. Excellent for fishing and wildlife viewing. Launch from Fortescue, Greenwich, or Cape May.
Manasquan Inlet
Gateway to offshore fishing. Deep water access year-round. The Manasquan River offers sheltered bay cruising.
Cape May Harbor
Historic fishing port with whale watching tours. Access to both Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean fishing grounds.
Atlantic City Marina
Full-service marina in Absecon Bay. Charter boats, fuel dock, and easy Atlantic access via Absecon Inlet.
NJ Boating Tips
Check Weather & Tides
NJ coastal weather changes quickly. Check the marine forecast and tide charts before heading out. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
Required Safety Gear
NJ requires USCG-approved PFDs for all passengers, a throwable flotation device, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and a sound signaling device.
No-Wake Zones
Observe no-wake zones near marinas, swimming areas, and wildlife refuges. Speed limits are strictly enforced in channels and inlets.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer brings crowds and afternoon storms. Fall offers calmer conditions and fewer boats. Winter boating requires extra cold-water safety gear.
Related Gear
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Boating Gear FAQs
What do I need to bring on a boat in New Jersey?▼
NJ law requires a USCG-approved life jacket for each person aboard, plus a throwable flotation device for boats over 16 feet. You also need a fire extinguisher, visual distress signals (for coastal waters), and a sound-producing device like a whistle or horn. A first aid kit, sunscreen, and plenty of water are highly recommended.
Do I need a boating license in New Jersey?▼
Yes, anyone born after December 31, 1978 who operates a motorized vessel in NJ waters must complete a boating safety course and carry their certificate. The course covers navigation rules, safety equipment, and NJ-specific regulations. Many marinas offer the course, or you can take it online.
Where are the best boat ramps on the Jersey Shore?▼
Popular public boat ramps include Tuckerton Seaport (Great Bay), Forked River State Marina (Barnegat Bay), Atlantic City Marina Basin, and Cape May Harbor. Many charge launch fees ($5-20) and fill up early on summer weekends. Arrive before 6 AM for the best spots.
What should I wear on a boat at the shore?▼
Wear non-marking deck shoes with good grip, layers for changing conditions, and sun protection. A wide-brim hat with a chin strap keeps the sun off and stays on in wind. Bring a waterproof jacket even on sunny days - spray and sudden weather are common.
How do I prevent seasickness on a boat?▼
Take motion sickness medication (like Bonine or Dramamine) 30-60 minutes before boarding. Stay on deck where you can see the horizon, avoid reading or looking at screens, and stay hydrated. Ginger candies and Sea-Bands wristbands also help many people.
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