Jersey Shore Boat Tours with Teens and Tweens

     With 100 plus miles of coastline, you are never far from the water at the Jersey Shore.  Marinas in Belmar, Point Pleasant, Cape May and other towns are the place to go to check out your options.  From fishing to power boats, party boats, ferries, sailboat charters, riverboat rides or whale watches you can find them at the  Jersey Shore.  Major holidays like July 4th bring on specialty fireworks cruises to major extravaganzas  in Red Bank and New York Harbor, as well as local shows.   We love the sunset cruises up the coast that give you a bird’s eye view of the various boardwalks and towns along your route.

Heading out of Belmar for a sunset cruise

     Depending on your interests, budget and time you are sure to find something the whole family will enjoy.  Some of our favorites include:

• Fireworks cruises to Red Bank.  It is a relatively long haul from Belmar up and around Sandy Hook, into the Navesink River and on to Red Bank for the Shore’s largest fireworks display which traditionally takes place July 3.   Boats also head to Red Bank from Atlantic Highlands and other northern shore towns.  If you are really ambitious take an all day cruise to New York for their event on July 4th.
• The Seastreak high speed catamaran ferry between Atlantic Highlands and New York City offers quick access for a day trip to New York or a fun sightseeing trip for an afternoon.  It docks at South Street Seaport if you want to continue the nautical theme.   
• Riverboat rides such as the River Belle from Brielle tour the waters of the Manasquan River and Barnegat Bay. 
• The Sea Blaster, power boat ride along the Point Pleasant coast.  If you want to see real power boat racing, the Jersey Shore plays annual host to a National Offshore Racing power boat event.  This year it will be in Atlantic City, September 10-12, 2010
• Cape May Whale Watching is fun, particularly in the spring and fall when the humpbacks are migrating. You are likely to see dolphins as well.

     If you are into fishing, the Jersey Shore is the place to be for tuna, blues, fluke, sea bass and more.  Many companies offer half day and full day charters as well as overnight session for the truly committed although most teens and tweens should be happy with the half day program.  Many of the boats provide fishing tackle for a small fee and will handle fish cleaning and filleting.  Many smaller boats are available for private charters if you don’t want to go on a large party boat.

     This is one in a series on Top 10 actvities for family vacations with teens and tweens on the Jersey Shore.  Click the link to see the full list or visit our Travel with Teens and Tweens Jersey Shore archives see the posts in chronological order.