Discover New Jersey: Unforgettable Boat Tours Await You
New Jersey has more variety on the water than many people expect, and that makes choosing a cruise both exciting and confusing.
One NJ boat cruise might be all about skyline views, while another focuses on history, dinner, or a relaxed afternoon with family.
These New Jersey sightseeing cruises made the list for their route, comfort, and overall experience, so you can spot the options that are worth booking.
- New Jersey boat tours cover skyline cruises, dinner cruises, wildlife trips, lake tours, and speedboat rides.
- Northern New Jersey is the best fit for skyline views and harbor dining.
- Central and southern New Jersey add more nature-focused options, including marshes, wetlands, birding, and coastal wildlife.
- The best tour depends on the experience you want, the location you want to depart from, and the pace you prefer.
Start here before you choose your next NJ boat trip.
Explore Northern New Jersey by Boat: Tours and Cruises
The Ultimate Hoboken Dinner Cruise Experience
Cornucopia Cruises, 14th Street Pier,
Hoboken, NJ
Departing Hoboken, a dinner cruise featuring front-row views of the New York and New Jersey skylines aboard every sailing. With food prepared fresh onboard, a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, and a lively DJ on deck
Cuise Scenic Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong Cruises, 37 Nolan’s Point Park Roa,
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Expect laughter, and clinking glasses as you take in the scenery on New Jersey’s largest lake. From lively brunches and sunset dinners to cocktail cruises and themed events,
Cruise the Meadowlands aboard Guided Canoe and Pontoons
NJSEA Pontoon Boat Tours
River Barge Park and Marina, Carlstadt, NJ
Cruise the Meadowlands district with over 30 square miles along the along the Hackensack River, rich with,
shore birds, salt marshes, and wild flowers. Tour guides discuss the Hackensack River estuary’s storied history, and the ongoing efforts of scientists and naturalists that have greatly contributed to the Meadowlands’ environmental comeback.
New York Harbor Signature Lunch Cruise
Spirit Cruises, Lincoln Harbor,
Weehawken, NJ
Experience a two-hour lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts while you cruise on the East and Hudson Rivers. Dine the day away with friends and family and soak in New York's skyline views. Enjoy a casual environment with live DJ entertainment, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.
Explore Central New Jersey by Boat: Tours and Cruises
New Jersey Raritan Bay Lunch Cruises
Cornucopia Cruises, 401 Riverview Drive,
Perth Amboy, NJ
Experience views of the Raritan Bay and the inland waterways of New Jersey while enjoying prepared cuisine and craft cocktails.
Explore Mercer Lake From a Pontoon Boat Tour
Lake Mercer,
Mercer County Park Marina & Boathouse,
1638 Old Trenton Road,
West Windsor NJ
They offer 50 Minute guided pontoon boat lake tours with a county naturalist. From their seat on the boat, participants may be able to view painted turtles, beavers and songbirds, and majestic bald eagles that frequent the lake. Shores lined with native wildflowers and a rose mallow in bloom will also be sure to please those along for the tour.
Sail Down the Scenic Toms River and the Beautiful Barnegat Bay
River Lady,
Toms River, NJ
The iconic River Lady, sailing down the scenic Toms River, and beautiful Barnegat Bay, is a distinctive event venue. She is the only genuine paddle-wheel boat in the entire state, and has been the site of family celebrations, friends getting together, marriage proposals, surprise parties, and corporate events since 1989.
Cruise along the Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay
The River Queen,
800 Ashley Ave.,
Brielle, NJ
Set sail aboard the River Queen, a classic Mississippi riverboat replica offering scenic dining and sightseeing cruises. Departing from Brielle, NJ, this relaxing Jersey Shore river cruise is one of the most unique things to do along the Jersey Shore, offering stunning waterfront views, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable coastal experiences.
Explore Southern New Jersey by Boat: Tours and Cruises
Sail Along The Coastal Lighthouses of New Jersey
The Cape May Whale Watcher,
1286 Wilson Drive,
Cape May, NJ
The coastal lighthouses of New Jersey are famous for a number of reasons, including their roles in the success of major ports like Philadelphia and their strategic value during times of war. The lives saved by these lighthouses are countless both in history and on a daily basis. The Cape May Whale Watcher has been sailing to these extremely historic lighthouses since 1994.
Birding Sail Aboard The Historic Schooner A.J. Meerwald
Bayshore Center at Bivalve,
2800 High Street,
Port Norris, NJ
NJ's official Tall Ship is a restored oyster dredging schooner. Launched in 1928, the A.J. Meerwald was one of hundreds of schooners built along South Jersey's Bayshore before the decline of the shipbuilding industry which coincided with the Great Depression.
They offer a sail along the scenic Maurice River, one of only four rivers in New Jersey designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Take in peaceful views of marshlands, wildlife, and the natural beauty of this unique waterway.
Back Bay Birding and Wildlife Boat Tours
Skimmer - Salt Water Marsh Safari,
113 Willow Drive,
Cape May, NJ
Sail aboard The Skimmer, a 40' twin hull pontoon that navigates the calm back bay waters. A guided tour exploring the nature of the pristine and protected salt marshes that are part of the Cape May Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. These eco-cruises will take you on a journey to dicover the wildlife that a salt marsh can support. Over 400 species of birds, more than 300 species of fish, and even more marine invertebrates inhabit New Jersey and many of them call the salt marsh their home.
Trips operate from both the Dolphin Cove Marina in Cape May and the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor.
Dolphin Speedboat Tours
Silver Bullet Tours Dolphin Watch & Speedboat Tours,
Wildwood Marina, Rio Grande and Susquehanna Aves. (Next to Boat House and Urie's Restaurant,
Wildwood, NJ
Tour aboard The Silver Bullet's twin V-12 turbo-charged diesel engines that will give you the experience and thrills of a Nascar Race Driver as it speeds up and down the oceanfront. On this thrill packed adventuresome journey you will experience 90 minutes of dolphin sightings and many other types of marine life.
Screamer Speedboat Dolphin Tours
"Stormin" A Speed Boat Ride,
244 Bay Avenue (at 3rd Avenue),
Ocean City, NJ
Their speedboat rides are the perfect way to capture the spirit of the shore. Weave through the waters, feel the ocean breeze, sit back and enjoy the panoramic beauty. Every seat is the best seat in the house, offering unobstructed views of the coastline and the ocean's marine life. The fast moving adventure takes you along the shoreline of Ocean City where you will discover dolphins, birds, and scenic views along the sandy beach and back bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
About New Jersey Boat Tours and Cruises
What kinds of New Jersey boat tours are included in this guide?
The guide includes dinner cruises, lunch cruises, sightseeing cruises, lake tours, pontoon tours, birding sails, and speedboat rides. It also groups the options by northern, central, and southern New Jersey so readers can match a trip to the part of the state they want to visit.
Which New Jersey boat tours are best for skyline views?
The Hoboken dinner cruise and the New York Harbor lunch cruise are the strongest skyline-focused options in this list. Both put you on the water near Manhattan and the Hudson River, which makes them a good fit for readers who want city views with a meal.
Are there New Jersey boat tours for wildlife and birding?
South Jersey has the strongest wildlife and birding picks. The A.J. Meerwald, the Skimmer, and the Cape May Whale Watcher all focus on marshes, wetlands, or coastal wildlife, and the Mercer Lake tour also mentions local birds and other animals.
Which New Jersey boat tours are best for families?
The calmer dinner, lunch, and lake cruises are the easiest family picks in this guide. The Hoboken cruise, Lake Hopatcong cruises, Mercer Lake tours, and the River Lady all fit relaxed outings, while the speedboat tours in Wildwood and Ocean City suit families who want more action.
