Captain-Led Cruises.
Always BYOB.
Pet Friendly.
Family Fun.
Best of Shore.
USCG Licensed.
5/5 Reviews.
Captain-Owned.
Private back-bay charters for up to 9 guests from $350.
Find Your Cruise
Private charter · up to 9 guests · from $350
Private Charters for Every Vibe
Every cruise is private to your group — never shared. Up to 9 guests, BYOB, pet-friendly. Captain Joe handles the rest.
Scenic Back Bay Cruise
Drift through salt marshes and tidal creeks. Spot ospreys and herons. Perfect first-timer cruise — relaxed, scenic, and easy to fit into any vacation day.
Private Sunset Cruise
Golden hour over the back bays. Couples + bachelorettes love this one.
Back Bay Adventure
More time, more flexibility. Combine cruising with a waterfront stop.
Ultimate Sandbar Adventure
The full day. Champagne Island sandbars, waterfront restaurant stops, swim breaks, and Sunset Lake. Build it your way with Captain Joe.
Joe's Floating Food Tour
Three stops, three signature bites: Surfing Pig, The Wharf, and Ship N Shore. Skip the parking.
Fireworks Sunset Party Cruise
Watch Wildwood's Friday Night Fireworks from the bay. No boardwalk crowds.
This Week on the Bay
Real-time openings across all six cruises. Pick a date and we'll take you straight to checkout.
Save By Booking Directly
Booking direct on sandbarjoes.com means lower prices, better dates, and a captain who actually picks up the phone.
No Booking Fees
What you see is what you pay. No 15% Viator markup, no surprise charges at checkout. Tips go directly to your captain.
Free Reschedule*
Weather, last-minute change of plans, family emergency — reschedule with zero fees up to 48 hours before your cruise.
*With booking insurance
Captain Joe Himself
Not a hired hand. USCG-licensed master captain, born and raised on these waters. You're booking the owner-operator.
Private to Your Group
Never shared, never combined with strangers. The whole pontoon is yours — sashes, speakers, snacks, dog included.
BYOB. Bring Fido. Family Friendly Wildwood Boat Cruises
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✓BYOB always welcome Cooler with ice and water already onboard. Bring your seltzers, beer, wine, or that bachelorette punch.
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✓Dogs ride free Your pup is welcome on every cruise. Life vest provided for kids 3–12.
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✓Music + speaker included Bluetooth speaker onboard. Bring your playlist, we'll handle the soundtrack.
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✓Dockside pickup available Live on the bay or in Stone Harbor? We'll come to you — just ask.
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✓Add a private chef or mixologist Turn any cruise into a full event. Catering and bar service available on request.
Real Reviews From Real Cruises
Live from Google Reviews — verified guests, real trips.
"Captain Joe knew every cove, every great photo spot, and exactly when to anchor for sunset. Felt like our own private yacht. Worth every penny for the bachelorette."
"Brought the dog. Brought the kids. Brought a cooler. Joe brought the music and the local stories. Best 90 minutes of our Wildwood trip."
"Booked direct — saved $90 versus the OTA prices. Crystal-clear communication, easy reschedule when the weather looked iffy, and the sunset was unreal."
"This is what people are looking for when they say they want to 'get out on the water' in Wildwood. Joe and Jill made us feel like family from the moment we stepped on board."
"The food tour was incredible. Three restaurants, no parking hassle, and a private boat ride between each. We're already planning to do it again next summer."
"Booked the fireworks cruise as a surprise for my husband's birthday. Best view in Wildwood — and zero crowds. Captain Joe even brought a bottle of champagne."
"Five-star experience top to bottom. Easy booking, on-time departure, beautiful boat, knowledgeable captain. We saw dolphins and ospreys. Don't think twice."
"Took my mom for her 70th birthday. She still talks about it. Captain Joe is a true gentleman and the views are something else. Highly recommend the sunset cruise."
"Captain Joe knew every cove, every great photo spot, and exactly when to anchor for sunset. Felt like our own private yacht. Worth every penny for the bachelorette."
"Brought the dog. Brought the kids. Brought a cooler. Joe brought the music and the local stories. Best 90 minutes of our Wildwood trip."
"Booked direct — saved $90 versus the OTA prices. Crystal-clear communication, easy reschedule when the weather looked iffy, and the sunset was unreal."
"This is what people are looking for when they say they want to 'get out on the water' in Wildwood. Joe and Jill made us feel like family from the moment we stepped on board."
"The food tour was incredible. Three restaurants, no parking hassle, and a private boat ride between each. We're already planning to do it again next summer."
"Booked the fireworks cruise as a surprise for my husband's birthday. Best view in Wildwood — and zero crowds. Captain Joe even brought a bottle of champagne."
"Five-star experience top to bottom. Easy booking, on-time departure, beautiful boat, knowledgeable captain. We saw dolphins and ospreys. Don't think twice."
"Took my mom for her 70th birthday. She still talks about it. Captain Joe is a true gentleman and the views are something else. Highly recommend the sunset cruise."
What's It Like to Cruise with Sandbar Joe?
60 seconds inside a Wildwood back-bay charter. Press play.
The Local Who Made the Back Bay Famous
Captain Joe Gratz started Sandbar Joe's in June 2022 as Cape May County's one-and-only floating food boat. By 2024, we'd snagged "Best of the Jersey Shore" and become legends for our "Hot Dog Summer" tees.
In 2025 we leveled up — trading food trays for full charter adventures out of Wildwood and Stone Harbor. Deck bosses Jill and Kathy have been with the ship since day one, keeping things tight and the vibes loose.
Quick Answers
The questions guests ask most. Got more? Text the captain directly at (717) 802-9658.
How much does it cost? Is it per person?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Where do I meet the boat? Is there parking?
Can I bring my dog? My kids? Alcohol?
Is there a bathroom on board?
The Bay Doesn't Wait.
Summer 2026 is booking up fast. Lock in your date now and pay nothing extra — no fees, free reschedule.
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