Explore The Jersey Waterways with Sandbar Joe
Premium Wildwood Boat Tours & Pontoon Adventures
Experience the Beauty of Cape May County Waterways with Our Expert Captain
Our Story on the Jersey Waters
Sandbar Joe’s was born from a deep love for the Jersey Shore’s pristine waterways and a passion for sharing the coast’s unmatched beauty from the water itself. Founded by lifelong Jersey Shore natives with extensive boating experience, Sandbar Joe’s brings you the best of bay life—from float-tilla parties at Sunset Lake to unforgettable sandbar beach days.
Whether you’re seeking a lively celebration or a serene eco-tour with breathtaking sunsets and birding opportunities, we have the perfect experience waiting for you. Tired of the 9-to-5 grind, Captain Joe Gratz transformed his recreational boating passion into a thriving boat tours business.
Now, as a licensed master 25-ton captain, he’s the ultimate party planner on the bay, dedicated to showing that the real fun isn’t on the beach—it’s out on the water.
What began as casual boat tour adventures with friends evolved into the Jersey Shore’s most personalized pontoon boat tours in Wildwood, New Jersey. With our founders’ combined decades navigating these local waters, Sandbar Joe’s now offers both visitors and locals an authentic way to experience the Jersey Shore’s hidden gems through our private pontoon charters.
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We invite you to join us for an unforgettable day exploring the Jersey Shore by pontoon boat tours and discover why countless guests return to Sandbar Joe’s season after season. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to experience the Jersey Shore from a different perspective, our pontoon boat rental service is ready to welcome you aboard.
Meet Our Jersey Shore Pontoon Experts
Captain Joe Gratz with Deck Bosses Jill & Kathy
Sandbar Joe splashed onto the scene in June 2022 as Cape May County’s one-and-only floating food boat, dishing out good eats on the back bays. By 2024, we snagged “Best of the Jersey Shore” bragging rights and became legends for our iconic “Hot Dog Summer” t-shirts—talk about a shore “American” thing! In 2025, we leveled up, trading the food trays for full-on charter adventures out of Wildwood and Stone Harbor, NJ.
Deck bosses Jill Darrah and Kathy Gratz have been riding the tide with us since day one, keeping a tight ship and the vibes loose. These chief morale officers might even hop aboard as first mates, pouring spirits (and keeping spirits high) for the crew.
At the helm is Joe Gratz, the big kahuna and captain of Sandbar Joe. A merchant mariner with a US Coast Guard 25-ton master’s license, Joe’s been ruling the back bays since he was a kid with a paddle. He swapped QVC’s livestream 9-5 spotlight for the salty spotlight of the sea, sharing his love for Wildwood and Stone Harbor’s winding waters with every guest. When winter hits, catch him captaining down in Florida—because the ocean never sleeps! Sandbar Joe’s all about bay breezes, big laughs, and epic shore stories—hop aboard!
Our Mission on the Jersey Shore
At Sandbar Joe’s, we believe that exploring the Jersey Shore by pontoon boat tours creates memories that last a lifetime. Our mission is clear: to provide safe, unforgettable, and customized Jersey Shore pontoon boat experiences that showcase our coastal treasures while delivering exceptional service guided by local knowledge.
We’re dedicated to crafting pontoon adventures that transcend typical Jersey Shore activities—whether discovering secluded sandbars perfect for afternoon relaxation, following playful dolphins as they swim alongside our pontoon boats, or finding the ideal spot to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Jersey bayfront.
Sandbar Joe's Pontoon Boat Tour Experience
What distinguishes our Jersey Shore pontoon boat tours service is our unwavering commitment to personalized experiences and our extensive local expertise. Unlike crowded tour boats or basic self-drive rentals, every Sandbar Joe’s pontoon charter includes:
- Expert Jersey Shore Captains – Our USCG-certified captains aren't just skilled at navigating pontoon boats; they're knowledgeable guides who understand every Jersey Shore inlet, cove, and hidden sandbar worth experiencing.
- Premium Pontoon Vessels – Our pontoon boat fleet features top-quality vessels designed for comfort and stability on Jersey Shore waters, with luxurious seating, quality sound systems, and comprehensive safety equipment.
- Custom Jersey Shore Cruises – Each pontoon boat charter is tailored to your preferences, whether you're looking for relaxing sandbar time, coastal sightseeing, wildlife observation, or a romantic Jersey Shore sunset cruise.
- Exclusive Private Pontoon Rentals – We specialize solely in private pontoon charters along the Jersey Shore, ensuring your group enjoys a personal experience without sharing your boat with strangers.
