Boating in December at the Jersey Shore? Not in Wildwood. We do it.
When FOX29's morning crew heard about a heated igloo floating on a pontoon boat in Wildwood, they had to see it for themselves. What they found? Hot cocoa with whipped cream, cozy blankets, and Captain Joe proving the doubters wrong—including his own dad and grandma.
▶ Watch the Full FOX29 Interview
"They're like, you have to winterize the boat," Joe laughed during the segment. "Nope, you don't. We haven't frozen yet. The ship is still sailing."
From Skeptics to Believers
The FOX29 host admitted she came in skeptical. "Grace, our producer, said this was happening, and I was like, how great could it be?"
Her verdict after climbing aboard? "It's amazing!"
Zipped up in our clear igloo dome with a heater keeping things toasty, she didn't even need her coat—a big deal for someone who typically has "14 hand warmers" stashed in every pocket.
More Popular Than Summer
Here's something that surprised even us: our December bookings actually outpaced our June numbers this year. A rainy start to summer down the shore meant people were looking for something different—and our Winter Igloo Cruise took off after a single Instagram reel went viral.
That's how FOX29 found us in the first place. One scroll through @sandbarjoes and they were hooked.
What Makes It Special
Our 90-minute Winter Igloo Charter isn't just a boat ride—it's an experience:
- The Igloo: A heated, enclosed dome that keeps you warm while you take in panoramic views of Wildwood's winter waters
- Sunset Lake Light Tour: The City of Wildwood Crest puts on an incredible light display every year—Santa, reindeer, and all your favorite characters. Seeing it from the water? Totally different vibe.
- BYOB & Bring Your Own Food: Pack a charcuterie board, bring your favorite drinks, and settle in
- Shot Ski Available: Because we bring the fun
- Cozy Extras: Blankets, hot cocoa, and the kind of atmosphere that's perfect for photos
Tours run all day starting at 9 a.m., but the sunset cruises starting at 4 p.m. are Captain Joe's personal favorite. You get the changing sky, the light show, and maybe even catch the tail end of the bird migration coming through from Canada.
Perfect for Small Groups
The igloo comfortably fits six people—ideal for couples, small families, or friend groups who actually like each other. As Joe put it on air: "We can always throw them overboard if needed."
(He's kidding. Mostly.)
Book Your Winter Adventure
We're running Winter Igloo Charters through early January. Spots are filling up, but we still have openings—especially for those magical evening tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Winter Igloo Cruise?
Each cruise is a 90-minute experience. We run tours throughout the day starting at 9 a.m., with our most popular departures being the sunset cruises beginning at 4 p.m.
Is it actually warm inside the igloo?
Yes! The heated igloo keeps you cozy even on cold December evenings. As seen on FOX29, our host didn't even need her coat—and she's someone who usually travels with 14 hand warmers. We also provide blankets for extra comfort.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Absolutely. We're fully BYOB—bring your favorite beverages, pack a charcuterie board, or grab takeout on your way. We provide hot cocoa with whipped cream, and we've even got a shot ski if you're feeling festive.
How many people can fit in the igloo?
The igloo comfortably seats six guests. It's perfect for couples, small families, or friend groups. For larger parties, give us a call and we can discuss options.
What's the Sunset Lake Light Tour?
During evening cruises, we take you past the annual Wildwood Crest holiday light display at Sunset Lake. You'll see Santa, reindeer, and festive characters—all from a unique vantage point on the water that most people never get to experience.
What if the weather is bad?
We monitor conditions closely and will reach out if we need to reschedule. That said, the igloo is enclosed and heated, so light rain or chilly temps won't stop us. We believe in the Cape May bubble—it never rains in Wildwood!
Can't make it this winter? Grab a gift card for someone special—buy $200 and get a $25 bonus through the holidays.
Watch the feature: FOX29 Interview with Sand Bar Joe
Follow the adventure: @sandbarjoes on Instagram
Call to book: (717) 802-9658
Dock location: 626 W. 26th Ave, Wildwood, NJ (Bayview Marina)
