Now booking Summer 2026 — weekends fill fast
🎉 Now Booking Spring + Summer 2026

Choose Your Cruise.

Six private back-bay charters in Wildwood. Every cruise is private to your group, BYOB, pet-friendly, and captain-included.

4.9 / 5 200+ Guests
USCG Licensed 25-Ton Master
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Best of Shore 2026 Winner
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Pet + BYOB Always Welcome
★★★★★
4.9
200+ reviews
Most Popular
90 MIN 6 included, up to 9 total Year-round
The Wildwood Intro

90-Minute Scenic Back Bay Cruise

Drift through salt marshes and tidal creeks behind Wildwood's coastline. Spot ospreys, herons, and the occasional dolphin while Captain Joe shares the local stories you won't find on a tourist map. Perfect first-timer cruise — relaxed, scenic, and easy to fit into any vacation day.

  • Captain Joe at the helm
  • Cooler with ice + water
  • Bluetooth speaker (your playlist)
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Families First-timers Birthdays
From $350 Private boat · up to 9 guests — fees apply after 6th guest
Date Night
90 MIN 6 included, up to 9 total Sunset
Golden Hour, Bottled

90-Minute Private Sunset Cruise

The Jersey Shore's daily masterpiece, with a front-row seat reserved just for your group. Coast through golden-hour glow with a champagne pour, your own playlist, and zero rushed schedules. Couples love this one. Bachelorettes love it more.

  • Optimal sunset timing
  • Cooler with ice + water
  • Champagne flutes available
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Anniversaries Date Night Engagements Bachelorettes
From $400 Private boat · up to 9 guests — fees apply after 6th guest
Most Flexible
3 HOURS 6 included, up to 9 total Year-round
More Time, More Flexibility

3-Hour Back Bay Adventure

Three full hours to actually unwind. Combine cruising with a waterfront restaurant stop, anchor up near a quiet beach for swimming, or just drift slowly with the playlist on. Tell us what you want when you book — Joe shapes the route to your group.

  • Customizable route
  • Restaurant or beach stops
  • Cooler with ice + water
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Friend groups Birthdays Mid-day chill
From $675 Private boat · up to 9 guests — fees apply after 6th guest
Best Value
4.5 HOURS 6 included, up to 9 total Day-long
The Full Day

4.5-Hour Ultimate Sandbar Adventure

The full Wildwood day: Champagne Island sandbars, two waterfront restaurant stops, swimming, beach time, and sunset on the way back. Bring your float toys, your playlist, your people — build the day your way with Captain Joe.

  • 2 restaurant stops
  • Beach & sandbar swimming
  • Sunset on return
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Bachelor / Bachelorette Family reunions Birthday groups
From $1,000 Private boat · up to 9 guests — fees apply after 6th guest
Sun–Fri Only
3 HOURS Up to 9 guests Sun–Fri
Wildwood's Only Floating Food Tour

Joe's Floating Food Tour

Three stops, three signature bites: Surfing Pig, The Wharf, and Ship N Shore. The only floating food tour in Wildwood, complete with local stories, unforgettable flavors, and bayside views you can't get from a parking lot. Sunday through Friday only.

  • 3 restaurant stops included
  • Signature bites at each
  • Skip-the-parking docking
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Foodies Date Night Locals showing off
From $150 Per person · includes food at 3 stops
Jul–Aug Fridays
90 MIN 6 included, up to 9 total Friday nights, Jul–Aug
Friday Nights, Jul–Aug

Fireworks Sunset Party Cruise

Watch Wildwood's Friday Night Fireworks from the bay — the way locals do, with zero boardwalk crowds, lantern lighting, and a glass of something cold in hand. We anchor in the best viewing spot before the boom.

  • Premium fireworks viewing
  • Lantern-lit deck
  • No crowds, no parking
  • BYOB & pet welcome
Best for: Summer Fridays Family + kids Special occasions
From $995 Private boat · up to 9 guests — fees apply after 6th guest
— Coming Back This Winter —

Off-Season Cruises

When the temperature drops, the bay gets quiet — and we get cozy. Two winter exclusives return November 2026.

2 Hours · Family Friendly

Polar Express Brunch Cruise

Hot cocoa, holiday treats, kids in pajamas, and a Polar-Express-inspired brunch on the bay. The cozy holiday tradition that became Wildwood's worst-kept winter secret.

Learn More
2 Hours · Heated Igloo

Winter Igloo Experience

Snuggle into a heated igloo on the pontoon deck and watch the Wildwood lights shimmer off the water. Bring drinks, blankets, friends — we bring the warm.

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A Day on the Bay, Wrapped

Sandbar Joe's Gift Cards

Load any amount, let them pick the cruise. Brunch cruises, sunset cruises, sandbar adventures — gift cards work across every experience and never expire. The easiest way to wrap up a Wildwood day on the water.

$50 $100 $250 $500 Custom
Purchase Gift Cards
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Don't See Your Cruise?

Charters, multi-stop dockings, corporate events, multi-boat trips, dockside pickups in Stone Harbor — if it floats and it fits Joe's schedule, we'll figure it out. Tell us what you're picturing.

— Good to Know —

Sandbar Joe's FAQs

The questions guests ask most. Got more? Text the captain directly at (717) 802-9658.

How much does it cost? Is it per person?
Pricing on our private cruises is per boat, not per person. The 90-minute back bay cruise is $350 for the whole boat (6 guests included). Bring two friends or five — same price. We’ll take up to 9 guests total; guests 7–9 are added for a small additional fee. (The Floating Food Tour is the exception — it’s priced per person.)
Where do I meet the boat?
We launch from Bayview Marina, 626 W 26th Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 — right behind the Acme on 26th Street in North Wildwood. If you live on the bay or in Stone Harbor, contact us for a possible dockside pickup.
When should I arrive?
No less than 30 minutes before departure. Boats leave as scheduled — late arrivals can't always be accommodated. The marina has occasional food trucks and places to sit while you wait.
How many passengers can we bring?
Up to 6 passengers standard. Up to 2 more can be added for an additional fee. Larger groups? Reach out — we can sometimes coordinate multiple boats.
How long is the cruise?
Choose from 90-minute, 3-hour, or 4.5-hour options depending on the cruise. Want extra time? Call us — we can usually extend if the next slot is open.
Are children allowed?
Yes, kids ages 3–12 are welcome (life vests provided). Infants under 3 are not permitted for safety reasons.
What should I bring?
We provide the fun, a cooler, and ice/water. Bring: sunscreen, bug spray, phone, wallet, ID, your food/drink, and a sweater (it can get breezy on the water).
Can I bring food and drink on the boat?
Absolutely — every cruise is BYOB. Bring whatever you like. We recommend easy snacks and appetizers. There's already a cooler with ice and water onboard. Contact us for catering options or to add a private chef and/or mixologist.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No, but we can stop at a waterfront restaurant or bar any time during your cruise if needed. Most 90-minute trips don't require a stop.
Is there parking?
Yes — the marina and surrounding streets have plenty of free parking.
Is there a dress code?
Bathing suits, tanks, shorts — whatever is comfortable. It can be windy on the water, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended.
Should I tip the crew?
Yes, please! A 20% tip paid directly to your captain or crew is standard.
Do I need to bring a speaker?
No — we have a Bluetooth speaker onboard and will play whatever you'd like. Send us your playlist, hand us your phone, or let Joe DJ.
What happens if there's bad weather?
We believe in the Cape May bubble — it rarely rains in Wildwood. But if there's a downpour, we'll cancel and you can reschedule free of charge or get a full refund. We also run on overcast days, which often make for the best photos.

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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