A wide array of large marinas, vast estuary wetlands to explore and nearby access out onto the fast-moving currents of the Atlantic draw sailors and fishers, day-boaters and kayakers from around the country. This area is also a haven for wildlife lovers, with the languid southern reaches of Barnegat Bay, the Jacques Cousteau protected estuary and the Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Refuge all surrounding this stunning town. Drop in to spot sandpipers, oystercatchers and plovers flying above salt marshes, spy terrapins and dolphins in abundance, or simply fish for striped bass in your center-console. And after a busy day on the water head back into town to check out the endless amenities, bars and restaurants available in this popular resort.
The four main marinas located inside the Beach Haven city limits all sit within walking distance of the town’s plush hotels and must-see attractions, and face the backwaters for natural protection from the ocean. The biggest facility here is the Shelter Harbor Marina, a 206-slip complex in an artificial cove with an attached public boat-ramp on-site as a more affordable option. The Queen City Marina, meanwhile, boasts 136-slips including 10 transient slips for vessels up to 60-feet in length, while the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, a sociable spot for keen sailors, features 135-slips for boats up to 70-feet long. The Mordecai Boat Basin is another good option, and presents 135-slips and quayside docking for bigger vessels.
Just outside of town to the south there is Lindy’s Trailer Park and Marina, where vast dry storage space is complemented by dozens of floating pontoon docking spots, while the nearby Holgate Marina combines boat and water toy rentals with 149 wet-slips. Heading north out of town towards Barnegat Bay you will discover the Spray Beach Yacht Club, a 130-slip local institution that maintains an active calendar of events. Not far away you will also stumble across the Escape Beach Marina and the Sunset Harbor Marina, two neighboring facilities with a combined 190 slips. If you are travelling from the west and want a base to explore this area on the mainland then you might prefer the Sheltered Cove Marina in Tuckerton Beach, an impressive facility with 250 wet-slips for boats up to 50-feet in length.
Beach Haven remains a popular spot for races and regattas throughout the calendar, with major events often held here including the E Scow National Championships, the Annual Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational and, the highlight of the year, August’s Down Bay Invitational, a thrilling sailing race. Though there are no boat-building firms located within Beach Haven the banks of the nearby Mullica River are famed for their manufacturing heritage, with top brands including Viking Yachts, the world’s 11th largest boat-building company, as well as popular builders Valhalla and Jersey Cape Yachts all based there.
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