Jersey Island Blueway « The Wetlands Institute

Jersey Island Blueway

Jersey Island Blueway

A Paddler’s Guide to Cape May County NJ’s Backbays

This map is an introduction to the backbays, marshes, creeks, and channels of the South Jersey shore. It is not meant to be a definitive guide to all paddling areas, but instead an introduction to places you may want to explore. Feel free to try routes not shown on this map.

The colored lines indicate point-to-point and loop routes. You can try out just one, or string several together to make a longer trip. Distances given are for planning purposes only; your actual paddling time will vary with your experience, wind, and tides. For a complete, 11″ x 17″ waterproof map, visit participating retail locations.

Please be courteous to others on the water. When using boat ramps, do not leave your canoe or kayak in a place that is blocking the ramp for others. Follow all posted rules at boat ramps. Make sure everyone in your group is familiar with the Safety Checklist.
Click here for a printable PDF of the full map

Jersey Island Blueway – Where To Launch

Beesley’s Point Beach: off Route 9 next to Tuckahoe Inn
Tennessee Avenue Municipal Ramp: in Ocean City off of Bay Ave.
34th Street Municipal Ramp: in Ocean City underneath bridge
51st Street Railroad Bridge: in Ocean City at end of dirt road
Corsons Inlet State Park Ramp: in State Park, next to bridge
Strathmere Municipal Ramp: south end of Bayview Drive
Sea Isle City Municipal Ramp: 42nd Place, under bridge
Townsends Inlet Waterfront Park: next to bridge
Avalon Blvd. Municipal Ramp.: west of Avalon, under bridge
57th Street Municipal Ramp: in Avalon, off of Ocean Drive
81st Street Municipal Ramp: in Stone Harbor, off of Third Ave.
Nummy Island: at south end of Great Channel Bridge
5th Avenue Municipal Ramp: North Wildwood, off New York Avenue
Grassy Sound: under Rt. 47 bridge at W. Rio Grande Avenue
Sunset Lake Beach: beach at Bayview Drive and Monterey Avenue.
Wissahickon Avenue Ramp: at south end of Rt. 109 bridge into Cape May
Rotary Park: beach west of ferry terminal

Where to Buy Maps

Bay Cats
316 Bay Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Harbor Outfitters
354 96th Street
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Wetlands Institute
1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.
Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Cape May County Welcome Center
Parkway Exit 11
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Grassy Sound Marina
12 Old N. Wildwood Blvd.
Wildwood, NJ 08260

Pier 47 Marina
Route 47
Wildwood, NJ 08260
Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle
Route 47
Wildwood, NJ 08260
Aquatrails
Cape May, NJ 08204
Miss Chris Marina
Cape May, NJ 08204
Utsch’s Marina
Cape May, NJ 08204

Safety Checklist

Lifejackets should be worn at all times.
Always carry drinking water and sunscreen.
Some areas may be unnavigable due to changes in tides and wind. Always check a tide chart, and don’t paddle into shallow areas when the tide is going out.
Beware of strong currents, especially near inlets.
Be aware of power boat traffic, especially near boat ramps and in the Intercoastal Waterway. In high traffic areas, stay out of the center of the channel, and try to stay close to other paddlers for maximum visibility.
Do not disturb or feed wildlife. Maintain a respectful distance from nesting birds.
Many marsh creeks are dead-ends. Be sure to leave room to turn around.
Keep an eye on landmarks. It’s easy to get lost in the twisting backbay creeks, so use references like water towers and bridges to help you find your way.
Give a float plan to someone on shore. They should know where you’re going and what time you expect to return.