Jersey Island Blueway
A Paddler’s Guide to Cape May County NJ’s Back-bays
This map is an introduction to the back-bays, 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.
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
Click here for a printable PDF of the full map
Where to Buy Maps
- Bay Cats, 316 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
- Harbor Outfitters, 354 96th Street, 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.