Atlantic City to Ocean City by boat

Pilotage Plan: Atlantic City, NJ to Ocean City, NJ

Welcome aboard this detailed pilotage plan for an exciting and safe boat trip from Atlantic City to Ocean City. This route, stretching roughly 20 nautical miles along the beautiful New Jersey coastline, is perfect for day cruising and particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters who enjoy both scenic views and the thrill of navigating local waters.

Route Overview

Starting Point: Atlantic City, NJ (Coordinates: -74.42125, 39.379633) Ending Point: Ocean City, NJ (Coordinates: -74.58083, 39.29233)

The journey brings you along the picturesque Absecon Inlet, with plenty of opportunities to explore the shoreline, watch out for wildlife, and seek shelter in quaint bays if need be.

Notable Points of Interest

1. Absecon Lighthouse: Begin your journey with a glance towards the famous Absecon Lighthouse. Standing at 171 feet, it's one of the tallest in New Jersey and offers stunning views of the Atlantic City skyline if tempting enough for a short stop.

2. Gardner's Basin: Just south of Atlantic City, Gardner's Basin is a charming waterfront area boasting restaurants, fishing spots, and local businesses. It's an excellent place to fuel up, grab a bite, or visit the Atlantic City Aquarium.

3. Great Egg Harbor Inlet: As you continue towards Ocean City, be aware of the Great Egg Harbor Inlet, a larger inlet to your southwest. This inlet offers good shelter from weather changes and is an excellent spot for boaters looking for a break or wishing to engage in some fishing.

4. Ocean City Boardwalk: The destination itself, Ocean City boasts an iconic boardwalk with amusement parks, games, and food stalls that are a must-visit before heading back home.

Navigational Considerations

• Chart Your Course: Before departure, ensure to check nautical charts for the latest updates. Utilize reputable boating apps such as Savvy Navvy, Navionics, or iNavX for real-time updates and route planning.

• Weather Awareness: Monitor local weather forecasts. It’s vital to have contingency plans should conditions turn sour. The aforementioned Great Egg Harbor Inlet provides a perfect refuge when faced with unexpected storms.

• Navigation Aids: Pay particular attention to navigational markers along your route. The Absecon Inlet buoys guide you safely out into the open water, and as you near Ocean City, staying vigilant about those markers will help you avoid shallow areas. The local Coast Guard will often place aids to navigation marking any hazards, so keep an eye out for temporary adjustments.

• Tides and Currents: Be mindful of the tidal patterns which can greatly affect your travel time and ease of navigation. Planning your trip to coincide with slack tide can ease your journey, especially in relation to currents around inlets.

Safety Measures

1. Safety Gear: Don’t forget your safety gear. Have life jackets available for all passengers, a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, and VHF radio on deck.

2. Communication: Maintain constant communication with your crew and other vessels. VHF Channel 16 is the emergency channel should anything need addressing.

3. Navigation Rules: Familiarize yourself with the local navigation rules and regulations. Respect no-wake zones near populated areas and keep a good distance from swimming areas.

Conclusion

By setting sail from Atlantic City to Ocean City, you'll experience a delightful blend of coastal beauty and vibrant culture. The opportunity to explore peaceful bays, take in local attractions, and the thrill of navigating through notable waters makes this a perfect journey for those looking to unwind on their boat while prioritizing safety. Ensure to follow the navigational tips, keep weather conditions in check, and enjoy everything this 20-mile stretch has to offer. Safe travels, and may the wind always be at your back!