

Embarking on a boat trip from Point Pleasant, New Jersey to Staten Island offers an exhilarating opportunity to explore the diverse coastal landscape of the Jersey Shore and Greater New York Harbor. This route is particularly suitable for leisure cruisers, with a mix of scenic views, vibrant marinas, and opportunities for safe shelter should weather conditions change unexpectedly.
Starting Point: Point Pleasant, NJ (Coordinates: -74.0865, 40.099)
Departure Conditions:Before you set sail, ensure you are equipped with essential safety gear: life jackets for all passengers, signaling devices, and appropriate navigation charts. The Point Pleasant Canal is your departure avenue, which is a well-marked channel.
Distance: Approximately 5 nautical miles
As you exit Point Pleasant, navigate southward towards the Manasquan Inlet. Keep an eye out for navigational aids such as buoys marking the channel. The Inlet can be tricky due to shifting sands, so it’s best to pay close attention to the markers.
Shelter Opportunity: Manasquan Inlet
Should the weather worsen, the Manasquan Inlet provides a safe harbor. You can also stop at local beaches or the charming seaside town of Manasquan for a quick bite or local attractions like the historic Manasquan Lighthouse.
Distance: Approximately 15 nautical miles
After safely navigating out of Manasquan, head northward along the coast towards Atlantic Highlands. This stretch is known for its beautiful ocean views and should be fully enjoyable on a clear day.
Points of Interest:
Distance: Approximately 7 nautical miles
Continue your journey to Raritan Bay, where you must be cautious about the dense boat traffic. There are essential navigational markers guiding you into the bay. Pay special attention to the weather forecasts as wind conditions can amplify swells.
Shelter Opportunity: Raritan Bay
This bay allows for several anchoring points, making it ideal for a quick shelter if needed. It’s a great place for fishing or simply stretching your legs on land at local docks.
Distance: Approximately 12 nautical miles
From Raritan Bay, steer towards Staten Island. This leg takes you through some of the busy shipping lanes, so keep a vigilant lookout for larger vessels and adhere strictly to the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will come into sight, an iconic landmark of this region.
As you approach Staten Island, you’ll have access to several docks such as the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. This terminal is notable for its free passenger ferry service, offering stunning views of the NYC skyline.
Points of Interest:
This carefully planned route not only provides stunning views and stops but also emphasizes safety while cruising. Ensure you’re prepared for any situation, and always inform someone about your trip itinerary before leaving. As you venture from Point Pleasant to Staten Island, embrace the sense of adventure while navigating responsibly.