Barnegat Bay, Coastal bay in Ocean County, New Jersey
Barnegat Bay is an extensive coastal bay along New Jersey's east coast. The shallow water body is shaped by offshore islands and sandbars that separate it from the open Atlantic by Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park.
The name comes from the Dutch term 'Barendegat', chosen by early explorers because the narrow channels were difficult to navigate. During the Revolutionary War, the bay served as a refuge for American privateers avoiding the British Navy.
The bay serves as a major stopover for migratory birds and marine wildlife that gather here during seasonal movements. This natural area draws nature enthusiasts who come to observe the rich animal life in the shallow coastal landscape.
The bay is accessible from several entry points where visitors can launch boats or wade into the water on foot. Boaters should note that shallow areas exist and tidal conditions affect the water level throughout the day.
Some of the islands in the bay remain inhabited, including Middle Sedge Island, which holds a single residential structure on expansive grounds. These inhabited islands offer a rare glimpse into isolated life within a coastal system.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
