Back Bay Cruises
Private back bay charters with a USCG-licensed captain. Sunset cruises, day trips, or a run down to Cape May — choose the vessel that fits your group.
The Basin Cruiser
The intimate charter
Up to 6 guests · Beverages included
More Than a Boat Ride
Cruise Stone Harbor, ride down through Avalon, or wind through the back bay marshes where the osprey nest — we see them from our dock. Both vessels do all of it. Want a sunset run with drinks at The Lazy Bass in North Wildwood? Easy. A two-hour trip down to The Lobster House or Port in Cape May? Doable. Quick stop for a cocktail at The Wharf along the way? We’ll figure it out. Your captain knows these waters better than anyone — we’ve been running them since 1988. Tell us what you want and we’ll build the cruise around it.
The Stone Harbor Charter
The group charter
Up to 22 guests · Coolers · Speaker · Water
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a back bay cruise?
A private boat charter through the protected waters behind the barrier islands — Stone Harbor, Avalon, and the marshes that connect them. No ocean swells, no waves. Just calm water, bayfront mansions, sunset views, and the wildlife that lives back there. Your USCG-licensed captain runs the boat, you and your group enjoy the ride.
Which vessel should I pick — Basin Cruiser or Stone Harbor Charter?
Group size decides it. Six or fewer guests, book the Basin Cruiser — it’s smaller, more intimate, perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or a small family cruise. Seven or more, you need the Stone Harbor Charter — our 22-passenger flagship for bachelorettes, birthdays, family reunions, and wedding parties. Same captain quality, same back bay, different scale.
When’s the best time to go out — sunset or daytime?
Both have their thing. Sunset cruises (last 90 minutes before dusk) are the most popular — calm water, golden light, the back bay at its prettiest. Day cruises are better for families who want to actually see the territory, spot osprey nests, and have time for a stop at a waterfront bar. Tell us what you want when you book and we’ll time it right.
Can we BYOB, bring food, or stop for drinks?
BYOB always. Bring whatever you want to drink. The Stone Harbor Charter includes coolers and ice; the Basin Cruiser includes beverages. For food, the easiest move is to grab takeout before you board — the boats are moving and food gets messy fast. If you want to stop somewhere for a drink mid-cruise, just ask — The Lazy Bass in North Wildwood is our usual recommendation, but we can route to The Wharf, Port, or The Lobster House if you’ve got the time.
What’s your cancellation and weather policy?
If we cancel for weather, you reschedule at no charge — captain’s call on water conditions, always. If you need to cancel or reschedule on your end, do it more than 24 hours before your session and there’s no charge. Cancellations or no-shows inside 24 hours are charged the full session rate. We send multiple reminders with easy cancellation options so you’ve got every chance to let us know — just give us the heads up and we’ll work with you.