Adventure Collective
Public Sail Adventures in Port Norris, NJ: Explore the Bayshore by Sailboat - Port Norris

Public Sail Adventures in Port Norris, NJ: Explore the Bayshore by Sailboat

Commercial Townshipmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for individuals with moderate fitness; basic balance and endurance for handling a small sailboat required

Overview

Experience the Delaware Bayshore by sailboat from Port Norris, New Jersey. Learn local maritime history while cruising tidal creeks and watching abundant wildlife in this unique salt marsh ecosystem.

Commercial Township, New Jersey

Public Sail - Port Norris, NJ (Home Port)

2 Hours in length • All ages! • Great for families!

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Enjoy a scenic cruise aboard NJ's Official Tall Ship! To see other sail options, click on the tiny blue house in the upper left of this screen.


All tickets $50

Duration

2 Hours

About Your Sail:

Set sail aboard the AJ Meerwald, one of the hundreds of oyster schooners that graced the Delaware Bay in the 1920s!

Enjoy the excitement and wonder of sailing aboard our 115’ 1928 oyster schooner. You’ll experience sailing as done for hundreds of years on our 1928 oyster schooner. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even join our crew in hauling lines and setting sails! Enjoy the great outdoors as you breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the scenery that surrounds you.

Purchase of a ticket to sail comes with a social membership to the Bayshore Center. To receive your membership card, show your ticket receipt in our gift shop, the Meerwald Mercantile. This membership allows access to AJ's Pub and the Delaware Bay Museum.

A ticket purchase also includes a free self-guided tour of the Delaware Bay Museum. Please allow 45 minutes or more to have time to see all of the exhibits!

A ticket is required for all passengers. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. You may bring your own food and drink on board. Beer & wine is permitted on board but not on the docks.

The Maurice River is one of only four of New Jersey's rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers program. You won’t want to forget your camera on this sail! Sit back and relax as the fertile riverbanks pass you by!

Important Information:

  • Sail times are approximately 2 hours in length depending on conditions.
  • It may be cooler on the water than the land, so we suggest you dress in layers. Feel free to bring sun screen, bug repellent, and beverages. The boat is “carry on, carry off” meaning whatever you bring aboard the ship should be brought off with you.
  • While there is a small crew bathroom (“head”) on board the ship it is not easily accessible. It is only accessible by descending a ladder. We highly recommended that you use the shoreside facilities prior to coming aboard the ship.
  • Boarding the boat requires ascending 2-4 steps, but once on board handicapped passengers may be seated on a deck box. Crew can make accommodations to lift wheelchairs on board. Restrooms on board are not handicap accessible, but onshore facilities are.
  • We do sail rain or shine, but if the Captain decides the conditions are dangerous, he will cancel the sail. Should this occur, we will contact you via the email you used to book your sail. If we cancel the sail we will refund your payment. There are no refunds available if you do not show up for your scheduled sail.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early to Prepare

Give yourself time before departure to get oriented with the sailboat and safety briefing.

Dress in Layers

Weather on the water can change quickly; wear moisture-wicking layers you can add or remove.

Bring Sunscreen and Hat

Open water means strong sun exposure—protect your skin during your sail.

Stay Hydrated

Even on cool days, the breeze and sun can dehydrate; bring a refillable water bottle.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Osprey
  • Blue Crab

History

Port Norris has a long history as part of New Jersey’s oyster harvesting industry dating back to the 19th century.

Conservation

Local operators follow sustainable boating practices to minimize disturbance to sensitive marsh habitats and wildlife.

Select participants and date

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Windbreaker Jacket

Essential

Protects you from the cool, wet breeze common on spring sails.

spring specific

Sun Hat

Essential

Keeps sun off your face during midday outings on the water.

summer specific

Waterproof Footwear

Essential

Keeps your feet dry on damp docks and boat decks in cooler fall weather.

fall specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Allows you to stay warm while adjusting for chilly winter air on the water.

winter specific