moderate
2–3 hours
Suitable for individuals with moderate fitness; basic balance and endurance for handling a small sailboat required
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.
2 Hours in length • All ages! • Great for families!
All tickets $50
2 Hours
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!
Give yourself time before departure to get oriented with the sailboat and safety briefing.
Weather on the water can change quickly; wear moisture-wicking layers you can add or remove.
Open water means strong sun exposure—protect your skin during your sail.
Even on cool days, the breeze and sun can dehydrate; bring a refillable water bottle.
Port Norris has a long history as part of New Jersey’s oyster harvesting industry dating back to the 19th century.
Local operators follow sustainable boating practices to minimize disturbance to sensitive marsh habitats and wildlife.
Protects you from the cool, wet breeze common on spring sails.
spring specific
Keeps sun off your face during midday outings on the water.
summer specific
Keeps your feet dry on damp docks and boat decks in cooler fall weather.
fall specific
Allows you to stay warm while adjusting for chilly winter air on the water.
winter specific