About Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise
Overview:Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook is a barrier beach at the northern end of the New Jersey Shore. Its location at the entrance to New York Harbor assured Sandy Hook's importance for coastal and harbor defense. For more than 200 years most of the peninsula has been a federal reserve. The military presence both shaped Sandy Hook's history and assured its preservation as open space. During the summer, visitors enjoy swimming and strolling along the Sandy Hook beaches. Throughout the year there are opportunities for birding, fishing, hiking, camping or discovering the park's natural resources and historic sites, including America's oldest lighthouse and historic coastal batteries. During the Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise, experienced park rangers will outfit visitors for an early morning canoe tour on the bay. Along the route to Skeleton Hill Island, paddlers will experience breathtaking views of Sandy Hook mainland and Sandy Hook Bay. Visitors will likely observe shore birds, fish, and possibly Diamondback terrapins while paddling. Once the group reaches Skeleton Hill Island, visitors will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the area. Shore birds, turtles, fish, hermit crabs, snails and horseshoe crabs are observed regularly during the canoe tours. Summary of Fees Tour Name Adult (18 and over) Junior (14 and over) Reservation fee (per ticket) Changes* Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise Free Free $1.50 (non-refundable) $0.00 *Customers may request changes until 4:00 PM Eastern the day before the tour
How to Get There
Sandy Hook Spermaceti Cove Parking LOT (Between LOT D and LOT E) Highlands, NJ 07732 After passing the fee booths at the front of the park, continue to drive on Hartshorne Drive and make a right into Spermaceti Cove Parking Lot.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise
Heading to Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise?
No central reservation system listed for Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252275) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise?
Sandy Hook Spermaceti Cove Parking LOT (Between LOT D and LOT E) Highlands, NJ 07732 After passing the fee booths at the front of the park, continue to drive on Hartshorne Drive and make a right into Spermaceti Cove Parking Lot.
How do I contact Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Canoe Cruise?
You can reach the park at phone: 732-872-5970.
References & Official Resources
