What Belmar Marina Offers

Belmar Marina sits at the mouth of the Shark River in Belmar, New Jersey, about 50 miles south of New York City. It is a full-service facility with wet slips, dry storage, fuel, and a launch ramp — the kind of place where you can keep a boat year-round or rent one for a day. The marina handles everything from small recreational boats to charter fishing vessels, and it sits close enough to the inlet that you can reach the Atlantic in minutes.

The marina is municipally owned and operated by the Borough of Belmar. That matters because municipal marinas tend to have different fee structures and booking practices than private ones. Belmar Marina does not require membership, though slip rental is competitive with other Jersey Shore facilities. The location itself is the real draw: you are in a working fishing town with direct access to both inlet fishing and open ocean, and the infrastructure to support either one.

Key Takeaways

  • Belmar Marina offers wet slips, dry storage, fuel, and a launch ramp in a municipal facility at the mouth of the Shark River inlet.
  • The marina is open year-round and serves recreational boats, charter vessels, and commercial fishing operations.
  • Slip rental rates and availability change seasonally, so contacting the marina directly is necessary to confirm current pricing and openings.
  • The inlet location gives you quick access to the Atlantic, making it a practical base for striped bass, bluefish, and offshore species depending on the season.
  • Launch ramp access is available to the public, though peak times (weekends and early morning) can mean waiting for a spot.

Slip Rental and Mooring Options

Belmar Marina has wet slips available for seasonal and year-round rental. Wet slips mean your boat stays in the water, plugged into shore power and water lines. The number of available slips fluctuates — summer is peak season and openings are rare, while fall and winter have more availability. Rates vary by slip size and season, and the marina does not publish a fixed price list online; you need to call or visit in person to get current numbers.

Year-round slip rental is possible, which matters if you want to fish the winter striped bass run or keep a boat ready for spring. The Shark River does not freeze solid, so winter boating is feasible. If you do not need a slip year-round, seasonal rental (typically May through October) is cheaper and is how most recreational anglers use the facility.

Dry storage is also available for boats you do not keep in the water. This is useful if you own a smaller boat, a trailer boat, or something you only use a few times a year. Dry storage rates are lower than wet slip rental, though you will need to launch and retrieve your boat each time you use it.

Launch Ramp Access and Parking

The public launch ramp at Belmar Marina is one of the busiest in New Jersey. On a Saturday morning in summer, you can expect a line. The ramp itself is well-maintained and can handle boats up to roughly 30 feet, though larger boats may need to use a commercial launch service or trailer launch elsewhere. There is a launch fee — typically a few dollars per launch — though rates change and you should confirm current pricing before you arrive.

Parking for boat trailers is available, though it fills quickly during peak season. If you are launching on a weekend morning, arrive early or expect to wait. Weekday launches are far less congested. The marina also has parking for vehicles without trailers if you are renting a boat or boarding a charter.

Fuel and Services

Belmar Marina sells fuel — both gasoline and diesel — at competitive Jersey Shore prices. Fuel docks are available for boats already in the water, and you can fuel up before heading out or after returning. Prices fluctuate with the market, so call ahead if you want to know what you will pay.

The marina has basic repair and maintenance services available, though for major work you may be referred to independent contractors. Bait and tackle shops are within walking distance in downtown Belmar, and several are accustomed to serving marina customers. Ice is available on-site, which matters if you are keeping a catch or spending a long day on the water.

Fishing Access and Nearby Waters

The Shark River inlet is the main draw for anglers. Striped bass move through the inlet in spring and fall, and bluefish are present in summer and early fall. The inlet itself is fishable from boats, and the jetties on either side attract shore anglers. If you keep a boat at Belmar, you can fish the inlet at dawn, then run out to the reefs and wrecks offshore if the weather holds.

The inlet is also a working commercial fishing port, so you will see party boats, charter boats, and commercial draggers. That activity means the inlet is well-maintained and marked, but it also means you need to stay aware of other traffic. The inlet can get rough in a strong wind or tide change, so smaller boats should be cautious about timing.

Offshore, the Hudson Canyon and various wrecks and reefs are within reach of a 30-foot boat on a good day. Striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, and fluke are the main species depending on season. Winter brings the possibility of striped bass in the inlet itself, which is why some anglers keep boats at Belmar year-round.

Regulations and Permits

New Jersey requires a Saltwater Fishing License if you keep any fish, whether you are fishing from a private boat or a charter. The license is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at the marina. Charter boats and party boats include the license in their fee, so you do not need to buy one separately if you are booking a trip.

Boat registration is required for any vessel you operate in New Jersey waters. If your boat is registered in another state, you can use that registration, but if you keep the boat at Belmar year-round, New Jersey registration is simpler. The marina can point you to the right office.

Bag limits, size limits, and season dates change annually for each species. Before you fish, check the current regulations on the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife website or ask at a local tackle shop. Striped bass, for example, has specific slot limits and season dates that vary year to year.

Getting There and Contact Information

Belmar is on Route 71, about 50 miles south of New York City and roughly 30 miles north of Atlantic City. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 98 and follow Route 138 east to Route 71 south. The marina is at the end of Main Street, right at the inlet. Parking is available, though it fills during peak season.

To reach Belmar Marina, call the borough's marina office directly. Hours vary seasonally, so calling ahead is important. The marina staff can answer questions about slip availability, launch fees, fuel prices, and any services you need. If you are planning a trip, call a few days ahead to confirm conditions and book a slip if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch my boat at Belmar Marina without renting a slip?

Yes. The public launch ramp is available to anyone for a launch fee. You do not need to rent a slip or be a member. Parking for trailers is available, though it fills quickly on weekends. Arrive early or launch on a weekday if you want to avoid a wait.

What is the best time of year to fish from Belmar?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak for striped bass in the inlet. Summer brings bluefish and sea bass. Winter striped bass fishing is possible but requires experience with inlet conditions. Offshore fishing for larger species is best May through October when weather is more stable.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license to fish from a private boat?

Yes, you need a Saltwater Fishing License if you keep any fish. The license is inexpensive and available online or at the marina. If you are fishing on a charter or party boat, the license is included in the fee.

Is Belmar Marina open in winter?

Yes, the marina operates year-round. Winter slip rental is available, and the inlet is fishable for striped bass. However, weather can be rough and unpredictable, so check conditions before heading out. Not all services (like some repair shops) operate at full capacity in winter.

How far offshore can I fish from Belmar?

That depends on your boat size and experience. The Hudson Canyon and offshore wrecks are roughly 40–60 miles out, reachable in a 30-foot boat on a calm day. Closer reefs and structure are 10–20 miles out. Always check weather and tide forecasts before heading offshore, and do not go alone if you are inexperienced.