Dolphin watchers: The dolphins are following the schools of menhaden up-and-down the river with the slack (High) tides.
They are quite visible from various shore locations and you do not need to get out on a boat to see them. Time your visits with the high tides and follow local news coverage for specific locations...and give the dolphins some privacy and stay on shore to observe. Send us your pictures if you get any good ones!

Traffic Update: To groups using Parkway Exit 117:
If visiting Sandy Hook, note that the Highlands Bridge to Sandy Hook is undergoing construction and Route 36 narrows to only two lanes. BE PREPARED for delays, especially on Fridays and weekends. Check with your bus company to clarify that, if needed, there are better points to access Route 36 and Sandy Hook via Parkway Exit 105 (Long Branch) and Parkway Exit 109 (Red Bank and Route 520) through the town of Sea Bright.

Teachers: There are still spaces available for late Summer field trips to Sandy Hook, and the Fall calendar is posted. Follow this link to the Sandy Hook Calendar to book your trip.

Water activities: The bay water is still warm enough that students are now wading with old sneakers and water shoes.
See "Boot Season is over!" in Tips for Trips.
If you need boots for parents or chaperones, please contact us by Email in advance.

"Pale is the new Tan" Don't forget suntan lotion! Also, insect spray might come in handy on windless days, especially around the lighthouse.

Visit the Horseshoe crab pages for more information on our more interesting sea creature.

Birders: Shorebirds have started their fall migration, and schools of bluefish are common in the bay, attracting diving terns and gulls.

Mole Crabs and coquinas are abundant in the surf.