It’s getting hot. Real hot. We’re in the dog days of summer and we know that all you want to do is cool off. We hear ya! Our list of the best Jersey Shore water activities along the coast will cool you down in no time!

Try something new like flying through the air on a hover board to boarding a pirate ship or embarking on a fishing cruise. We’ve even included a few places where you can get away for a day or two (because sometimes we have to concur that there’s more to life than the Jersey Shore).

So when the temperature outside continues to creep up, the humidity has your hair in a frizz, and you just can’t handle the AC anymore, it’s time to get wet. Life is too short to stay dry!

Top 20 Jersey Shore Water Activities

1. Belmar Parasail, Belmar
Check out the view from 500 feet above the Atlantic with Belmar Parasail. Combine parachuting, ballooning, sailing, and gliding all in one afternoon while you soar off the back of the flight deck. Get your feet wet as they dip you into the cool water and maybe even buy a Go Pro package for those memories.

2. Cape May Whale Watchers, Cape May
Enjoy a day out on the water with the Jersey Shore’s largest and fastest marine mammal watching boat on the coast. Not only are you guaranteed to see a whale, dolphin, or some resident of the sea, but with Cape May Whale Watchers you can also upgrade to the prime rib dinner cruise or the sunset cruise. So make a splash this summer by checking out some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures (all while staying nice and cool from the boat breezes).

3. The Doc Outfitters, Seaside Heights
Great weather calls for a day out on the water, whether you’re looking to rent a boat to catch some tasty fluke or hang out on the pier and wrangle up some crabs for dinner. At The Doc Outfitters in Seaside Heights they’re looking out for you with a stacked bait and tackle shop and extensive fishing reports.

4. Dosil’s, Middletown
For all of your Jersey Shore water activities there’s really no place quite like Dosil’s in Middletown where you can find everything from kayaks to beach supplies. However, their indoor pool with scuba lessons is really the main event. Make your underwater dreams come true as you learn from experienced divers who can help everyone from novices to pros. It’s time to dive deep!

5. Fish Monger Charters, Point Pleasant-Brielle
Set sail from Manasquan Inlet with Fish Monger Charters in Point Pleasant Beach. Spend the day on the water chasing stripers inshore or enjoy the thrill with the chase of going after some bigger game from sharks to tuna offshore.

6. Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Pt. Pleasant Beach
You may not get soaked, but at least you can get your hands wet playing with the sand sharks and starfish at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Pt. Pleasant Beach. Watch the seals turn tricks, the sharks eat, and the penguins just do their thing. It’s a fun way to get wet without putting a bathing suit on!

7. Jersey Coastal Adventures, Forked River
Picture your hair blowing in the wind, a drink in your hand, and nothing but blue waters ahead. If this sounds like a fantasy, it’s not, it’s actually just a day on board the North Star yacht from Jersey Coastal Adventures in Forked River. Relax in the summer sun and even learn the ropes as an honorary crewmember. It’s a day of luxurious living in the Barnegat Bay without the luxurious price tag.

8. Jersey Paddler, Brick
Known in the area for stocking everything and anything related to Jersey Shore water activities, the Jersey Paddler is your headquarter for boats, boards, fishing, and tours. If you’re a pro (or a wannabe pro) check out their 8th Annual Elks Fluke Tournament Kayak Division, the largest single port tournament on the entire east coast! Hardcore saltwater kayak anglers will compete as they show off their skills by catching some gills.

9. Jersey Shore Pirates, Brick
Looking for a swashbuckling good time with some crazy pirates aboard the Sea Gypsy? Of course you are! For seven years, the Jersey Shore Pirates have been sailing the Metedeconk River in Brick entertaining families in a pirate adventure that includes everything from pirate “tattoos” to an interactive treasure hunt and even manning their famous water cannons. It’s an afternoon of adventure that ends with an exciting discovery and a party that only pirates could throw!

10. Miss Belmar, Belmar
One of the most popular Jersey Shore water activities we can think of is fishing (and of course swimming) so it doesn’t come as a shocker to us that Miss Belmar in Belmar is a sure fire hit with the locals. From overnight tuna fishing trips, parties, or just going out for a full or half day of deep water fishing, the captain and crew of the Miss Belmar knows exactly how to make the most of your time in the open water. With over 75 years of experience, you’re guaranteed to not leave empty handed.

11. Northeast Mountain Guiding, New Jersey
We love the ocean, don’t get us wrong, but sometimes, going inland and getting wet is just as fun. With Northeast Mountain Guiding, you’re sure to enjoy a getaway whether it’s spending the day waterfall rappelling in North Jersey or kayaking or paddling through Jersey’s lakes and rivers.

12. OC Waterpark, Ocean City
Make your kid’s dream day come true with a visit to one of the best Jersey Shore water activities around. The OC Waterpark on the Ocean City Boardwalk offers fun in the sun that’s filled with thrills and chills. Rush down the Serpentine Body Slide, lay back in the Lazy River, or take the big plunge down Splash Down Falls. It’s a day at the beach that ends with a dunk in the water.

13. Pirates on the Manasquan, Brick
Bring your best mates on board with the Pirates on the Manasquan for a two hour adventure complete with official pirate training, firing real water cannons at attacking pirates and even taking part in treasure hunt that culminates with a landing party at Treasure Island. It’s like Pirates of the Caribbean, but Jersey Shore style.

14. River Lady Cruises, Toms River
Take in the sunset on the open water with River Lady Cruises in Toms River where you’ll enjoy dinner with the Toms River and Barnegat Bay as your backdrop. Feel the water breezes as you sit in the 85-foot authentic reproduction of a Paddle Wheel Riverboat. There aren’t that many Jersey Shore water activities that take you back into the 19th century without leaving town.

15. Sea Streak, Atlantic Highlands
What started out as purely a commuter boat to and from New York City has turned into a sea vessel that we couldn’t do without. Not only can you ride to the city in style, but with rides to Mets games, sightseeing tours, and even Martha’s Vineyard, the Sea Streak in Atlantic Highlands turns into one of those multi-purpose Jersey Shore water activities that is sure to ramp up your summer.

16. Seaside Boardwalk/Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights
It’s no wonder that when a hot day comes along, we’re getting in the car and heading straight to Breakwater Beach on the Seaside Boardwalk. Home to one of the largest interactive play areas on the North Atlantic Coast, every member of your family ages 3 to 103 will have fun getting absolutely soaking wet. Just watch out for the Nantucket Bucket!

17. Super Fly NJ, Harvey Cedars
If you’re a fan of Back to the Future’s hover board, you may need to sit down. Enter Super Fly in Harvey Cedars where flying above the water on a “flyboard” is a reality. The pictures may be a bit intimidating, but look closely and check out the rider’s smile from ear to ear. As Super Fly says, “stop being bored and get on the board!”

18. Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch, Wildwood Crest
The Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch out of Wildwood Crest is a cat that definitely has no problem getting wet. No it has nothing to do with animated television show that you grew up watching, the Thunder Cat is the perfect answer to a day when you want to combine the water, a need for speed, and some marine life all into one very enjoyable afternoon.

19. Thundering Surf Water Park, Beach Haven
Conveniently located right next to LBI’s beloved amusement park, Thundering Surf Water Park in Beach Haven is everything your family could ask for on a hot summer day. Chill out in a cabana, try your best to not wipe out on the Flowerider, and take as many trips down the slide as you want. It may be smaller than other water parks, but it’s got everything you need on an island to make your family cooler than they already are (which is pretty tough to do).

20. Winding River Campground, Mays Landing
Go wild with your Jersey Shore water activities at Winding River Campground in Mays Landing. Located on the picturesque Egg Harbor River, Winding River Campground is the perfect place to test out all of your water equipment (especially after you just went crazy at the Jersey Paddler). Set up camp riverside then heed the call of the river as you take a trip on your kayak or canoe for some sightseeing. For the little ones, check out the heated swimming pool or let them try out the fishing pond. Camping at the Jersey Shore has never been so fun!