BELMAR BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Junior Marine Explorers: A Boat-Based Science Camp off Belmar’s Coast
A half-day, boat-centered summer program for curious kids that pairs classroom-style, hands-on lessons with daily departures from Belmar aboard Jersey Girl—this guide explains logistics, what to bring, and how the week unfolds.
Junior Marine Explorers: A Boat-Based Science Camp off Belmar’s Coast.
Junior Marine Explorers Club is a boat-based marine science experience in Belmar, New Jersey, that puts children aboard Jersey Girl for hands-on lessons, wildlife observation, and on-the-water sessions focused on dolphins, whales (sometimes), coastal birds, and ocean safety.
Highlights
Camp Highlights
Daily Departures Aboard Jersey Girl
Camp sessions are boat‑based and run from the Jersey Girl, giving explorers direct access to river, harbor, and near‑shore ocean habitats for wildlife spotting and hands‑on lessons.
Hands‑On Marine Science for Kids
Age‑appropriate mini‑lessons, species ID challenges, behavior spotting and simple field notes are woven into each session to build observation skills and ocean knowledge.
Friday Family Dolphin Trip Included
Camp includes a Friday capstone: a free ticket for the Explorer plus one guardian on a public Dolphin Trip to celebrate the week and share the on‑water experience with family.
What the day feels like
What the Week Actually Feels Like
Mornings begin at the dock with a brief check‑in and safety conversation, then the group climbs aboard Jersey Girl for a 2.5‑hour on‑water session that shifts from river and harbor skill‑building into offshore wildlife watching as the week progresses; sessions mix guided observation with hands‑on mini‑lessons and simple field challenges.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this program and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Water bottle; light snack (optional); sunscreen and hat; a light jacket or windbreaker (it can be cooler on the water); non‑marking, closed‑toe shoes recommended.
Camp runs Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM–11:30 AM; check‑in begins at 8:45 AM and all explorers must be checked in by 8:55 AM because the boat departs promptly at 9:00 AM. The on‑water program is a roughly 2.5‑hour experience.
Tuition covers four camp sessions (Mon–Thu), instruction and guided activities, onboard facilities, and a Friday Dolphin Trip ticket for the Explorer plus one guardian (included at no charge); additional family tickets may be purchased subject to space.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does camp meet each day and how long are sessions?
Camp runs Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM–11:30 AM; check‑in begins at 8:45 AM, all explorers must be checked in by 8:55 AM, and the boat departs promptly at 9:00 AM. The on‑water session is approximately 2.5 hours.
Is the Friday Dolphin Trip included?
Yes. Every Explorer receives a free ticket for the public Friday Dolphin Trip and one guardian is included at no charge; advance reservation is required and space is subject to availability. The included Friday ticket has no cash value and is non‑refundable if unused.
What should my child bring to camp?
Bring a water bottle, optional light snack, sunscreen and hat, a light jacket or windbreaker for cooler conditions on the water, and non‑marking closed‑toe shoes are recommended.
What is the refund or transfer policy?
Full refund is available up to 30 days prior to the first camp day. Within 14 days of the session start, tuition is non‑refundable but may be transferred to another session if space is available.
What happens if the weather or sea conditions are poor?
Routes and daily plans may be adjusted for safety due to weather and sea conditions; the ocean is dynamic and the operator may change plans to keep participants safe.
Where do I meet for check‑in?
Meet at the Jersey Girl Boat at 905 Route 35 South in Belmar, NJ; check‑in begins at 8:45 AM and all explorers must be checked in by 8:55 AM.