Uncovering Tuckerton Seaport in Ocean County

I’m sure you know Barnegat Light and Cape May Light, but are you familiar with Tucker’s Island Lighthouse? Well, unless you’re 100 years old you likely don’t remember it, as it washed out to sea during a storm in 1927, however, there is a replica of it at Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum!

Their mission is to “preserve, present and interpret the rich maritime history, artistry, heritage, and environment of the Jersey shore and the unique contributions of its baymen.”

 I haven’t been able to fully experience this due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, during my visits I can attest to the uniqueness and beauty at the seaport. Admission to the grounds is $5, and as of January 2021 they are open Saturday-Monday.

They have an extensive historic village that can rival many throughout the state — their 40-acre site includes 17 historic and recreated buildings connected by a boardwalk, a maritime forest, and wetlands nature trail. The village also has two houseboats, a decoy gallery, a working Boatworks building, a historic marine railway (currently under reconstruction), decoy carving workshops and the aforementioned recreation of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse.

During the warmer months, you can depart from the Seaport on a one-hour tour of Tuckerton Creek via pontoon boat! The first tours for 2021 are scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend (May). In addition to this tour, they also offer a free ferry service between Tuckerton and Beach Haven. If you prefer nature, owls specifically, they offer 90-minute owl walks (additional fee required).

Looking to explore around the area of Ocean County and Atlantic County? Check out 7 Bridges Road, Batsto Village, Historic Smithville, and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

If you want to take a tour from home from your couch, you can check out their virtual tour videos here. — we’ve been doing a lot of that in the last year! Additional info to help plan your visit to this special place can be found by visiting their website.