Sailing conditions in Barnegat Bay can be considered ideal with steady breezes, low tidal changes, and protected, clean waters. Because Island Beach Peninsula is so narrow, the sea breezes blow right across and over Barnegat Bay each afternoon at about 10-18 miles per hour. And, because the Bay is only 2 miles across at it's widest point and is protected by the peninsula, the water is generally calm and waves don't have a chance to build up. Yet, the 2 mile width and 20 mile length give plenty of room to sail with no commercial traffic. Finally, the water of Barnegat Bay is clean enough to swim in and supports a wide variety of marine life.

One watch-out for sailing Barnegat Bay is the chance of running into afternoon fog during the summer months. Make sure you're prepared with the proper equipment including a detailed chart, a compass or GPS device, a sound producing device, and a VHF radio and cell phone. If fog rolls in, visually check your location and then decide whether to head back to the marina or to anchor and wait it out.