Cruising New Jersey - Delaware Bay
The Delaware Bay sits between the southern coast of New Jersey and the northern coast of Delaware. It begins at a line between Cape May New Jersey and Cape Henelopen at the norteast corner of Delaware. NOAA Chart 12304 presents the Delaware Bay.
The Delaware Bay extends northwest about 35 NM and is about 24 NM wide at its widest point. Although primarily seawater, it is also fed by the Delaware River, which can be navigated upstream to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A passenger and auto ferry provides service from just inside the Cape May Canal to Lewes, Delaware, a distance of about 13 NM, just across the mouth of Delaware Bay.
Another popular destination is the entrance to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (39°33 N, 75°33' W), about 45 NM up the Delaware Bay. The C&D Canal provides passage from the head of the Delaware Bay to the Head of the Chesapeake Bay.
A shipping channel runs up the center of Delaware Bay, then up the Delaware River to Philadelphia. The channel is marked, as are several obstructions. Large areas of the bay are too shallow for commercial shipping but deep enough for pleasure boats of even large size. There are few ports of interest but plenty of room for activities as well as sheltered areas for anchoring.