It’s summertime. For those in the northern part of New Jersey, that might mean driving down the Garden State Parkway to a favorite beach destination along the Jersey Shore. One of my favorite beaches, not only in New Jersey but in the entire United States, is Long Beach Island (LBI). Exit 63.

But before crossing the Route 72 bridge onto the island, you pass Beach Haven West, a lesser-known area that is home to one of my favorite places to kayak during the summer. These calmer channels make for a fantastic paddling experience with scenic views of docks, boats, wildlife, and waterfront homes.

Our Route Through Beach Haven West

My wife and I recently went kayaking through the Beach Haven West lagoons, eventually making our way toward Manahawkin Bay before turning around. It was an easy and fun way to spend a few hours on the water without having to sit in the weekend traffic heading onto the island. The paddle also gave us a chance to experience a part of the area that is easy to overlook when driving straight to LBI. We are fortunate to have access to a private dock in Beach Haven West, so the route shown below was only a portion of our journey.

Where Can You Launch?

This is the biggest limitation for someone visiting the area. Much of Beach Haven West is residential, and many of the easiest kayak launch points are private docks attached to homes. Stafford Township confirmed that Beach Haven West Bay Beach (Jennifer Lane Bay Beach) is for swimming only and that Mill Creek Park does not have a launch. The nearest public ramps are too far away to be practical starting points for exploring these lagoons. For this route, staying at a waterfront rental or having access to a private dock in Beach Haven West is by far the most convenient option.

Exploring the Lagoons

The interconnected waterways offer plenty of options for exploring the neighborhood. Seeing the area from the water gives you a completely different perspective, even if you are already familiar with the same streets from land.

For much of the trip, the water was calm. The lagoons are relatively narrow and protected compared with the open bay, although passing boats can still create some choppiness and wakes. One of the more distinctive parts of the route was approaching and passing beneath one of the low bridges connecting the neighborhoods.

A Calm Alternative to the Open Bay

What I liked most about kayaking the lagoons was how relaxed the route felt. There was always something nearby to look at, whether it was a boat, waterfront house, dock, or another small waterway branching off the main lagoon. My wife and I also brought our dog, Louie, along for the trip, and he seemed perfectly content sitting on the front of the kayak and watching everything around us.

We also had a few unexpected wildlife sightings along the route. At one point, we passed two swans swimming through the lagoon. The calm conditions made the paddle relatively easy that day, although stronger winds could make the trip significantly more difficult, especially as you get closer to Manahawkin Bay.

Eventually, the residential lagoons open into Manahawkin Bay, where the water becomes much more exposed. This is also where you are more likely to encounter boats and jet skis, making conditions very different from those in the protected channels. It was a nice contrast to the quieter paddling through the lagoons.

Is It Worth Kayaking Beach Haven West?

If you have access to the water, yes. It is not the type of paddle I would travel a long distance specifically to complete, but it is an enjoyable way to explore another side of the LBI area. The protected lagoons make for relatively easy paddling, while the combination of waterfront homes, boats, bridges, marshes, and occasional wildlife keeps the route from feeling repetitive. If you are already staying in or around Beach Haven West, bringing a kayak can be a great way to spend a few hours on the water and experience a part of the region that many visitors simply drive past.