2024 Nature Program Events
**Please note that park entrances fees apply to attend program events**
Get off the beaten path
Island Beach State Park Naturalists engage with thousands of visitors at Island Beach State Park each year in an effort to showcase the unique ecosystem of New Jersey’s largest undeveloped barrier island. We offer outdoor events and programs for all ages. Our programs are diverse and intended to feed your mind, body and soul with the natural wonders of Island Beach State Park.
>> Click HERE for Liability Form
Upcoming Events
IBSP Star Party
IBSP Star Party
Come out for a FREE night under the start with ASTRA (Astronomical Society of Toms River) who will share views of our universe through their high powered telescopes! Bring your family and friends! All are welcome!
Meet in the Parking lot at Swimming Area #2, approx 3.5 miles from the entrance!
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Clamming by Kayak
Clamming by Kayak is Back for 2024!!!
Visit the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone clamming grounds where you will learn all about clamming and why clams are so important to Barnegat Bay.
A Recreational Shellfish Harvesting permit is required to bring home your clams. https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/licenses-and-permits/
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet a Naturalist at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
IBSP Star Party
IBSP Star Party
Come out for a FREE night under the start with ASTRA (Astronomical Society of Toms River) who will share views of our universe through their high powered telescopes! Bring your family and friends! All are welcome!
Meet in the Parking lot at Swimming Area #2, approx 3.5 miles from the entrance!
Beginner Surf Fishing Clinic
Join IBSP Naturalists and our famous volunteer “fishing crew” and become a part of the classic sport of surf fishing! Learn how to tie knots, read the beach, which species to catch, and how you can improve your skills!
**IMPORTANT DETAILS**
Meet at the Nature Center, approximately 7 miles south of the park entrance.
All equipment and bait will be provided.
Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray and a snack.
Children must be 10 years or older. Participants 10-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants 16 and older are encouraged to register as a NJ Saltwater Angler. Registration is free and can be completed online https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/saltwater-registry/
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Sunset Shorebird Photography
Join expert park naturalists and award-winning filmmaker, photographer and environmentalist Gavin “Wild” Shwahla for a Shorebird Photography workshop at Sunset in the Sedge Islands. Participants will kayak through the Sedge Islands marine conservation zone focusing on the relationship between the shorebirds and the natural environment, while learning the basics of wildlife/landscape photography.
Gavin has a background in wildlife biology and conservation, and his work is driven by a burning passion for the natural world and the belief that through our connection to nature we can not only rewild our planet, but rewild our souls as well.
**Important Details**
You must bring your own photography equipment, but all kayaking equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Raising Happy Shellfish
Join park naturalists and volunteers from ReClam the Bay at the upweller at the Island Beach Marina!
“There are certain things that all living things require; food, water, sunlight, oxygen. And they need a way to protect themselves from being eaten by predators! To get them started we grow them in a large tank called an upweller. This is really a shellfish nursery.” https://reclamthebay.org/raising-happy-shellfish/
**THIS EVENT IS FREE! PLEASE JUST STOP BY!**
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Clamming by Kayak
Clamming by Kayak is Back for 2024!!!
Visit the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone clamming grounds where you will learn all about clamming and why clams are so important to Barnegat Bay.
A Recreational Shellfish Harvesting permit is required to bring home your clams. https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/licenses-and-permits/
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet a Naturalist at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Beginner Surf Fishing Clinic
Join IBSP Naturalists and our famous volunteer “fishing crew” and become a part of the classic sport of surf fishing! Learn how to tie knots, read the beach, which species to catch, and how you can improve your skills!
**IMPORTANT DETAILS**
Meet at the Nature Center, approximately 7 miles south of the park entrance.
All equipment and bait will be provided.
Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray and a snack.
Children must be 10 years or older. Participants 10-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants 16 and older are encouraged to register as a NJ Saltwater Angler. Registration is free and can be completed online https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/saltwater-registry/
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Surfing Safari
Learn to Surf at IBSP!
Naturalists will teach you about waves and how to read them, with a focus on surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, and water safety. Great for beginners!
**Important Details**
Ages 8 to 17 only
Meet at the Pavilion at Swimming Area #2, approximately 3.5 miles south of the park entrance.
Bring a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snack. Wear a bathing suit and a rash guard/sun shirt.
Foam surfboards are provided, but you can bring your own board.
Event is weather dependent and is subject to change with little notice. Lightning and unsafe surf conditions may cause cancellations. There will be no REFUNDS unless the park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Surfing Safari
Learn to Surf at IBSP!
Naturalists will teach you about waves and how to read them, with a focus on surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, and water safety. Great for beginners!
**Important Details**
Ages 8 to 17 only
Meet at the Pavilion at Swimming Area #2, approximately 3.5 miles south of the park entrance.
Bring a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snack. Wear a bathing suit and a rash guard/sun shirt.
Foam surfboards are provided, but you can bring your own board.
Event is weather dependent and is subject to change with little notice. Lightning and unsafe surf conditions may cause cancellations. There will be no REFUNDS unless the park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Raising Happy Shellfish
Join park naturalists and volunteers from ReClam the Bay at the upweller at the Island Beach Marina!
“There are certain things that all living things require; food, water, sunlight, oxygen. And they need a way to protect themselves from being eaten by predators! To get them started we grow them in a large tank called an upweller. This is really a shellfish nursery.” https://reclamthebay.org/raising-happy-shellfish/
**THIS EVENT IS FREE! PLEASE JUST STOP BY!**
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Clamming by Kayak
Clamming by Kayak is Back for 2024!!!
Visit the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone clamming grounds where you will learn all about clamming and why clams are so important to Barnegat Bay.
A Recreational Shellfish Harvesting permit is required to bring home your clams. https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/licenses-and-permits/
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet a Naturalist at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
IBSP After Dark
Join our park Naturalists for a guided night hike through the maritime forest and watch the world around you transform as the sun goes down.
After the hike, gather around a beach bonfire and enjoy some smores as you hear about the park’s rich history while viewing the iconic Judge’s Shack. Hear the tales of shipwrecks off our coast, and maybe a ghost story or two!
**Important Details**
Bring a blanket or chair, water, and bug spray.
Children 5 and under are free. There is a moderate hike over the dunes to the beach.
The event will run light rain or shine. There will be no REFUNDS unless the park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Beginner Surf Fishing Clinic
Join IBSP Naturalists and our famous volunteer “fishing crew” and become a part of the classic sport of surf fishing! Learn how to tie knots, read the beach, which species to catch, and how you can improve your skills!
**IMPORTANT DETAILS**
Meet at the Nature Center, approximately 7 miles south of the park entrance.
All equipment and bait will be provided.
Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray and a snack.
Children must be 10 years or older. Participants 10-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants 16 and older are encouraged to register as a NJ Saltwater Angler. Registration is free and can be completed online https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/saltwater-registry/
Sunset Paddle
A “Serenity at Sunset” Paddle in the Marine Conservation Zone
Join us for a peaceful sunset paddle with our Naturalists, who will guide you on an interpretative paddle through the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone. Enjoy the calm clear waters and listen to the sounds of the natural world as you make your way through the Spizzle Creek. End your journey watching the sunset over the Barnegat Bay. You won’t believe you’re in New Jersey!
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Surfing Safari
Learn to Surf at IBSP!
Naturalists will teach you about waves and how to read them, with a focus on surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, and water safety. Great for beginners!
**Important Details**
Ages 8 to 17 only
Meet at the Pavilion at Swimming Area #2, approximately 3.5 miles south of the park entrance.
Bring a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snack. Wear a bathing suit and a rash guard/sun shirt.
Foam surfboards are provided, but you can bring your own board.
Event is weather dependent and is subject to change with little notice. Lightning and unsafe surf conditions may cause cancellations. There will be no REFUNDS unless the park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Birding by Kayak
Birding by Kayak is Back for 2024!!
Join expert park naturalists and avid birders on a peaceful paddle through the Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone. Observe osprey families on their nests, a peregrine falcon tower, many species of shorebirds and a sandbar teeming with hungry birds. Along the way, you'll also learn more about the area, bird migration, bird identification and more!
**Important Details**
All kayak equipment is provided but please bring your own binoculars. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet. Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet a Naturalist at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
Surfing Safari
Learn to Surf at IBSP!
Naturalists will teach you about waves and how to read them, with a focus on surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, and water safety. Great for beginners!
**Important Details**
Ages 8 to 17 only
Meet at the Pavilion at Swimming Area #2, approximately 3.5 miles south of the park entrance.
Bring a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snack. Wear a bathing suit and a rash guard/sun shirt.
Foam surfboards are provided, but you can bring your own board.
Event is weather dependent and is subject to change with little notice. Lightning and unsafe surf conditions may cause cancellations. There will be no REFUNDS unless the park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Raising Happy Shellfish
Join park naturalists and volunteers from ReClam the Bay at the upweller at the Island Beach Marina!
“There are certain things that all living things require; food, water, sunlight, oxygen. And they need a way to protect themselves from being eaten by predators! To get them started we grow them in a large tank called an upweller. This is really a shellfish nursery.” https://reclamthebay.org/raising-happy-shellfish/
**THIS EVENT IS FREE! PLEASE JUST STOP BY!**
Sedge Island Kayak EcoTour
Explore IBSP’s stunning natural landscapes by kayak!
Join us in New Jersey’s first Marine Conservation Zone for a guided paddle through the Sedge Islands. Learn about the park’s history and the diverse species found throughout IBSP.
**Important Details**
All equipment is provided. No experience necessary. Must be in good physical condition and 14 years or older to participate. Minors (14-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. No bare feet.
Trips will run rain or shine. There will be NO REFUNDS unless the Park cancels the event. No exceptions.
Meet at parking lot A21, approximately 8 miles south of the park entrance. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the program. Additional parking is located in lot A20.
What’s happening.
There is always something happening at Island Beach State Park. Use the calendar to view upcoming and past events. Click on a date/event to learn more.