The Shark River winds inland from the inlet at the north end of Belmar through Neptune Township, offering a calm and scenic paddle well away from the ocean crowds. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the marina — no experience necessary. The water is flat and the current is gentle, making it a practical option for first-time paddlers and families with older children.
The banks alternate between developed waterfront and marshy stretches where herons, egrets, and ospreys are a regular sight. The river opens into the broader Shark River estuary further inland, where there is more water to explore. On warm summer mornings the river is noticeably quieter than the beach and often a better place to spend a few hours.