Little Egg Inlet is a major tidal inlet connecting the extensive back-bay system of Great Bay and Little Egg Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean in southern Ocean County, New Jersey. The inlet itself is a dynamic coastal feature characterized by a large, complex horseshoe-shaped bar system containing numerous smaller bars and sloughs, with depths ranging from five to twenty-five feet. For paddlers, this translates to a powerful tidal environment where currents can be strong, especially near the inlet mouth and under bridges. The inlet is exposed to ocean swell, with a frequently short wave period, and can experience significant wind gusts, making conditions challenging. Access for launching kayaks is available from marinas on Great Bay Boulevard, specifically Capt. Mike's Marina and Rand's Marina, which offer concrete boat ramps. These launches provide a route through the back bays to the inlet, a trip described as taking about five minutes by motorboat. The area sees considerable boat traffic, including fishing vessels, which can be surprisingly busy even early in the morning. Paddlers must be prepared for crossing active channels. The surrounding environment consists of pristine salt marshes with abundant bird and other wildlife, offering scenic water views. The water temperature can reach highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 26°C) during the summer months. Hazards are significant; a kayaker was found unresponsive in the inlet in 2007, and the U.S. Coast Guard frequently responds to incidents in the area, underscoring the need for proper safety gear, communication devices, and careful attention to tides, swell, and wind forecasts. Navigating the myriad of waterways behind barrier islands like Brigantine requires detailed charts and a good compass.