Newark Bay is a sheltered tidal estuary and a major commercial port located in Hudson County, New Jersey. The paddling experience is defined by its urban-industrial character, featuring historic bridges, industrial ruins, and views of the Manhattan skyline, all while sharing the water with significant commercial ship and barge traffic. The bay is formed at the confluence of the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers and extends approximately 5.5 miles south to the Shooters Island bird sanctuary. A key public access point is the Bayonne Municipal Launch, a beginner-friendly boat ramp with parking, providing calm, sheltered water suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding, particularly from March through November. Another established launch is at DiDomenico-16th Street Park in Bayonne, which has a dedicated kayak launch facility. The bay experiences significant tidal swings, making tide timing a critical planning factor; paddling during slack tide is recommended for the most manageable conditions, especially for beginners. Morning paddles often have calmer conditions and less commercial vessel traffic. Paddlers must maintain constant awareness and give a wide berth to large ships, tugs, and barges using the busy shipping channels. The waterway offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and surprising natural pockets, including marshlands and the Shooters Island bird sanctuary. For safety, a kayak of at least 13 feet in length is recommended for touring the open bay. The city of Bayonne hosts an annual "Paddle the Peninsula" event, demonstrating organized recreational use of these waters.