Raritan Bay is a broad, shallow estuary where the Raritan River meets the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. The bay offers an urban paddling experience with views of the New York City skyline and the Jersey shore. The overall character is beginner-friendly in many sheltered areas, with calm, protected tidal waters that are suitable for first-time paddlers, especially near marinas. The bay's geography provides a natural buffer against significant ocean wave action, though conditions can become choppy, particularly at lower water levels where waves break over sand bars. Paddlers should expect tidal influence with a range of roughly six feet between high and low tide. Planning trips around slack tide is advisable for beginners, as currents can be noticeable during tidal transitions. The water is typically murky, a common condition for New Jersey bays, and the bottom is mostly mud and sand.

Access points for putting in and taking out are numerous along the shoreline. Specific launch locations include Raritan Bay Marina in Keansburg, which is a public boat ramp with a parking lot, and Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park, which offers free parking but requires a haul to lug kayaks to the beach. Other potential launch spots include Sewaren (with a possible fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day), Perth Amboy, South Amboy, Laurence Harbor, Keyport, and Union Beach. Many of these allow beach launches, and a kayak cart with balloon tires is recommended for sand. It is crucial to confirm public access before visiting, as some facilities like marinas may be private or fee-based. A major consideration is timing your launch with the tide; at locations like Cliffwood Beach, low tide leaves the water far from the beach, making it best to paddle close to, during, or just after high tide.

Hazards include potential boat traffic and wake from jet skis and other vessels, particularly in harbors and channels. The bay is a popular fishing destination, which means paddlers should be aware of anglers in boats and kayaks. While the water is generally sheltered, wind exposure can vary across the open bay. There are no indicated restrictions specific to paddling, but standard safety regulations for coastal waters apply. Facilities are basic at most public access points, with amenities like parking lots and occasional seasonal bathrooms or port-a-potties. The bay's size and the mix of shoreline features, including salt marshes, provide varied paddling environments, from protected marinas to more open waters.