Shark River Inlet, Natural waterway in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US

Shark River Inlet is a natural waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Shark River, flowing between the coastal towns of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea. The Ocean Avenue Bascule Bridge spans the inlet and opens multiple times daily to allow boats to pass, with a closed vertical clearance of 9 feet (2.7 meters).

The area was called Nolletquesset by the Lenni Lenape people before European maps in the 1800s renamed it White Creek. These name changes reflect how different peoples understood and mapped this coastal region over time.

The waterway has served as a central place for fishing and boating communities over many generations. The marinas and boat traffic you see today show how deeply maritime life remains woven into the daily rhythm of the surrounding towns.

The inlet is easily accessible from the coastal roads of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, where you will find several viewpoints and public access areas. Early morning is the best time to watch the bridge openings, as boat traffic is typically heaviest then.

This is the only direct water connection to the Atlantic Ocean in Monmouth County, whereas all nearby rivers flow into Sandy Hook Bay instead. This geographic detail makes the inlet uniquely important for sailboats and larger vessels seeking ocean access.