The Seastreak ferry service that would have connected Manhattan to the Jersey Shore this summer is officially off the table—at least for now.
Point Pleasant Beach’s Borough Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to reject a temporary license that would have allowed Seastreak to operate weekend ferry service from Captain Bill’s Landing this summer. The proposed pilot was designed to run eight weekends during peak season, testing demand before any long-term investments were made.
The council members who voted no said their objection wasn’t to the concept itself—but to the process. Seastreak’s proposal was announced May 21, catching residents and some officials off guard. The mayor said he received word just two hours before the council meeting. Critics argued the plan bypassed standard zoning and land use procedures, suggesting it was a rushed effort.
Seastreak confirmed Wednesday it is abandoning the plan for the 2026 season and redeploying its vessels elsewhere. Whether the service will be revisited in 2027 remains undecided. Seastreak President James Barker said early ticket sales had been encouraging, according to reporting by NJ.com—suggesting genuine demand for direct Manhattan-to-Shore service. However, he stopped short of committing to a return.
The mayor, who supported the ferry, made clear he believed the town was passing up a significant opportunity. Several residents echoed the sentiment, calling for Seastreak to come back through proper channels. The ferry was seen as an opportunity for economic boost during peak season.
NJ Digest first covered the proposed route when it was announced in May.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.