Be prepared to pay cash for ferry. SUNGLASSES/HAT+SUNSCREEN+WATER+SNACK+TOWEL (OR BLANKET)= EPIC FUN!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!

Been going here since I was a kid. My kids and husband and extended family also enjoy going here. We have enjoyed a few family trips. Can't beat it for a wonderful, laid back and super affordable day of making memories!!!

You can lay out and sunbath, you can sit enjoying the view and the windsurfers along with a good book. Our favorite activity here is water play(while fighting the gooey sand beneath you), beach digging for clams and sandshripm and hanging out, talking and snacking. There is also a rustic volleyball sandcourt and net.

I would advise choosing an 'island departure time' that gives you time to enjoy the island as well as pack up, and walk back to be in line (15mins early for return ferry, as required). After all the prep to get out to the island and have a good time, you might be surprised how fast time goes by. Generally, 2 1/2-3hrs is a good stay :) If I wasnt so busy I would totally try staying longer, sometime maybe I will.

Remember this At the base of island entrance/exit and ferry ramp is the ONLY bathroom facility for the island. Floating portapoties basically but considering all the fun to be had and the toilet paper supplied in bathroom, I wouldn't exactly call that roughing it ;)

If you don't like nature, don't go here?...Or better yet, tell yourself you DO like it, so you can appreciate Jetty Island for all it has to offer!

CAUTION: Especially my Caucasians peeps, I would advice you to put on sunscreen before you arrive or when you are waiting for ferry. I am white and although I don't burn easily and hardly wear sunscreen. That said, I still usually use some here, depending on how sunny and how long we are staying as well as how much clothes I have on. This place gives you burns that sneak up out of nowhere because it's just plain windy all the time so you don't feel your skin burning until it's too late. My brother does burn easily. Poor guy turns into a lobster if he isn't super careful and even then :'( He doesnt have as much fun at Jetty due to this and the complete lack of shade. And to anybody who doesn't like being cold, bring a windbreaker or sweater...Or be prepared to wrap up in your blanket or towel at times and MAYBE still be a little cold if you got wet.

Over the years Jetty has become considerably crowded with daycare groups. I am glad they can come but the kids can end up spread across the beach and with less attention given them by their caregivers. Because of this I like to coose a spot further away from the center of beach, so I can enjoy my kids and try not to worry about the others I am not responsible for.