Gardner's Basin
At the north end of Absecon Island, where Clam Creek meets Absecon Inlet, lies one of Atlantic City's little known treasures: Historic Gardner's Basin.
Gardner's Basin is home to some serious commercial fishing boats. However, a large part of the basin has been restored to provide attractions that would appeal to visitors who want a break from the casinos. These include sightseeing and fishing cruises, boat charter and dive services, watersport equipment rental, and restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood and ale house brews.
Crafters Village is there, with numerous quaint and interesting shops and an artist colony. The Atlantic City Aquarium is also located at Gardner's Basin.
Plans are being made to expand, and transform Gardner's Basin into a major attraction, to widen Atlantic City's appeal to more than casinos. See: Gardner's Basin Concept Plan.
Gardner's Basin Descriptions and Photos
Scroll down to see all the photos.
Entrance to Gardner's Basin
Entrance to Gardner's Basin, Atlantic City
Gardner's Basin Sign
This sign lists the many neat things to do and see at Gardner's Basin. Some examples are shown below.
Gardner's Basin Marina
Boats docked at Gardner's Basin. You could dock your boat here.
Atlantic City Boat Cruises
Atlantic City Cruises offers the following boat cruises on the "Crusin 1":
Morning Skyline cruise starting at 11:00 AM, Monday - Friday
Dolphin Watching cruise, daily starting at 1:00 PM
Afternoon Delight cruise, daily starting at 4:00 PM
Happy Hour cruise starting at 6:00 PM, Monday - Friday
These cruises all operate out of Gardner's Basin.
For reservations call: 609-347-7600 .
After your cruise you can grab a cool drink, and a delicious meal, at the Back Bay Ale House (see photos below).
Back Bay and Inlet Fishing
"High Roller Fishing" offers two 4-hour back bay fishing trips each day.
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Phone: 609-348-3474
After your fishing trip you can grab a cool drink, and maybe a delicious meal, at the Flying Cloud Cafe' or Back Bay Ale House (see photos below).
To find out more about Highroller Fishing follow this link:
Highroller Fishing
Atlantus Deep Sea Fishing
You can book a deep sea fishing excursion on the "Atlantus" by calling them at 609-408-3564.
Jersey Devil Surf
Back Bay Ale House
The Back Bay Ale House features great cocktails, a variety of ales and tasty food, along with an outstanding second story view.
Phone: 609-449-0006
Scales Grill & Deck Bar - previously Flying Cloud Cafe
The Flying cloud Cafe was recently purchased by the owners of the Back Bay Ale House. They renamed it the Scales Grill & Bar. Scales has a new menu featuring casually priced seafood and cold beer and ale. It still has outdoor seating on a deck overlooking the inlet.
Scales was badly damaged by the Sandy Superstorm and has not been rebuilt.
Gilchrist Restaurant
A new restaurant named "Gilchrist Restaurant" has recently opened in Gardiner's Basin. It has received high praise for its oustanding breakfasts.
Phone: 609-345-8278
Atlantic City Aquarium
The Atlantic City Aquarium, located at Gardner's Basin, has eighteen tanks and more than 50,000 gallons of water that feature a variety of sea creatures native to the waters of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Commercial Fishing Boats at Gardners Basin
Crafters Village
Crafters Village is also located at Gardner's Basin. This sign lists the many shops. Some examples are shown below.
Donna Elias Bayside Gallery
Jewelry Beads & Things
The Little Dollhouse By the Sea
Kimmies' Knick Knack Shack
Some views as seen from Gardner's Basin are shown below.
Pleasure Boat Underway
Drive Your Boat Right Into the House
During prohibition, in the days of Nucky Johnson, smuggled liquor was unloaded into homes and buildings along Gardner's Basin.
Golden Nugget and the Atlantic City Coast Guard Station
Harrah's
The Borgata and The Water Tower
The Farley Marina is seen in the foreground.
Farley State Marina
The Farley State Marina just across the Bay.
To find out about the Farley State Marina follow this link: Farley State Marina
Gardner's Basin Map
Map by Google
To get to Gardner's Basin go north on either Atlantic or Pacific Avenues, then west on New Hampshire Avenue.
Gardner's Basin Concept Plan
Plans are being made to expand, and transform Gardner's basin into a major attraction, to widen Atlantic City's appeal to more than casinos.
The plans include extending the boardwalk further north, and back along the inlet, all the way to Gardner's Basin. Also to add a Retail Village, more restaurants, more boat docks, a new amphitheather, a fisherman's park and to expand the Aquarium.
View Toward Retail Village
