Gardener's Basin

The rum running days of prohibition in Atlantic City’s Northeast Inlet are long gone, but the thrills remain. The Gardner’s Basin of today plays host to a top-notch aquarium, a marina for boating and fishing, eclectic restaurants, quaint shops, a unique Crafters Village. All of this is found in a serene park setting that creates a waterfront haven for families deep in the heart of Atlantic City. The Atlantic City Aquarium is a great stop for the kids. There are numerous touch tanks and fun activities that will keep them entertained. One of the highlights for kids of any age is the Dine & Dive Show where you see divers get into the 30,000-gallon tank and feed various sea creatures...including some very hungry sharks. One of Gardner's Basin's other main attractions are the cruising and fishing vessels that dock there. You can enjoy a slow cruise to check out the skyline aboard Cruisin' 1 or take an extremely fast tour on the Wild Cat Thrill Boat Ride, a wild ride on what looks like a modified Cigarette Boat. From mid-May to Mid-October you can also cruise with Captain Jeff George to go see the bottle nose dolphins that can be found off-shore. Besides the cruising vessels, the ships that take vacationers on fishing excursions all dock at Gardner's Basin too. You'll have your choice of about 4 or five ships that will take you out in search of sea bass, bluefish, summer flounder and croaker. If you want an ordinary shopping experience, hit the mall. If you want cozy shops where you can find unique items crafted before your eyes, stop by the Crafters Village in Gardner’s Basin. You can stroll along the waterside and check out the original work of artists and crafters then check out some of the other local stores such as Bayside Basin Antiques and Web Feet Water Sports, offering everything from beach items, beachwear, water sports gear, and beach house décor and nautical creations. After you work up an appetite shopping, you can eat at the Flying Cloud Café- an Atlantic City institution that's been there for over 20 years - or have a pint and a burger at the Back Bay Ale House. With free parking and dockage, an interactive marine life education, boating adventures, fishing excursions, good eating and so many shopping options, it's always "Tally Ho" for family fun at Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin