Want Assateague Island all to yourself? Well, we can't kick the ponies off — but we can give you the next best thing: your own private boat.
The Exclusive Assateague Tour puts you and up to five guests aboard the Eagle — a 28-foot Pursuit C280 center console and the newest, most premium vessel in the Bay Hopper fleet. Powered by twin 250 Yamaha outboards, this boat was built to go 100 miles offshore, so cruising the coastal bays feels like gliding on a sheet of ice. You'll have the whole boat to yourselves — no strangers, no shared schedules, just your crew and your captain.
Your captain will cruise you through the Sinepuxent Bay toward the north end of Assateague Island National Seashore, where the famous wild ponies roam free along nearly 10 miles of untouched, undeveloped shoreline. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, herons, osprey, and eagles — this stretch of water is absolutely teeming with wildlife. Want to anchor up near the island and take it all in? Done. Want to explore the shoreline at a leisurely pace? Say the word. This is your trip.
Connect your phone to the onboard Bluetooth speakers and set the mood. Load up the insulated coolers with your favorite drinks and snacks — this trip is BYOB, and we'll keep everything ice cold. And unlike our Bay Hoppers, the Eagle comes with a fully equipped head (bathroom) onboard, so there's no planning required. Three hours, six guests max, one unforgettable experience. This is Assateague the way it was meant to be seen.
Departure Location, Parking & Boarding — This trip is scheduled to depart from our Downtown Marina location at 307 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, MD. Look for the blue and orange covered shed. There is a free parking lot near the OC Bay Hopper Shed; if that is full, there is usually some street parking available. Look for OC Bay Hopper flags! You will board from a floating dock, which tends to make it easier to get on the boat. Private pier pickups can be arranged upon request — please contact us to coordinate. Trip duration and schedule remain the same regardless of pickup location.
Departure Time — Please plan to arrive about 5–10 minutes before your trip. If you do not see the boat, please don't worry — we are probably off making memories with another group! Uptown and Downtown locations are staffed by OC Bay Hopper. We typically do not have staff at Ocean Pines Yacht Club or Mid-Town 53rd Street. Our captains are trained to leave ON TIME. If you are running late, you can attempt to contact us but if there are other parties on your trip it is unlikely that we will hold up a trip for you!!!
Bathrooms — Great news — the Eagle has a fully equipped head (bathroom) onboard! No need to plan around restroom access on this trip.
What to Bring — This trip is BYOB — bring your own food, drinks, snacks, and anything else you want to enjoy on the water. We've got insulated coolers onboard to keep everything cold. Don't forget sunscreen and a camera, and always take into account weather conditions on the water. (Dress in layers if you are not sure!)
Weather — Unless the weather poses a threat to passenger safety (e.g., lightning, high winds) or would make the trip extremely uncomfortable (e.g., heavy rain), the trip will proceed as scheduled. If the captain cancels due to weather, you will be notified and your money refunded. If the conditions are unpleasant but remain safe, we will run the trip. Sometimes if this situation arises we will offer to cancel/reschedule/refund but as long as the trip is safe then our Captains generally want to make this happen!
Additional Details — This is a private charter aboard the Eagle — a 28-foot Pursuit C280 center console powered by twin 250 Yamaha outboards. Maximum of 6 guests. You are booking the entire boat — no other parties. Bluetooth speakers are available for your music. This trip is BYOB — we provide the coolers and ice. The Eagle has a bathroom onboard. Private pier pickups can be arranged upon request; contact us to coordinate. Duration: approximately 3 hours.