Looking for warmer, calmer water without the shore break? We've got you covered! The Bayside Swimming Trip gets you, your family, or your crew out on the bay for a swim session you won't forget.
Depending on your group and conditions, you could end up at one of the bay's sandy beaches — including the infamous Sand Bar where the locals hang — or head down to the shores of Assateague Island (fair warning: there's more current down there).
We've got floats and noodles onboard, and you're welcome to bring your own (within reason — leave the giant inflatable flamingo at home). Got a bigger group with a specific swim spot in mind? Consider booking a Private Charter and the captain will take you wherever you want to go!
This adventure runs almost every weekday from our 118th Street location. Produced by the pros at Blue Bimini — safety, reliability, and great customer care, every time.
Departure Location, Parking & Boarding — This trip leaves from our Uptown Headquarters (actual address is 11703 Coastal Highway). We are located right next to the Food Lion in a Kiosk labelled "OC Bay Hopper" — you can't miss us. Parking at 118th Street is abundant. Look for OC Bay Hopper flags! You will board from a floating dock, which tends to make it easier to get on the boat.
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 — Our Bay Hoppers do not have bathrooms onboard. There are available restrooms near all of our locations for use before the trip but we share these facilities with other businesses except Uptown, where the bathroom is inside our Kiosk.
What to Bring — Sunscreen and a camera, snacks and/or drinks for longer trips, 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!
Trip Minimum — Please be aware that we cannot run this trip if fewer than 4 people book. We will notify you at least one hour (usually earlier the morning of) before departure if the minimum has not been reached and offer a full refund or try to rebook you onto another cruise if you prefer.
Additional Details — We've got floats and noodles onboard, and you're welcome to bring your own (within reason). Got a bigger group with a specific swim spot in mind? Consider booking a Private Charter!