Sunset Seabird Safari
You won't believe the variety of birds living right here in the coastal bays! Many migratory species nest and raise their young near the waters surrounding Ocean City and Assateague Island — and this two-hour sunset cruise puts you right in the middle of the action.
Possible species include Royal Tern, Black Skimmer, Brown Pelican, Piping Plover, Osprey, Snowy Egret, White Ibis, American Oystercatcher, and more. We'll explore the bayside OC docks, cruise past the Assateague jetty, and work the bayside of Assateague Island south toward Castaways campground.
You'll be guided by a USCG-licensed captain AND a Delmarva Birding Weekend guide — so you're in expert hands. Cold adult beverages are available for purchase onboard, plus cold water.
Departure Location, Parking & Boarding — This trip leaves from the West Ocean City Boat Ramp (12817 Harbor Road, Ocean City, MD 21842). Parking is available at the boat ramp.
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 — You'll be guided by a USCG-licensed captain AND a Delmarva Birding Weekend guide. Your birding guide will meet you at the public restrooms to check you in. GPS coordinates for the meeting point: 38.327649, -75.106702. Duration: approximately 2 hours. Bring binoculars! Trips may also be canceled in the event of strong, gusting winds or dangerous weather — you'll be notified via email 24 hours prior. Great nearby restaurants: The Shark on the Harbor, Sunset Grille, and Harborside Bar & Grill (home of the original Orange Crush!).
Similar/Related Experiences
If you’re looking for a great way to unwind then this cruise is it! You’ll board our Bay Hopper at either our West OC or our North OC location. We’ll then head out into the Assawoman Bay. The Bay in the evening slows down and gets calm and quiet. All you have to do is sit back, grab your favorite beverage, take a deep breath of the salty ocean air, and relax.
The Bay Hopper will glide you across the water giving you a front row seat to some of the Bay’s most amazing wildlife. At this point, you might reach for one of those delicious snacks you packed for the trip and notice the lights in OC start to pop on. Then, you simply watch the sun melt into the water. At this point you’ll feel so relaxed that you might not be able to keep your eyes open.
Once the sun sets, your captain will pilot the Bay Hopper back to our pier and you can start your evening on the town refreshed. Or, you have a couple of more drinks, look at the tv for a while and go to sleep. Either way, you’ll feel good.
This trip - like all of our trips - is produced by the professionals at Blue Bimini where safety, reliability, and excellent customer care always come standard. With us, you're in for a safe and unforgettable experience every time.
