Book Your Experience

You won't believe the variety of birds that inhabit the coastal bays right here in Ocean City! Many migratory species make their way here to nest and raise their young near the waters that surround Ocean City and Assateague Island.  Possible Species may include: Royal Tern, Forster’s Tern, Common Tern, Black Skimmer, Brown Pelican, Piping Plover, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Snowy Egret, White Ibis, American Oystercatcher, Willet

The cost for the two-hour cruise is $55/person. Guests can register individually or in groups. We need a minimum of four participants to run a tour. Our maximum number of participants is 14. Tours are mostly offered on Tuesday evenings, but new dates may be added during the summer. Scroll down for tour dates and times.

We’ll investigate the bayside OC docks from M.R. Duck’s south to the inlet (there are often good birds hiding out there!), then we’ll cruise by the Assateague jetty. From there, we’ll explore the bayside of Assateague Island south towards Castaways campground, then back to the harbor. The cruise will feature a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and a DBW Guide, so you will be in good hands. Please note that only water is provided onboard and restrooms are not available during the trip. 

The West Ocean City boat ramp is located across the street from 12803 Sunset Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842. Try to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled trip departs to park your vehicle and load your gear on the boat. Your birding guide will meet you at the public restrooms at least 30 minutes prior to departure to check you in. For our specific meeting location, use GPS coordinates: 38.327649, -75.106702.


The boat ramp and parking area are located in the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. Parking is free, but please park in spaces dedicated for vehicles only. Do not park in spaces large enough for vehicles with boat trailers. There are a number of great nearby restaurants and bars to visit before and after your tour, including The Shark on the HarborSunset Grille, and the world-famous Harborside Bar & Grill (home of the original fresh-squeezed Orange Crush!).

There is no head/toilet on the OC Bay Hopper, so please use the public restroom in the harbor prior to departure. The restroom is located next to the boat ramp. Even if you don’t have to go when you arrive — please use the restroom

Easier Parking @ Pier 23 in West OC Address: 12817 Harbor Road Ocean City, Maryland)

We’ll investigate the bayside OC docks from M.R. Duck’s south to the inlet (there are often good birds hiding out there!), then we’ll cruise by the Assateague jetty. From there, we’ll explore the bayside of Assateague Island south towards Castaways campground, then back to the harbor. The cruise will feature a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and a DBW Guide, so you will be in good hands. Please note that only water is provided onboard and restrooms are not available during the trip. 

Trips may be canceled in the event of strong, gusting winds or dangerous weather. If a trip is canceled, you will be notified via email 24 hours prior to the trip departure. Full refunds will be provided within 15 days.

Date
Departure
Return/Arrival
Duration
2 hours

Aligned with the goal of ensuring all OC Bay Hopper customers have a great experience, we will only run trips that are deemed safe by our Captains. Generally, the weather on the coastal bays of the Ocean City area is very pleasant but sometimes storms and thunderstorms do occur.

In the event that your trip is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. Sometimes, the weather conditions, particularly high winds causing choppy seas, will allow us to run a safe trip that is a bit unpleasant.

Our captains will always strive to let people know when conditions will be less than ideal and if conditions warrant a possible refund you may choose to not take the trip. (But sometimes those rough passages make for the best experiences!)

$55

How Many Adult Seats?

$55

How Many Youth?
(14 yrs and younger)

You are reserving seats on this trip, with the understanding that we might not operate it as scheduled. If the trip is canceled, you will receive a full refund. , we will commit to running this trip as scheduled.

If you would like us to "Lock In" this trip, you can pay an extra $30.