Crabbing is a Maryland tradition — and this trip brings it to life! Whether you've never seen a blue crab up close or you grew up picking crabs and want to pass that magic on to your kids, this one's for you.
Your captain — a seasoned seaman and crabber — will guide you to the hottest crabbing spots on the bay. Plot twist: he's already dropped crab pots at his secret locations, so by the time you arrive, there'll be a bunch of delicious creatures crawling around inside waiting for you.
Once anchored, you're on crew duty — help haul in the bounty! The captain will teach you everything you need to know about crabs, including how to cook and eat them. This is a get-your-hands-dirty kind of trip.
At the end, the captain divides up the catch among everyone who wants to take some home — which is typically everyone. Big hit with the kids!
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 — Your captain drops crab pots at his secret locations ahead of time, so by the time you arrive, there'll be crabs waiting. Help haul in the bounty! At the end, the captain divides up the catch among everyone who wants to take some home. Keep in mind you're likely to get dirty — leave the fancy clothes at home!