Ocean City, MD Boat Tours, Cruises and Boat Rides

One of the best ways to experience Ocean City, Maryland, is from the water. Ocean City boat tours travel through the calm coastal bays, around the Ocean City Inlet, along the Atlantic shoreline and toward the protected landscapes surrounding Assateague Island.

Visitors can choose from dolphin-watching cruises, sunset boat rides, Assateague wildlife tours, speedboat adventures, family cruises, party boats and private charters. Some trips focus on nature and sightseeing, while others feature music, drinks, food or special events.

Quick answer: The best boat tour in Ocean City depends on your group. Families often enjoy dolphin, pirate and wildlife cruises; couples may prefer a sunset cruise; nature lovers should consider an Assateague Island tour; and larger groups can reserve a private charter or party boat.

Compare Ocean City Boat Tours

Compare Ocean City Boat Tours

Tour schedules, prices, age requirements and routes can change with the season and weather. Confirm the latest information directly with the operator before booking.

Dolphin Cruises in Ocean City, Maryland

Dolphin cruises are among the most popular Ocean City boat tours. These excursions generally travel through the Ocean City Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean, where captains look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins along the shoreline.

Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Nevertheless, an ocean cruise provides memorable views of the Ocean City skyline, beaches, inlet and Boardwalk even when wildlife remains elusive.

Sea Rocket Water Adventures offers speedboat and dolphin cruises departing from downtown Ocean City. Its fast-paced trips combine sightseeing with the excitement of an ocean boat ride.

Assateague Island Boat Tours and Wildlife Cruises

An Assateague boat tour offers a quieter look at the waterways south of Ocean City. Depending on the route, passengers may see salt marshes, undeveloped shoreline, osprey, herons, egrets and other coastal wildlife.

Some cruises travel close enough to Assateague Island for passengers to look for its famous wild horses from the boat. Horse sightings are never guaranteed, and passengers should expect to observe wildlife from a respectful distance.

These excursions are especially appealing to photographers, birdwatchers, families and visitors who want to learn about Maryland’s coastal ecosystem.

Ocean City Sunset Cruises

Ocean City’s bays face west, making a sunset cruise one of the area’s most beautiful evening activities. Cruises typically offer views of the bay, marshes, waterfront restaurants and the Ocean City skyline as the sun sets.

Options range from quiet sightseeing rides to lively cruises with music and beverages. Some are family-friendly, while others are designed for adults or private celebrations. Check the operator’s age, food and beverage policies before reserving.

Sunset trips are popular during summer weekends, so booking ahead is wise—especially for larger groups.

Family-Friendly Boat Rides

Families can choose from wildlife tours, dolphin cruises, pirate adventures, crabbing excursions, speedboat rides and themed cruises. When comparing trips, look beyond the tour name and consider:

• Trip length

• Minimum age

• Restroom availability

• Shade or covered seating

• Stroller and accessibility policies

• Motion level

• Food and beverage rules

• Life-jacket requirements

A shorter bay cruise may be best for toddlers or first-time boaters. Older children may enjoy an ocean speedboat, dolphin cruise or hands-on eco-tour.

Party Boats, Beverage Cruises and Group Trips

Ocean City also offers social cruises featuring music, cocktails, craft beverages or stops at waterfront restaurants. These can be good choices for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions and corporate groups.

Policies differ significantly. Some boats sell drinks onboard, some permit guests to bring their own beverages, and others prohibit outside food and alcohol. Verify age restrictions and beverage rules before booking.

Private charters provide greater control over the schedule, music, route and guest list. They may also be more economical than individual tickets when the charter is filled to capacity.

Private Boat Charters in Ocean City

A private charter reserves the boat for your group and usually includes a licensed captain. Depending on the operator, groups may be able to customize the route around sightseeing, swimming, Assateague Island, sunset, waterfront dining or a special celebration.

Before booking, ask:

• How many passengers can the boat carry?

• Is the captain included in the quoted price?

• Are fuel, taxes and gratuity included?

• Does the boat have a restroom and shade?

• Can guests bring food or beverages?

• What happens if weather cancels the trip?

• Is the boat accessible for passengers with limited mobility?

Fireworks and Special-Event Cruises

During selected summer nights and major holidays, Ocean City boat operators may offer fireworks cruises. Limited excursions may also be scheduled around events such as the White Marlin Open and Ocean City’s music festivals.

Special-event cruises often sell out and may have different departure locations or cancellation policies. Always verify the current event schedule and boarding instructions.

Bay Cruise or Ocean Cruise: Which Should You Choose?

Bay cruises are generally calmer and are a good choice for young children, sunset viewing and passengers concerned about motion sickness. Ocean cruises offer expansive views and better opportunities to search for dolphins, but conditions can be rougher.

Weather and water conditions can change quickly. Captains may alter a route, delay departure or cancel a trip when conditions are unsafe.

Visitors who want to operate a boat themselves can also explore Ocean City watersports and boat rentals. For additional vacation ideas, browse all things to do in Ocean City.

When Should You Book an Ocean City Boat Tour?

Boat tours are most plentiful during the summer, although selected excursions may operate during spring and fall. Advance reservations are particularly important for:

• July and August trips

• Sunset cruises

• Weekend excursions

• Holiday and fireworks cruises

• Private charters

• Large groups

Morning cruises may offer cooler temperatures and calmer conditions. Sunset departures provide dramatic scenery but are often among the first trips to sell out.

What to Bring on an Ocean City Boat Ride

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a light layer, even on warm days. Temperatures on the water can feel cooler than they do on land. A phone or camera strap is also useful.

For ocean trips, passengers prone to motion sickness should speak with a medical professional or pharmacist about appropriate precautions. Follow the operator’s instructions about arrival time, footwear, coolers, alcohol and personal flotation devices.