OC Bay Hopper Crabbing

Exploring OC Bay Hopper Crabbing: A Truly Unique Ocean City Adventure

If you’re looking for an activity in Ocean City that offers more than just sightseeing—something interactive and genuinely fun—then the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing tour might just be a perfect fit. This isn’t your typical boat ride; it’s an engaging, hands-on experience that introduces you to one of Ocean City’s most beloved local traditions: crabbing. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or just want to try something different, this trip offers a taste of local life with the bonus of catching your own dinner.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is that it’s educational without feeling like a lesson—you’ll learn about crabs, their parts, and even how to measure and hold them properly, all while having a blast. The second standout? The opportunity to keep your catch—any crabs that meet legal size standards—which adds a satisfying, tangible reward to the experience. However, a small consideration is that this is a short trip, about two and a half hours, so if you’re after a full-day adventure, you might want to look elsewhere.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers, families with children, or anyone eager to get out on the water and try their hand at crabbing. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning new skills in a relaxed, friendly setting. Just keep in mind that, because the group sizes are small (up to 10 people), booking well in advance is recommended—this trip tends to sell out quickly.

Key Points

• Hands-on crabbing experience with expert guidance from the captain
• Opportunity to keep legal-sized crabs for dinner
• Small group size ensures personalized attention
• The trip is approximately 2.5 hours long, making it easy to fit into a day’s schedule
• Perfect for families, groups, or anyone interested in local traditions
• Booking in advance is recommended since it’s a popular activity

What to Expect from the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing Tour

When you hop aboard from the meeting point at 11703 Coastal Hwy, you’re in for an authentic slice of Ocean City life. The captain kicks off by explaining how to find and retrieve crabs from the Assawoman Bay. You’ll get to handle all the equipment yourself—learning about crab pots, how to pull them, and the correct way to hold and measure your catch. This isn’t just a sightseeing cruise; it’s an interactive lesson that makes you feel like a local.

The crabbing process is explained with patience and enthusiasm, especially by Captain Dave, who gets glowing reviews for his knowledge and kid-friendly approach. As you help pull the crab pots, you may find yourself captivated by the activity, especially with the chance to see crabs up close and learn about their different parts. Expect plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get involved—this isn’t a passive tour.

The highlight for many participants is definitely the chance to keep the crabs that reach legal size. Your catch will be divided among the group, and you’ll walk away with fresh crabs to enjoy later. The overall vibe is casual and friendly, making it suitable for travelers of all ages. The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving you with new knowledge and some tasty souvenirs.

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins at 9:00 am, a good time to enjoy the morning light and the calm of the bay. The tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, a perfect length to keep everyone engaged without feeling rushed. The boat is small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, which ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

The actual crabbing process involves pulling up crab pots that have been baited and set in the bay. As you help with this task, Captain Dave shares insights into the local crabbing industry—how it’s a livelihood for many in the area and a cherished tradition. This adds a layer of meaning that elevates the trip from just a fun activity to a lesson in local culture.

You’ll learn how to identify a legal-sized crab, which is a useful skill if you’re considering cooking your catch later. The captain also demonstrates the correct way to hold crabs without hurting them or yourself, making this experience both safe and educational. When you finally get to keep your crabs, it’s a satisfying feeling—knowing you caught them yourself adds a real sense of achievement.

Reviews highlight how knowledgeable and patient Captain Dave is, especially with children. One reviewer mentioned that their teenage sons and family had a “blast” and appreciated the captain’s ability to explain things clearly and make the trip engaging. Others emphasized how fun and informative the experience was, with many saying they’d do it again.

While the activity is primarily geared toward a general audience, it’s especially suitable for those who love hands-on experiences and want to understand a true local tradition. It’s not a sightseeing cruise, so don’t expect scenic views or a relaxing cruise—this is all about crabbing, with the bay providing a beautiful, peaceful backdrop.

The Practical Side

Price-wise, at $50 per person, the trip offers excellent value considering the level of interaction and the tangible takeaway: fresh crabs. For many, it’s a memorable experience, especially when you factor in the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable captain and the small group size that promotes a personal touch.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, as the tour tends to sell out around 45 days ahead. You’ll want to plan accordingly if you’re visiting during peak season. The meeting point is accessible near public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for most travelers.

The tour is weather-dependent—if the weather turns poor, the activity may be canceled. You’ll either be rescheduled or get a full refund, so there’s some peace of mind there.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This crabbing experience really shines for those interested in local traditions and hands-on activities. It’s fantastic for families with children who are eager to learn and get involved, especially since reviews praise the captain’s patience and ability to keep kids engaged. If you enjoy water activities that combine learning and fun, this will suit you well.

Travelers who appreciate small-group experiences will find this trip a highlight, as it allows for personalized interaction and a relaxed pace. It’s also perfect for foodies wanting to bring home fresh seafood—your crabs can be enjoyed later after the trip.

However, if you’re seeking a lengthy cruise or scenic tour, you’ll find this experience a bit too focused on crabbing. It’s definitely best suited for those excited about the activity itself, rather than just the boat ride.

Final Thoughts

The OC Bay Hopper Crabbing tour offers a rare chance to get your hands wet and learn a traditional Southern Maryland craft. It’s engaging, informative, and leaves you with a delicious keepsake—your very own crabs. The small-group vibe ensures everyone gets attention, and the knowledgeable captain makes it all accessible, even for beginners.

What makes this experience stand out is its authenticity. You’re not just observing; you’re participating. The opportunity to learn about crabs, how to measure them, and then take home your catch makes it more meaningful than a typical boat tour. Plus, the reviews consistently mention how much fun everyone has had, especially with Captain Dave, who clearly loves sharing his knowledge.

In essence, if you’re after a family-friendly, hands-on activity that combines learning, local culture, and a bit of adventure, this tour is a winner. It’s a memorable way to spend part of your day in Ocean City, especially if you’re curious about how locals catch their dinner and want to try a truly local activity.

FAQ

• How long is the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing tour?
  The trip lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most days.

• What is the meeting point?
  It starts at 11703 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842.

• What time does the tour start?
  The tour begins at 9:00 am, so plan to arrive a little earlier to settle in.

• How many people are in each group?
  The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

• What do I get to keep?
  You get to keep all the crabs that meet the legal size, which you can enjoy later for dinner.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially since the captain is very patient and good with kids.

• Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
  Yes, the tour can be canceled due to poor weather, with options for a full refund or rescheduling.

• How far in advance should I book?
  Since it’s popular and sells out around 45 days in advance, booking early is advisable.

• Are service animals allowed?
  Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

• How much does it cost?
  The price is $50 per person, which is quite reasonable for an interactive, local experience.

If you’re after a straightforward, engaging activity that offers a taste of local crabbing life, this tour is a solid choice. It’s fun, educational, and yields a tasty reward—what more could you ask for?