Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise

If you’re considering a laid-back way to enjoy Ocean City’s beautiful waterways while indulging in tasty local bites, the Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise might just be what you’re looking for. This tour promises a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour trip, combining scenic views, good company, and a chance to sample some of the area’s best casual eats. It’s a small-group experience, making it feel personal without the crowds, and it’s perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing and good food, with a touch of adult fun thanks to the BYOB aspect.

What we really like about this cruise is how straightforward and stress-free it is. You’re not just paying for a boat ride—you’re getting a chance to enjoy stunning views of Ocean City and Assawoman Bay, all while having the option to bring your own drinks and enjoy a meal from the Greene Turtle Bar & Grille. Plus, with the reviews glowing about the crew’s friendliness and knowledge, it sounds like a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes the trip memorable.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that your food is purchased separately from the ticket price, which could be a bit of a hassle if you’re expecting an all-in-one package. Also, since it’s BYOB, you’ll want to bring beverages that suit your preference, but don’t worry—you’ll find a cooler and ice onboard. It’s a great experience for anyone who enjoys simple pleasures—beautiful scenery, good company, and tasty snacks—especially if you appreciate the casual, local vibe.

This cruise works best for those looking for a relaxed, daytime outing. It’s especially ideal if you’re a fan of scenic boat rides, good food, and the freedom to bring your own drinks. It also seems perfect for small groups who want a personalized experience, since the maximum group size is just five travelers. If you’re after an easy, enjoyable way to see Ocean City from the water, this might tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Ocean City and Assawoman Bay provide a relaxing backdrop for your lunch.
• Flexible food options from Greene Turtle, purchased separately, ensure you get your preferred meal.
• BYOB policy adds a fun, customizable element—bring your own drinks to enjoy during the cruise.
• Small group size (max 5 travelers) means you’ll get a personalized, unhurried experience.
• Experienced captain and friendly crew help make the trip smooth and engaging.
• Great reviews highlight excellent service and memorable eagle sightings, adding extra interest to the cruise.

What to Expect from the Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise

Starting Point and Boarding

The adventure begins at the 118th street pier in Ocean City, where you’ll board one of the well-maintained Bay Hopper boats. The process is straightforward—just arrive at the designated meeting point, and you’ll be welcomed aboard by an experienced captain. The location is near public transportation, so getting there shouldn’t be a hassle, especially if you’re staying in Ocean City.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Once aboard, the real fun begins. The cruise heads toward the famous Greene Turtle Bar & Grille, located on beautiful Assawoman Bay. This is the key stop where you’ll pick up your pre-ordered lunch. The lunch options are a la carte and are paid separately, so you can choose what best suits your taste. From the reviews, many guests rave about the delicious Greene Turtle classics like the Turkey Bacon Avocado Club and the Crabby Melt, which are favorites for a reason.

Scenic Bay Cruise

After lunch, your boat continues to cruise over the tranquil waters of Assawoman Bay. Expect a relaxed pace with plenty of time to soak in the views and enjoy the breeze. Reviewers highlight the stunning scenery and eagle sightings as some of the trip’s highlights. One guest even noted, “Matt did a great job telling us about the bay and historical facts,” which adds a layer of local flavor to the experience.

Optional Activities and Highlights

While the main focus is on the ride and the food, the experience is enhanced by a friendly captain and crew who take the time to share interesting facts and ensure everyone is comfortable. One reviewer mentioned that their daughter even got a chance to take the wheel, making it a fun, family-friendly touch—even if the tour itself isn’t specifically geared toward children.

The Return

The cruise concludes back at the starting point, providing a neat, relaxing loop that leaves you feeling refreshed and filled with great conversation and memories. The entire experience takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, which makes it a perfect afternoon activity—long enough to enjoy without feeling rushed.

The Food and Drink Experience

Since your food is purchased separately, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. The tour contacts you before departure to take your order, which streamlines the process and helps avoid lines or confusion. This approach is quite convenient, especially on a busy day.

The BYOB policy is a definite plus. You can bring along your favorite adult beverages, and the boat provides a cooler and ice, so your drinks stay cool throughout the trip. Many guests note that this adds a relaxed, social vibe—perfect for sharing a cold drink or two with friends or family.

The quality of the food from Greene Turtle also earns praise. Guests mention that the meals are tasty and well-prepared, adding to the overall value of the experience. Since the food is a la carte and purchased separately, it’s flexible—you can choose something light, hearty, or a little of both.

The Experience: What Reviews Say

The glowing reviews paint a clear picture of what you can expect. One guest said, “Captain Steve gave us the best experience while we were here in Ocean City! Our cruise has been nothing short of amazing.” It seems that the crew’s friendliness and knowledge really enhance the trip. Another review highlighted how the captain’s attentiveness and sharing of local stories made the trip special.

Guests also appreciate the opportunity to see eagles and other wildlife, which adds an exciting element to the scenic cruise. Even with some wildlife hiding, reviewers still enjoyed the peaceful ride and the chance to relax on the water, with one mentioning, “The ponies were hiding, but still enjoyed the trip,” highlighting how adaptable and enjoyable the cruise can be.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $45 per person, this cruise offers a nice balance of scenic enjoyment and good-value eating, especially considering the personalized service and small group size.
• Duration: About 2 hours and 30 minutes means you get a substantial experience without it feeling overly long.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 3 weeks ahead, which shows it’s popular but not overly booked—plan accordingly.
• Minimum age: You need to be 18+ to purchase alcohol, making it more suited for adults or groups with mature guests.
• Weather dependency: Like all outdoor activities, it’s weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for small groups looking for a relaxed day on the water. If you relish scenic views combined with good food and drinks, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and personal touch. It’s also suitable for those interested in local wildlife sightings, like eagles, or simply wanting a peaceful break from busy shores.

While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed environment and the chance to see wildlife might appeal to families with older children, especially if they enjoy boat rides.

FAQ

Can I bring my own beverages?
Yes, this is a BYOB cruise. You can bring your favorite adult drinks, and the boat supplies a cooler and ice.

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including cruising and food pickup.

Do I need to buy lunch in advance?
Yes. Your food is purchased separately and prior to departure. You’ll be contacted to place your order ahead of time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed environment and wildlife sightings might be enjoyable for older kids. Just note the minimum age for alcohol is 18.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour only allows a maximum of 5 travelers, making it intimate and personalized.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the boat and captain. Food and drinks are purchased separately.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Start at 11703 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD. It’s near public transportation.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size and relaxed atmosphere make it easy for solo travelers to enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

Final Thoughts

The Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise offers a straightforward, engaging way to enjoy the area’s waterways. It combines scenic views, wildlife sightings, and good casual food—plus the flexibility of BYOB—that many find enhances the experience. Perfect if you’re after a relaxing, social outing with personalized touches in a small-group setting.

If you love slow days on the water, good company, and tasty local fare, this cruise fits the bill. Just remember to plan your food and drinks in advance for a smooth experience. It’s a simple pleasure that can add a memorable highlight to your Ocean City visit.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a peaceful break from the beach, this trip can deliver a lovely afternoon of relaxation and scenic beauty—an experience worth considering.