OC Bay Hopper Crabbing

A hands-on look at crabbing in Ocean City, Maryland

If you’re looking for a truly local experience in Ocean City, OC Bay Hopper’s crabbing tour offers something special. For just $50 per person, you get about two and a half hours on the water, learning the art of crabbing from a knowledgeable captain. The departure point is conveniently located at 11703 Coastal Hwy, and the trip is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, making it an intimate and relaxed encounter.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to “get hands-on”—literally pulling up crab pots and understanding the crabbing trade that many in the area depend on. Second, the educational aspect—you’re not just catching crabs but also learning about their anatomy, how to identify legal-sized crabs, and how to handle them properly.

One consideration? Because it’s a two-hour and 30-minute trip, it’s best suited for those comfortable on the water and eager to engage in a physical activity. It’s also quite popular, with most bookings made 45 days in advance, so planning ahead is advised. This trip resonates well with families, curious travelers, and anyone interested in local maritime traditions. If you love stunning water views and a chance to interact with the environment, you’ll find this experience both fun and enriching.

Key Points

• Interactive experience: You’ll pull crab pots and learn hands-on crabbing skills.
• Educational: The captain explains how to find, handle, and measure crabs.
• Family-friendly: The tour is suitable for kids and adults alike, with positive reviews highlighting patience and engagement.
• Authentic local activity: Crabbing is a vital part of Ocean City’s livelihood, making this trip a genuine taste of local culture.
• Limited group size: With only 10 travelers, expect a personal, engaging atmosphere.
• Includes keeping legal-sized crabs: You’ll get to enjoy your catch for lunch or dinner after the trip.

Exploring the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing Experience

A Unique Opportunity to Get Hands-On with Crabbing

Most travelers think of Ocean City as just a beach town, but the OC Bay Hopper crabbing tour offers a breath of fresh, salty air—literally. For a reasonable $50, you’ll spend about two and a half hours on the bay, working closely with a captain who’s passionate about sharing his knowledge. This isn’t a passive boat ride; it’s a participatory adventure that allows you to pull crab pots and experience the authentic Chesapeake Bay tradition firsthand.

The meeting point at 11703 Coastal Hwy is straightforward, and the tour departs at 9:00 am, perfect for a morning outing that can be combined with other activities in Ocean City. The small group size guarantees that each person gets ample attention, making it ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a personal touch.

What We Love About This Tour

Two standout elements make this experience memorable. First, the educational component—Captain Dave doesn’t just let you pull up crabs; he explains how to find, hold, and measure them. We appreciated how he patiently explained the difference between legal and illegal-sized crabs, transforming what could be a simple activity into a mini-class in local fisheries.

Second, the interactive nature—there’s something satisfying about physically pulling up the pots and seeing your efforts rewarded with actual crabs. And the best part? You get to keep the crabs that meet the legal size. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just curious about local traditions, this offers a tangible connection to Ocean City’s way of life.

A Possible Drawback

Since the tour involves pulling crab pots, it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or who dislike getting their hands a little dirty. Also, because weather can influence the trip (it’s weather-dependent, and poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling), flexibility in planning is wise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip appeals most to families with kids, as reviews highlight how well Captain Dave engages children and makes learning fun. It’s also perfect for anyone interested in local traditions, nature, or hands-on activities. If you’re keen on stunning water views and want a genuine slice of life from the Chesapeake Bay, this experience offers a memorable, authentic outing.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Departure and Introduction

You’ll meet at the coastal highway location, where the captain greets you with a friendly welcome. After a brief safety overview and explanation of the day’s goals, you’ll hop aboard the boat—small enough to keep the experience personalized but big enough to carry your group comfortably.

Learning About Crabs and Equipment

Once underway, Captain Dave will explain the ins and outs of crabbing—how to locate baited pots, the best techniques for pulling them up, and how to identify crabs of legal size. He’s known for his patience and knowledge, especially with kids, making this part of the trip both informative and engaging.

Crabbing in Action

The highlight is pulling the crab pots. Everyone gets a turn to help haul in the nets, which is surprisingly satisfying. As you work, the captain points out crabs’ anatomy, their behavior, and what makes a crab legal for keeping. You’ll learn how local regulations help sustain the crab population—an important conservation message for environmentally conscious travelers.

Sorting and Keeping Your Catch

Once crabs are pulled up, they’re sorted into groups. The captain will show you how to hold and measure them, explaining what size is legal. If you catch something of legal size, you get to keep your crabs—to enjoy later as part of your own seafood feast. If not, no worries; the experience itself is the reward.

Ending the Trip

After about two and a half hours, the boat returns to the starting point. Many travelers rave about how much they’ve learned and how fun it was to see and handle live crabs in their natural environment. It’s a great way to cap off a morning—leaving with new skills and a tasty souvenir.

Authenticity and Value

The reviews reinforce how special this experience truly is. Angela from her family trip emphasizes that the captain was very knowledgeable and patient, especially with kids. Dale appreciated Captain Dave’s expertise, calling him “extremely knowledgeable and excellent with kids.” It’s clear that the personal attention and educational focus make this stand out from more generic boat rides.

For many, the value isn’t just in the activity but in the cultural connection—learning a traditional skill that many locals rely on. The price point of $50 seems reasonable given the interactive, educational nature and the chance to keep your catch.

Why It’s Worth It

While it’s a modest investment, the memorable moments, combined with learning about the local seafood industry, make this a worthwhile choice. Plus, the small group size and engaging captain ensure a personalized experience unlikely to be matched by larger tours.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book early: Most trips are booked about 45 days in advance—especially during peak season.
• Dress comfortably: Expect to get a little wet or dirty—wear casual clothes and bring sunscreen.
• Bring a sense of curiosity: This is as much a learning experience as it is fun.
• Prepare for weather: Tours are weather-dependent, so flexible plans or alternative dates are smart.
• Enjoy the catch: If you love seafood, the crabs you keep can make for a real treat at home.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a genuine, hands-on experience that combines education with fun, the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing tour offers a rare glimpse into local maritime life. It’s ideal for families, curious travelers, and anyone who appreciates stunning water views and authentic activities. The personalized nature and knowledgeable captain make it a memorable outing that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

You’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll have new skills, a few crabs to enjoy, and stories to tell about your day pulling up crustaceans in the Chesapeake Bay.

FAQ

How long is the crabbing tour?
The trip lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 11703 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD.

What is the price?
Tickets cost $50 per person, which includes learning, pulling pots, and keeping legal-sized crabs.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention how well Captain Dave engages kids, making it fun and educational for young travelers.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for being on the water—expect to get a little wet or dirty.

How far in advance should I book?
Most trips are booked about 45 days ahead, especially during busy seasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?
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 my booking?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 10 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

Will I actually get to keep the crabs I catch?
Yes, if they meet the legal size criteria, you can keep and enjoy them later.

In sum, the OC Bay Hopper Crabbing tour offers a genuine taste of Ocean City’s local culture, combining hands-on activity, education, and the joy of catching your own seafood. It’s a fun, authentic adventure that suits those eager to learn a traditional skill and connect with the Chesapeake Bay’s natural environment.