Assateague Island Private Cruise Tour

Assateague Island Private Cruise Tour: A Personal Water Adventure in Ocean City

Imagine slicing through the calm waters of Ocean City’s bays on a private boat, with your friends or family gathered around, all at your own pace. For $399.99 per group (up to 12 people), you can enjoy a roughly one-hour cruise that offers an intimate way to explore the waterways near Assateague Island. Whether you choose to bring your own drinks on the Happy Hour Booze Cruise or stick to the scenic tour, this private experience promises personalized attention and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the flexibility of the trip—especially the chance to customize your itinerary—and the chance to see iconic wild ponies and dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s a chance to get away from crowded tours and enjoy a peaceful, scenic voyage. However, keep in mind that the one-hour duration means you might want to plan some extra activities or sightseeing afterward, as this cruise is best suited for those looking for a quick, yet memorable, water experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a tailored adventure, enjoy wildlife viewing, and appreciate the comfort of a private setting. Families, small groups of friends, or couples seeking an exclusive outing will find this cruise a compelling option. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic ride with a personal touch and stunning views, this private cruise could become a highlight of your Ocean City trip.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Up to 12 passengers, exclusively for your group.
• Flexible Experience: Options to customize the trip and bring your own drinks.
• Wildlife Sightings: Chances to see wild ponies and dolphins in their natural environment.
• Breathtaking Views: Scenic landscapes of Assateague Island and the surrounding waters.
• Convenient Location: Starts at 307 Dorchester St, near public transportation.
• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Full Experience: What to Expect on the Assateague Island Private Cruise

Setting the Scene: A Private Waterway Adventure

From the moment you meet at 307 Dorchester Street in Ocean City, you’ll notice the promise of an intimate, relaxed outing. The boat, captained by a knowledgeable guide, offers a comfortable platform to enjoy the serene bays and the sights of Assateague Island’s coastline. The vessel comes with fuel costs included, ensuring no hidden extras, and the private nature of the cruise means only your group will be on board, providing a sense of exclusivity.

This tour is especially appealing because of its flexibility. While the standard itinerary focuses on cruising near Assateague Island, the trip can be customized to fit your preferences, whether that means spending more time on the water, focusing on wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the scenery.

Wildlife and Scenic Views: Why It’s Worthwhile

The main attraction of this cruise? The chance to see wild horses grazing on Assateague Island, along with pods of dolphins that often peek out near the shore. The natural setting offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of Ocean City’s busy beaches.

We love the fact that the captain guides you to the best spots. As one review mentions, “You’ll love the views and the way the captain points out wildlife and landmarks.” The possibility of spotting dolphins adds a magical touch, and the chance to take photos of the expansive marshes and shoreline is excellent.

The Happy Hour Option: Bring Your Own Drinks

If you’re interested in making the most of your hour, the Happy Hour Booze Cruise allows you to bring your own drinks. This means you can customize your experience further, whether you prefer wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages. It’s a nice touch for groups celebrating a birthday or just looking to relax with friends.

Just remember that because alcohol is BYOB, you might want to bring cups, ice, or other accessories to enhance your experience. It’s a straightforward way to add a personal, festive touch without extra costs.

Considerations and Limitations

The main thing to keep in mind is the duration—just about an hour. While this is perfect for a quick scenic escape, those seeking a longer or more extensive cruise may find it limited. Also, weather conditions can influence the experience. Wind, rain, or rough seas might affect wildlife sightings or the comfort of the trip, so flexible planning and checking the forecast is wise.

Plus, since the tour is private, it’s ideal for groups who want a personalized, relaxed outing without the crowds. Solo travelers or those on a tight schedule might find the hour a bit short, but for most, it strikes a good balance of intimacy and sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private cruise suits travelers who value personalized service and wildlife viewing. It’s excellent for small groups who want to avoid large, noisy tours and prefer a relaxed, scenic experience. Families with kids, couples celebrating a special occasion, or friends looking for a memorable water adventure will find this tour a perfect fit.

Why Choose This Tour? The Value and Experience

The $399.99 price tag covers the entire group, making it quite reasonable considering the exclusivity and personalized attention. Compared to larger, shared tours, you get the benefit of customizing your experience and having the boat all to yourself — a real plus when it comes to photography, flexibility, and comfort.

The fact that the tour includes fuel surcharge and private transportation adds to its transparency and convenience. Plus, the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing you to plan without worry.

A Word on the Itinerary and Sightings

The tour’s centerpiece—Assateague Island National Seashore—is renowned for its wild ponies, which roam freely and are a major draw for visitors. As one review notes, “Chances to see ponies and dolphins while traveling near shore” make this trip memorable. The captain’s expertise ensures you’ll get to see these iconic animals in their natural environment, which is often a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Since the tour is customizable, you might find yourself lingering longer in certain spots, taking photos, or focusing on wildlife. The scenic views of the marshes and coastline are ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private boat, the captain, fuel surcharge, and private transportation. It’s a straightforward fee for an exclusive water experience.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, especially on the Happy Hour Booze Cruise, where you’re allowed to bring your own beverages.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 307 Dorchester Street in Ocean City, MD.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and since it’s private, you can tailor it to your group’s needs. It’s suitable for all ages, especially those interested in wildlife and scenic views.

How long is the cruise?
Approximately 1 hour, which is ideal for a quick, scenic escape but may be limited for those wanting an extended cruise.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and personalized experiences, this private Assateague Island cruise offers a wonderful way to see Maryland’s coast from the water. The chance to see wild ponies and dolphins in their natural habitat, combined with the flexibility of a private boat and BYOB options, makes for a relaxed yet engaging outing.

The hour-long format suits those who prefer quick, scenic breaks rather than long tours, and its affordability per group makes it accessible for small parties. It’s well-suited for couples celebrating something special, families wanting a memorable outing, or friends looking for a fun escape.

While weather can impact the experience, most guests will find the boat trip to be a peaceful, scenic highlight. If you’re seeking a more customized, intimate water adventure in Ocean City, this private cruise deserves serious consideration.

Additional Notes

If you’re interested in other water experiences, such as sunset cruises or parasailing, the provider offers several alternatives. You can explore options like the Sunset Cruise or parasailing adventures for a broader sea-based itinerary.

To sum it up, this private boat trip emphasizes the joy of shared, personalized adventure — perfect for those who value authentic wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes without the crowds. It’s a straightforward, well-priced way to add a special memory to your Ocean City trip.