Ocean City: Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour with Tastings

Planning a visit to Ocean City and craving a blend of scenic water views, local cuisine, and a relaxed, guided experience? This Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally cruised with OC Foodie Tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a clear picture of a memorable outing that combines culinary delights with the charm of Maryland’s coast.

What we love about this experience is its balance: delivering authentic tastes of Ocean City’s food scene, offering beautiful waterway scenery, and adding a touch of local history. The fact that it’s a relatively short 3-hour outing makes it accessible for most schedules, yet packed with enough stops and stories to feel substantial. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, which might be a consideration if accessibility is key for your group.

This tour would suit travelers who enjoy food and drink, love coastal scenery, and are curious about local culture. It’s especially appealing for those making a first trip to Ocean City, or locals looking for a fun way to experience the waterfront differently. Now, let’s dig into what makes this tour a practical and tasty choice.

• Authentic culinary experience: Sample dishes from three different restaurants around the bay.
• Scenic water views: Cruise Sinepuxent Bay and enjoy sights of local waterfowl and waterfront homes.
• Informative guides: Learn about Ocean City’s history and its families’ contributions.
• Inclusive drinks package: Enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and select cocktails.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Ideal for food lovers: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, tasty tour with a coastal vibe.

The Ocean City Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour offers a unique way to explore the town’s coastal waters while sampling its culinary offerings. The tour lasts about three hours, and during that time, guests will cruise around Sinepuxent Bay, enjoying beautiful waterfront views and a steady breeze. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with a roof that keeps you dry on cooler or cloudy days—something that was appreciated even by those who faced chilly weather during their trip.

Before we get into the stops, it’s worth noting the pricing of $179 per person. While this might seem steep at first glance, the package includes food tastings at three different restaurants, drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails), tips for servers, and a guided commentary—all bundled into a cohesive, enjoyable outing. Given the quality reported and the intimate, guided nature of the experience, many find it offers good value for what’s included.

Meet Your Guide and Board the Boat

Your day begins with arriving at the designated meeting point, where the guide—wearing a Foodie Tour shirt—will be holding a lollypop sign. The group is generally small to medium-sized, creating an intimate atmosphere. The guide, who is knowledgeable about Ocean City’s history and local spots, will lead you onto the boat, ensuring everyone is comfortable before setting sail.

You can check availability for your dates here:

First Stop: A Local Restaurant for a Tasting

From the water, the journey begins with cruising along the bay, giving a chance to appreciate the local scenery—think salt marshes, waterfowl, and perhaps a glimpse of the coastline’s homes and boats. The first restaurant stop introduces guests to local flavors, with tastings designed to give a true taste of Ocean City’s culinary style. The reviews mention guests trying restaurants they didn’t even know could be accessed by boat, which makes the experience feel exclusive and special.

Second Stop: More Local Bites and Signature Drinks

Continuing the cruise, the boat pauses at a second restaurant for more tastings, which might include signature cocktails, appetizers, or small plates. Guests have praised the drinks selection, with reviewers noting the availability of beer, wine, and cocktails, often highlighted as a highlight. The ability to indulge while enjoying the water views is a major draw.

Final Stop: Sweet Desserts and a Relaxed Return

The last stop typically involves sampling desserts, perhaps accompanied by a final cocktail or soft drink. One reviewer described being “stuffed” by the end of the tour, emphasizing how generous the tastings are. The cruise back to the starting point offers a relaxing chance to reflect on the day, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the passing scenery.

Scenic Views and Water Experience: Unlike walking food tours, this experience offers a different perspective—cruising Sinepuxent Bay gives you unobstructed views of the water, marshes, and local wildlife. One reviewer mentioned seeing waterfowl, which adds a natural element to the gastronomic adventure.

Educational and Entertaining Guides: Guides are lauded for their friendliness and knowledge. They share stories about Ocean City’s history, from the families who founded local businesses to interesting facts about the waters you’re sailing—adding context that enhances the experience beyond just food.

Authentic and Varied Tasting Stops: The three restaurants are carefully chosen to showcase the local cuisine, and guests are introduced to dishes and drinks that are true to Ocean City’s flavor profile. This focus on local bites makes the tour more meaningful than typical generic tastings.

All-Inclusive Drink Package: The inclusion of beer, wine, soft drinks, and some cocktails ensures that you won’t be left thirsty, and tips are covered, making for a hassle-free experience.

Flexibility and Peace of Mind: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the “reserve now, pay later” option, booking feels flexible—perfect for planning a trip without stress.

Duration: At just 3 hours, this tour fits well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation. It’s long enough to enjoy multiple stops and scenic views without feeling rushed.

Price: At $179 per person, it’s a premium price tag, but considering the guided nature, food and drinks, and scenic cruise, it offers good value for those seeking a well-rounded experience.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is important to note for travelers with mobility concerns.

Weather Dependence: The activity is canceled if heavy rain, wind, or lightning is expected, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan.

Guests consistently described the tour as fun and informative, with many appreciating the knowledgeable guides and the variety of tastings. One reviewer mentioned “got to try a couple of restaurants I didn’t even know you could get to by boat,” highlighting the exclusive aspect of the experience. Another praised the “friendly and knowledgeable” staff, making the day feel personal and engaging.

The comfort of the boat was also noted, especially during cooler or cloudy weather, which shows that the tour is prepared for different conditions. The drinks selection was also a hit, with many guests finding it a perfect pairing for the beautiful surroundings.

This experience is ideal for food lovers who want to combine their passion with a scenic water adventure. It’s perfect for first-time visitors seeking an authentic taste of Ocean City’s local flavors without the hassle of restaurant hopping on land.

It also caters well to couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, guided outing with plenty of opportunities for photos and conversation. However, if you’re looking for a more active or physically accessible experience, it might not be the best fit.

For those who enjoy drinks, the included beverages make it even more enjoyable, especially on a warm day when cooling off with a cocktail or cold beer while gazing over the water is just about perfect.

The Ocean City Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour offers a compelling way to explore the town’s waterfront while indulging in its culinary delights. The combination of scenic cruising, well-chosen local eateries, and a friendly guide make it a memorable experience for those who want to enjoy Ocean City from a different perspective. It’s an excellent choice for a laid-back, tasty, and scenic activity that packs a lot into a short time frame.

While the price might seem high, the inclusive nature of food, drinks, and scenic views makes it a strong value proposition—especially for travelers eager to combine sightseeing with genuine local flavor.

If you’re after a relaxed, fun, and delicious way to enjoy Ocean City’s coast, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s perfect for foodies, water lovers, and anyone looking to add a splash of adventure to their Maryland trip.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour primarily caters to adult guests, especially due to alcohol consumption included. Children could join, but it’s best to check with the provider for age restrictions.

What should I wear?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. The boat has a roof, but it’s wise to be prepared for sun or wind.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour is canceled if heavy rain, wind, or lightning is forecasted, allowing for a full refund if canceled.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including cruising and stops at three restaurants.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the package includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and selected cocktails, along with tips for servers.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

This guided boat tour combines the best of Ocean City’s water views and local flavors, making it a rewarding experience for those wanting a relaxed yet tasty adventure.