2024 Sunset Seabird Safaris
2024 Tour Schedule
New dates have been added for September and October. Scroll down for more information about this tour. We hope to see you this autumn on a Sunset Seabird Safari!
Tuesday, October 1, 4:45 – 6:45 pm (sunset is 6:42 pm)
We need a minimum of 4 people to run the Oct. 1st tour. If you are interested in participating, please email dmvbirds@gmail.com with your name and the number in your party. We will open registration after we have met our minimum. Thank you!
Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 – 6:30 pm (sunset is 6:22 pm)
There are five spots open on this trip as of 8:00 am on Sept. 11.
Tuesday, October 29, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (sunset is 6:03 pm)
We need a minimum of 4 people to run the Oct. 29th tour. If you are interested in participating, please email dmvbirds@gmail.com with your name and the number in your party. We will open registration after we have met our minimum. Thank you!
Check out the eBird Lists from previous 2024 tours:
Saturday, May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 pm (sunset was 8:08 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (39 species) from the May 18 tour with DBW Guide Russ Kovach.
Tuesday, June 11, 6:15 – 8:15 pm (sunset was 8:24 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (39 species) from the June 11 tour with DBW Guide Jonathan Irons.
Tuesday, July 9, 5:45 – 7:45 pm (sunset was 8:26 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (37 species) from the July 9 tour with DBW Guide Jonathan Irons.
Tuesday, July 23, 5:45 – 7:45 pm (sunset was 8:18 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (35 species) from the July 23 tour with DBW Guide Kim Abplanalp.
Tuesday, August 6, 5:45 – 7:45 pm (sunset was 8:04 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (35 species) from the August 6 tour with DBW Guide Kim Abplanalp.
Tuesday, August 20, 6:15 – 8:15 pm (sunset was 7:47 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (41 species) from the August 20 tour with DBW Guide Kim Abplanalp.
Tuesday, September 3, 5:30 – 7:30 pm (sunset was 7:26 pm)
Check out the eBird checklist (33 species) from the September 3 tour with DBW Guide Scott Housten.
Tuesday, September 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm (sunset was 7:04 pm)
This tour was canceled due to dangerous weather.
Tour Description
You won’t believe the variety of birds that inhabit the coastal bays behind Assateague Island and Ocean City during the spring and summer! Many migratory species make their way here to nest and raise their young near our coastal waters. Species may include:
- Royal Tern
- Forster’s Tern
- Common Tern
- Black Skimmer
- Brown Pelican
- Piping Plover
- Brown Pelican
- Osprey
- Snowy Egret
- White Ibis
- American Oystercatcher
- Willet
We’re teaming up with the OC Bay Hopper to run Sunset Seabird Safaris from May through September. The cost for the two-hour cruise is $55/person. Guests can register individually or in groups. We need a minimum of four participants to run a tour. Our maximum number of participants is 14. Tours are mostly offered on Tuesday evenings, but new dates may be added during the summer. Scroll down for tour dates and times.
We’ll investigate the bayside docks in Ocean City from M.R. Duck’s south to the inlet (there are often good birds hiding out there!), then we’ll cruise by the Assateague jetty. From there, we’ll explore the bayside of Assateague Island south towards Castaways campground, then back to the harbor. The cruise will feature a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and a DBW Guide, so you will be in good hands.
The OC Bay Hopper has a liquor license and cold adult beverages are available for purchase. Cold water is also available.
Getting there, parking and restrooms:
The pickup location is Pier 23, located at 12817 Harbor Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. Please park in the Pier 23 parking lot (GPS coordinates: 38.326153, -75.106236). Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled trip departs to park your vehicle and load your gear on the boat.
There are a number of great nearby restaurants and bars to visit before and after your tour, including The Shark on the Harbor, Sunset Grille, and the world-famous Harborside Bar & Grill (home of the original fresh-squeezed Orange Crush!).
There is no head/toilet on the OC Bay Hopper, so please use a restroom prior to departure. There is a public restroom located next to the boat ramp in the OC harbor. Even if you don’t have to go when you arrive — please use the restroom!
Trips may be canceled in the event of strong, gusting winds or dangerous weather. If a trip is canceled, you will be notified via email 24 hours prior to the trip departure. Full refunds will be provided within 15 days.
Check out the Google Map with our meeting location and approximate boating route:
Some common sense approaches to make your birding boat trip more enjoyable:
- The OC Bay Hopper is not enclosed. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather! Temps on the water are often cooler than land, even during the summer months.
- There is no “head” on the boat, so please visit a restroom before the trip departs.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
- Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled trip departs.
- If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider Dramamine or Bonine (both are sold over-the-counter), or whatever natural preventative you prefer. Please don’t wait until you’re on the boat to take your medication. Follow the instructions to make sure you have a great experience birding and boating on Maryland’s coastal bays.
- Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
Please note:
- Cancellations are accepted if you inform us two weeks (or earlier) before your trip departs. For a further explanation of our refund policy, please click here.
- Trips will go rain or shine, unless torrential rains prevent us from viewing wildlife.
- If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions, we will notify you via email. Please note that the email will be sent to all participants BCC, so you may need to check your email spam folder. A full refund will be provided within 15 days.