Sunset Seabird Safaris: Directions, Policies & Tips
Getting there, parking and restrooms:
The West Ocean City boat ramp is located across the street from 12803 Sunset Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842. Try to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled trip departs to park your vehicle and load your gear on the boat. Your birding guide will meet you at the public restrooms at least 30 minutes prior to departure to check you in. For our specific meeting location, use GPS coordinates: 38.327649, -75.106702.
The boat ramp and parking area are located in the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. Parking is free, but please park in spaces dedicated for vehicles only. Do not park in spaces large enough for vehicles with boat trailers. 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 Capt. Ricky’s boat, so please use the public restroom in the harbor prior to departure. The restroom is located next to the boat ramp. Even if you don’t have to go when you arrive — please use the restroom! Three hours can be a long time with no potty breaks.
Check out our Google Map with our meeting location and boating route:
Here are some tips to help make your Sunset Seabird Safari more enjoyable:
- Guests can register individually or in groups. We need a minimum of four participants to run a tour. Our maximum number of participants is six.
- If you’re on a boat, bring a coat! Dress as if it were 20 degrees colder. Wind breakers are recommended. On colder nights, wear layers of appropriate clothing and shoes for weather which can be much, much cooler on a boat cruise. It may be warm in the harbor, but our bay waters can still be chilly in the summer.
- Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine. We only cancel trips due to dangerous weather, such as lightning or strong winds.
- Bottled water and snacks are provided. Participants are invited to bring small coolers with beer or wine.
- Participants must load and unload from a boat requiring one modest step up and down (depending on tide). Assistance will be provided.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, please take Dramamine or Bonine prior to departure.
- Bugs are a part of our natural environment. Although they won’t be an issue when we are cruising, we may encounter flies and mosquitoes when we stop. You may want to bring insect repellent, and consider wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Although these are evening tours, you may want to carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun before it sets.
- Optics are not provided. Please bring your own binoculars and/or cameras. Spotting scopes and tripods are not recommended for the boat. You may want to bring a dry bag for your optics to keep them safe and dry from salt spray.
Policies and cancellation info:
- Please review our Waiver and Release of Liability. We require all registrants to complete the waiver and bring a signed copy with them.
- The schedule may change slightly during the day if unpleasant weather is in the forecast. Please be flexible as we endeavor to keep you and your fellow travelers safe.
- Trips are subject to cancellations due to dangerous weather or boat/equipment issues. If we must cancel a trip, we will notify participants as soon as possible via email. Refunds will be issued within 15 days, or we may be able to reschedule you.
- We do not cancel trips for cold/hot temps or rain, and we strongly encourage our guests to dress and prepare for all weather.
- Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
- Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and silence your cell phones during trips.
- All reservations will be confirmed via email.
- Cancellations will be accepted up to two weeks before your scheduled trip.