Pizza and Ice Cream Cruises

Food cruises are one of Ocean City's cheerful local specialties, and the Bay Hopper boats are the best known. The company runs a family of themed sailings from the downtown docks: a pizza cruise, an ice cream cruise, a happy hour cruise, a lunch cruise and a sunset trip, each built around the same idea of an easy hour or so on the bay with something good to eat or drink. The pizza cruise has built up a large following of reviews from happy passengers, and families often choose it as a dinner alternative that is also an activity. On board you sit in a comfortable open boat while the captain takes a slow loop through the back bay, passing marinas, waterfront homes, the bridges and the open marsh. Commentary covers local history, wildlife and landmarks, and children can watch for birds and boats. The food is simple and fun rather than fine dining, with the ice cream cruise aimed at younger travelers and the happy hour cruise aimed at adults who want a drink and a view. Each sailing is short enough that even restless kids stay engaged.

Choose the cruise by who is coming. The ice cream trip is the kids' favorite, the pizza trip works for mixed groups and teenagers, and the happy hour and sunset sailings suit couples and adults. Menus and inclusions change, so read the description at booking to see exactly what is included and whether drinks cost extra. If anyone has allergies or dietary needs, ask in advance and bring a backup snack, since food on small boats is usually limited.

Timing and comfort are straightforward. Cruises run in the warm months, with the heaviest schedule in summer, and boats are covered or partly shaded in places but still open to the breeze, so bring a layer and sun protection. Arrive at the dock a little early, particularly on weekends, and check where to board since downtown has several piers. Seasickness is rare on the calm bay, but the boat does move, so those who are prone should sit near the middle.

The cruises also solve the problem of what to do in the evening after a long beach day. Instead of waiting for a restaurant table, you eat on the water, see a different side of town and still have time for the boardwalk afterward. For visitors who like to keep activities relaxed, the combination of food, fresh air and a short, simple schedule is hard to beat. Pair one with a morning on the beach or a day at Assateague for a perfectly balanced Ocean City day.