Ocean City: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Crew

The best part of this Ocean City sailing cruise comes when the diesel engines shut off and Alyosha moves under sail power alone. You hear the water, feel the boat lean with the wind, and get a far better sense of ocean sailing than you would on a standard motorboat ride. Dolphins often appear near the bow, adding a welcome bit of wild life to the outing.

I like the wide forward trampolines, which give you room to stretch out, and the calm, friendly crew led by Captain Steve Butz. I also like the choice of sheltered cockpit seating if the open deck feels too exposed. The main drawback is simple: this is real open-ocean sailing, so wind, waves, and comfort can change from one departure to the next.

Key Points

• Sail power is the main event: The engines are turned off once conditions allow, letting the catamaran glide with the wind.
• Alyosha is a roomy 50-foot catamaran: Use the forward trampolines, cushioned seating, cockpit, salon, or cabins.
• Dolphins are a real possibility: Pods often swim near the bow, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• The route depends on the weather: You may sail behind Assateague Island or head into the Atlantic through the Ocean City Inlet.
• Captain Steve Butz adds a personal touch: He talks about his world sailing trips, while crew members such as Demetri and Sarah help passengers feel at ease.
• Plan for a boat boarding: You need to climb on and off the catamaran, and parking near the marina can take extra time.

Why This Is Sailing, Not Just a Boat Ride

Ocean City offers plenty of fast and noisy water activities. This cruise takes the other path. Its purpose is not speed, music, or a long list of stops. It is about feeling the boat respond to the wind.

The trip usually begins from a marina slip near the OC Bay Hopper Shed. From there, the catamaran heads toward the Ocean City Inlet. This early part can be the roughest stretch of the outing, since the boat leaves the calmer marina water and meets the movement of the inlet and ocean.

Once clear of the inlet, the crew lets the weather shape the route. On some trips, you may sail in protected water behind Assateague Island. On others, the catamaran heads into the Atlantic. The crew may set a triangular course, but the exact shape depends on wind and sea conditions.

That unpredictability is part of the appeal, but it is also the main thing to understand before booking. The captain can choose a safe and enjoyable route, but nobody can order the wind to produce a smooth sea or a dramatic sail. A calm day may give you an easy, gentle ride. A breezier day may create more motion and a livelier experience.

The most rewarding moment comes when the engines stop. Instead of listening to motor noise, you hear the sails and hull moving through the water. That quiet shift makes this a good choice if you want to learn what sailing actually feels like, rather than simply taking a boat trip with an ocean view.

A Look Around Alyosha

Alyosha is a 50-foot catamaran with more space than you might expect on a two-hour cruise. The forward trampolines are the signature seating area. They are made for lounging and give you a close view of the water as the boat moves.

You can stretch out there, but keep your balance and follow the crew’s instructions. The front of a catamaran can feel more active when the sea is moving. If you prefer a steadier place, the spacious cockpit has cushioned seating for about six people.

There is also a roomy salon and cabins that passengers may use. The outdoor deck is where the sailing feels most immediate, but it is useful to have indoor areas if the sun becomes intense or the wind picks up.

A restroom is available onboard. Boat toilets need more care than toilets on land, so use them properly and follow the crew’s guidance. Bottled water is supplied, and you may bring your own food and drinks.

I would pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and clothing suited to the forecast. Even on a warm Ocean City day, wind can make the water feel cooler than the beach. You will spend much of the trip outside, so sun protection is not a small detail.

The Crew and the Feel of the Trip

Captain Steve Butz is part of what gives this cruise its personality. He talks about his world sailing trips, which adds useful context to the boat ride without turning the outing into a formal classroom session.

The crew also gets involved in the practical side of the experience. Demetri was singled out for helping passengers feel comfortable and safe, while Sarah has sailed alongside Captain Steve and has been praised for her friendly manner. The overall tone is relaxed and encouraging.

That matters if you have never sailed before. You do not need to know how to read wind direction or understand every part of the rigging. You can simply watch the crew work, ask questions, and enjoy the ride.

Families may find the pace easier than a speedboat excursion. One recent outing worked well for children, with the crew engaging with the kids while the adults enjoyed a quieter ride. The cruise is generally suitable for children older than about four or five, though every child needs to be comfortable on a moving boat.

The trip can also suit older adults who have fair mobility. Sheltered seating helps, but you still need to climb on and off the boat. This is not a fully hands-off sightseeing cruise.

Dolphins, Assateague Island, and the Atlantic

Dolphins are one of the biggest draws. Pods often swim near the bow, where passengers on the forward trampolines may get a particularly good view. Their appearance is a natural bonus, not a scheduled part of the route, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The possible routes offer different moods. Sailing behind Assateague Island may feel more protected and forgiving if you prefer less motion. Heading through the inlet into the Atlantic gives you the full ocean experience, with more open water and a stronger sense of distance from shore.

The inlet itself can be choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew suggests and keep your eyes on the horizon. Conditions often become gentler during the summer, when the afternoon sea breeze builds over rolling swells, but weather along the Atlantic coast can change.

I like that the captain does not pretend to control nature. The route is adjusted to the day’s conditions. That means one trip may be calm and restful, while another may feel more active. Check the forecast and be honest about how comfortable you are with moving water.

Two Hours Well Spent for $110

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Ocean City. You can find shorter or more action-focused boat outings, including speedboat rides and parasailing. Those activities may suit you better if you want a rush, a set sightseeing loop, or a quick dolphin hunt.

The value here comes from the boat, the crew, and the sailing itself. You receive nearly two hours aboard a large catamaran, professional crew support, bottled water, cushions, and access to several seating areas. The engines being shut off is also important. You are paying for time under sail, not just transportation across the bay.

For a family or couple that wants a quiet break from the boardwalk, the price can make sense. It is also a good introduction if you are considering a longer sailing trip in the future. The roomy layout keeps the experience from feeling cramped, and the crew’s personal approach adds value.

One detail needs clearing up. The standard experience is described as about two hours, usually lasting around one hour and 50 minutes. One customer referred to a four-hour tour, but you should plan around the advertised two-hour duration unless the provider confirms another option directly.

Getting to Olde Towne Marina

The departure point is near the blue OC Bay Hopper Shed at Olde Towne Marina. The address is 307 Dorchester Street in Ocean City, Maryland, ZIP code 21842.

Free parking may be available near the shed, while street parking may require payment. Parking can be difficult, so arrive early. The marina has a restaurant next door, which can be useful if you want to arrive ahead of time and wait nearby.

There is not much formal check-in. Still, you should aim to be there about five minutes before departure, and earlier if you need to park. The boat leaves on schedule. If you arrive late, the crew may depart without you rather than hold up the people who arrived on time.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the marina.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this outing if you want a slower, more natural water experience. It suits you if the sound of sails and water appeals more than a loud engine and high speed.

It is also a strong pick for:

• Families with children old enough to manage a moving boat
• Couples looking for a relaxed ocean activity
• First-time sailors who want guidance without a formal lesson
• Older adults with enough mobility to board safely
• Anyone hoping to see dolphins while enjoying open water
• People who want both outdoor seating and a sheltered cockpit

You may want another activity if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or cannot climb on and off a boat. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible, although it is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on a guardian’s lap.

This is also not the right choice if you need a guaranteed calm ride. The captain and crew can choose a suitable route, but they cannot control the wind and seas.

Booking, Weather, and What to Bring

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

Bring a passport or ID card, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You can bring food and drinks, though bottled water is already provided.

I would wear secure shoes and avoid bringing anything loose that could blow across the deck. The information supplied does not set out a specific footwear rule, so follow any instructions from the crew on departure day.

The cruise runs in the morning and at night when available. A morning trip may offer a fresh start to the day, while an evening departure can give you softer light and cooler air. The exact mood still depends on the weather.

My Recommendation

Book this Ocean City catamaran cruise if you want to feel the boat sail, not simply ride in a boat. Captain Steve Butz and the crew give beginners a comfortable introduction, while the wide trampolines, cockpit seating, and indoor areas make Alyosha easy to enjoy for nearly two hours.

I would skip it if you want guaranteed dolphins, a fixed route, or a completely smooth ride. For everyone else, $110 is a fair price for a spacious catamaran, real sail power, possible dolphin sightings, and a quieter side of Ocean City that you will not find on the boardwalk.

FAQ

How long does the Ocean City sailing cruise last?

The cruise lasts about two hours, with most trips running around one hour and 50 minutes.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The boat departs from Olde Towne Marina near the blue OC Bay Hopper Shed. The address is 307 Dorchester Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

How much does the sailing cruise cost?

The listed price is $110 per person.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water is provided onboard.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own food and drinks.

Will the engines be turned off during the trip?

The purpose of the outing is sailing, and the engines are turned off when conditions allow so the catamaran can move under sail power.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphins often swim near the bow, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not wheelchair accessible, and you must be able to climb on and off the boat.

Can I bring a stroller or infant?

The activity is stroller accessible. An infant must sit on a guardian’s lap.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.