Boat Rides and Tours in Ocean City NJ: Planning Your 2027 Trip
Boat Rides and Tours in Ocean City NJ: Start Planning Summer 2027
Search for boat rides in Ocean City NJ this time of year and you mostly find summer pages. So here is the straight answer from our dock at 228 Bay Ave: our boats are done for the 2026 season. The Beachy Tiki is closed for 2026, and Shark Bait Family Fishing Charters reopens in May 2027.
That makes right now planning season. If you already know you are coming back next summer, this is the easiest time to pick your boat, lock down your group, and get your dates on the calendar before July and August fill up.
Why plan your 2027 Ocean City boat ride now
- Private charters are one group per time slot. Once a Saturday sunset slot is taken, it is gone.
- Big groups need lead time anyway. Family reunions, bachelorette weekends, and two-family rentals have to line up dates early, so put the boat on the list with the house.
- Our booking links stay up all winter. You can check next summer's dates as they open, or call us and we will help you plan.
- Gift cards work for summer trips. Both the Beachy Tiki and Shark Bait sites sell gift cards, which makes a summer boat ride an easy holiday gift.
Option 1: The Beachy Tiki for bay cruises, sunsets, and celebrations
The Beachy Tiki is our sightseeing boat ride. You cruise the Ocean City back bays with music, island vibes, and your own drinks. There are two ways to do it.
The Big Tiki. A custom 40-foot catamaran with cushioned bench seats, bar-top rail seating, a roof over the whole deck, and a fully plumbed restroom. You can buy seats on a public tour (about 1.5 hours, all ages) or book the whole boat as a private charter for up to 32 people. Private options include a 1.5-hour charter, a 3-hour charter, and a 2-hour Night Out charter at 8:30 PM. Catering is available on private charters.
The Little Tikis. Private 25-foot tiki boats for up to 6 people, with charters of 1, 2, or 4 hours and a flushing restroom on board. Longer charters can be harder to get, so if you want more than an hour, aim for an earlier time slot.
In season, the Beachy Tiki runs from 9 AM to 8 PM, and hours vary between the Big Tiki and the Little Tikis. We have not set the 2027 opening date yet, so check the Beachy Tiki site or call before you finalize your trip. Not sure which boat fits your crew? Read our Big Tiki vs Little Tiki guide.
Option 2: Shark Bait charters for a fishing tour of the back bays
If your group would rather catch something than cruise, Shark Bait Family Fishing Charters is the boat trip for you. It leaves from the same dock at 228 Bay Ave and reopens in May 2027.
- Private charters for up to 6 people, in 2-hour or 4-hour trips
- All ages and skill levels, with a USCG-certified captain helping every step of the way
- Rods, reels, bait, and ice are all provided
- You target back-bay fish like flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish
- Catch a keeper and the crew will clean and fillet it for you
First time fishing, or bringing kids? Our first Shark Bait charter guide covers what to expect.
Tiki cruise or fishing charter? What to decide before you book
- Group size. More than 6 people means the Big Tiki (up to 32). For 6 or fewer, you can pick a Little Tiki or a Shark Bait charter.
- The vibe. Music, drinks, and sunset photos point to the Beachy Tiki. Kids who want to reel something in point to Shark Bait.
- How long. About 1.5 hours on a Big Tiki public tour, 1 to 4 hours on a Little Tiki, and 2 or 4 hours on Shark Bait.
- Your dates. Shark Bait reopens in May 2027. Peak July and August weekends go first on both boats, so book those earliest.
- Public or private. Public Big Tiki seats are shared with other guests. A private charter means it is just your group and your music.
Your 2027 boat ride checklist
- Pick your vacation week and a backup day in case of weather or schedule changes.
- Get a real headcount, then match it to a boat (32 on the Big Tiki, 6 on a Little Tiki or Shark Bait).
- Choose your time of day: a morning or midday trip for little kids, or sunset for photos.
- Reserve online, or call 609-398-9000 with questions about big groups or private charters.
- Plan to arrive at 228 Bay Ave early enough for parking and check-in.
What to bring on the boat
- Drinks and snacks in a backpack or soft shoulder cooler for the Beachy Tiki (BYOB for adults). Wheeled and hard coolers are not allowed on board.
- Closed-toe shoes for grip on the docks and deck. Skip the high heels.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A light layer for evening trips, when the bay cools off
- A cooler bag in the car if you plan to take fish fillets home from Shark Bait
- Cash or a card for the crew tip. Tipping is up to you.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the Beachy Tiki, the docks, or the property.
Reserve your Ocean City boat ride for summer 2027
Both boats are closed right now, but the booking links stay live all winter so you can plan ahead for next summer:
- Big Beachy Tiki public tours and private charters
- Little Tikis private boats for up to 6
- Shark Bait private fishing charters (reopening May 2027)
Questions about dates, big groups, or gift cards? Call us at 609-398-9000.
Plan your 2027 boat ride now, pick your crew, and we will see you at 228 Bay Ave next summer.
