Visiting Smith Island, Maryland

[Gunn]

http://www.smithisland.us/ewell.htm

I'm thinking of planning a quick trip to Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay relatively soon. I was just looking for information on getting there once you get close, and what there might be to do there.

According to Smith Island Marina, the entries were dredged in 2010 making it easier to get in. But since I've never been there, it raises a caution flag. Is it clearly marked on how to get to the marina? This marina looks to be the only one on the island for transients...true? It does look nice according to the website, and is close to the museum.

What about things to do? From reading about it, it looks like you might be able to see everything in a day or one overnight visit. True? Anyone have recommendations on where to eat, what to see, etc.?

Any other info would be appreciated!

Tom

 

[Gunn]

Not the best choice to visit 'eh?!?

 

[themikehyde]

Gunn, I have been wanting to hit there or Tangier. I keep saying "this year."

 

[Al Gross]

Not sure I'd recommend Smith or Tangier Island. Visited last year over 4th of July...depth was OK and channels marked, but local knowledge would be big help given all the different channels. Additionally, the respective marinas are VERY small and don't offer many amenities. In the end, I'd recommend going to Crisfield or someplace like that and take the ferry over for the day if you want to see them.

My thoughts/recommendations.

 

[tcason]

lot of good info on Smith Island on activecaptain website

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

We visited Smith and Tangier islands a few years back and stayed at Crisfield marina and made a day trip to each with our own boat. Both islands are very interesting history wise, and the local's are just as intereting to talk to, maybe a bit more on Tangiers because of the Elizabethen language. I must say though that the mosquitos are the biggest most aggresive I have ever seen. repelent doesn't touch these beasts, so we spent alot of time in the shops and resturant. I'd recommend giong at least once.

 

[Gunn]

lot of good info on Smith Island on activecaptain website

ActiveCaptain is a great resource, I'll check that out.

Not sure I'd recommend Smith or Tangier Island. Visited last year over 4th of July...depth was OK and channels marked, but local knowledge would be big help given all the different channels. Additionally, the respective marinas are VERY small and don't offer many amenities. In the end, I'd recommend going to Crisfield or someplace like that and take the ferry over for the day if you want to see them.

My thoughts/recommendations.

We never did get over there last year. But your recommendation of visiting Tangier is a good one; I'll plan on that this year if we decide to get out there to an island. We're thinking Chesapeake Beach may be a good weekend trip this year (water park for the kids), and possibly Mt. Vernon on the Potomac...

 

[JimFromMD]

ActiveCaptain is a great resource, I'll check that out.



We never did get over there last year. But your recommendation of visiting Tangier is a good one; I'll plan on that this year if we decide to get out there to an island. We're thinking Chesapeake Beach may be a good weekend trip this year (water park for the kids), and possibly Mt. Vernon on the Potomac...

Herrington Harbor South is a nice marina near chesapeake beach. Also if you go up the road a bit from chesapeake beach to north beach (there is a trolly shuttle that runs for $.25/person for the short ride), hit up "Neptune's" restaurant. They don't take reservations, but the food is incredible, and was well worth our wait. Looks like a small dive joint from the outside, but bigger inside.

 

[blaster]

There's not much going on at Mt Vernon and no marinas near there. You can with permission use the dock and tour Mt Vernon from the water but it is shallow on the Virginia side. You are much better off going to Chesapeake and North Beach. I wouldn't waste the gas driving the boat to D.C. You are better off coming by car to do Mt.Vernon or Gunston Hall.

 

[Gunn]

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll keep them in mind. Visiting Mt. Vernon by water seemed like a cool thing to do, although you have to pay the regular visiting fee and can not stay overnight at that dock. I think there is/was a decent but small marina on the other side and just upriver to stay overnight at and get fuel. It was mentioned in Chesapeake Bay Magazine, though I forget the name of it.

North Beach is one I'll definitely take a look at. Thanks again!