This event is on an island, you can only get here by plane or boat. You could kayak or canoe here if you really knew what you were doing. But I don't recommend it. You could take your own power boat if you wanted too. How you get here is up to you! No cars are allowed on the island so even after you get here you will be on foot unless you reserve a bicycle or golf cart.
I plan to leave from the dock in Reedville, VA. More information about the ferry that goes out of Reedville can be found here: https://tangiercruise.com/
The ferry leaves at 10am, arrives on the island by 11:30am, and leaves Tangier Island at 2:15pm to return to Reedville around 4pm.
There is another ferry out of Crisfield, Maryland (Eastern Shore). More info here: http://tangierislandcruises.com/
That ferry leaves Crisfield at 12:30pm, arrives on the island at 1:45pm, and leaves the island at 4pm to get back to Crisfield around 5:15pm.
What:
A trip to Tangier Island
Why:
Tangier Island is a fascinating place. It has around 400 residents. Located about 22 miles west of the mainland Eastern Shore, Tangier’s isolation helped foster a unique culture of crabbing and a tight-knit community that stretches back to colonial America. Tangier faces an existential threat. Erosion and sea-level rise compounded by sinking land have gobbled up more than two-thirds of its land mass since 1850. The town is now predicted to morph into uninhabitable wetlands within a few decades. People are fighting to make changes to keep it habitable. There are some interesting documentaries on the subject.
Who:
Anybody who wants to go on a little adventure to Tangier Island. Kids are welcome! Muggles are welcome too. I recommend making advanced reservations for whatever mode of travel you chose. The boat out of Reedville holds 150 people. The boat out of Crisfield holds 300 people.
When:
Saturday, June 14, 2025
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
(allowing people from either boat to attend)
The rest of the time, you are free to explore the island.
Where:
We will meet on Main Ridge Rd between Fisherman's Corner and Lorraine's Snack Bar. No purchase is required on the island.
A few details I learned after making my boat reservations:
Tangier Island Cruises FAQs
Q: Does the trip run in inclemete weather?
A: The only way a cruise will be cancelled, due to weather, is if the Captain fears for the safety of the passengers aboard. Usually during the chance of inclement weather, all passengers are notified the day before the scheduled cruise.
Q: Do we need to make our own reservations for a specific restaurant?
A: If you let us know how many people are in your group, we can contact the restaurant of your choice for reservations, but normally a small group does not require reservations.
Q: Can we bring alcohol onboard the boat?
A: Yes, you can bring alcohol on board the boat, however, Tangier is a “dry” island and no alcohol can be purchased on the island. That does not mean alcohol is not consumed on the island, but it cannot be purchased. We therefore suggest you leave your alcohol on the boat while touring the island.
Q: Can we bring our own food and drink onboard?
A: Yes, you can bring you own food and drinks with you on the boat to the island.
Q: How can we get around the island easily?
A: You can walk around the island if you choose, since it is only about a mile wide and 3 miles long, or you can rent a bike or a golf cart (limited availability) to tour the island. Bike rentals may be available. Or a frequent choice of visitors is to hire one of the ladies on the island to give you a tour and have her show you all the points of interest and explain more about the island, which is $7 per person.
Q: Can we bring our own bikes onboard to the island?
A: Yes, you can bring your own bike aboard the boat to the island at a cost of $5.00, but storage is limited. Or you can rent a bicycle on the island for $10.00 for the day at Sunset Inn.
Q: Is the boat handicapped accessible?
A: The Chesapeake Breeze does have a gangplank that will accommodate a 24″ wide wheel chair or motorized scooter. If the wheel chair does not fit the gangplank and you can possibly walk aboard, we will load you wheelchair on the boat and transport it to the island for your convenience.