Smith Island Boat Tours & Cruises in Crisfield, Maryland
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking and mostly seated on the boat with short island visits.
Overview
Step aboard for a day out on Chesapeake Bay with Experience Smith Island, where boat tours reveal the hard-working watermen, unique island culture, and pristine waterfronts of Maryland’s last inhabited offshore community.
Smith Island Boat Tours & Cruises in Crisfield, Maryland
Adventure Tips
Book Early for Weekends and Holidays
Experience Smith Island tours can fill quickly, especially on sunny weekends; reserve your spot in advance.
Dress for the Bay Breeze
Bring layers and a windbreaker to stay comfortable on open-deck portions of the boat, even during summer.
Bring Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing
Birdlife around Smith Island is abundant; binoculars enhance sightings of pelicans, ospreys, and waterfowl.
Prepare for Minimal Wi-Fi
Cell service can be spotty on the island; plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelicans resting along the shoreline
- Ospreys diving for fish in the bay
History
Smith Island is Maryland's only inhabited offshore island, with a waterman culture stretching back over 300 years.
Conservation
Tours highlight sustainable crabbing practices and the importance of protecting bay habitats amid rising environmental challenges.
Adventure Hotspots in Salisbury, Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windbreaker or Light Jacket
Protects from breezes and changes in weather on the water.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Binoculars
Enhances birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the bay.
Sunscreen
Necessary to guard against sun exposure during open-deck sightseeing.
summer|spring|fall specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
For brief strolls in island villages and at crabbing demonstration stops.