Getting to Tangier Island

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Arriving to Tangier Island by Ferry

There is no bridge to Tangier Island. Cars must be left on the mainland.

Ferries leave for Tangier Island — May through September — from a number of towns.

From the Western Shore: Reedville (VA).
From Eastern Shore: Onancock (VA), Chincoteague (VA) and Crisfield (MD). The year-round shuttle runs out of Crisfield.

You can reserve a spot on the ferry by calling, but you can often buy a ticket once you arrive in town.

The ferries typically leave the mainland around 12:30pm & the 5 o’clock hour. Call the ferry to find out the cost because it may vary depending on season.

You can charter a boat if you want more flexibility. The captains fit the ride in between the regular runs.

Tangier Island charter boats at the Cristfield city dock. These boats are generally hauling supplies to the island.

We had a group of seven and negotiated $30 each for a ride on the Sharon Kay III out of Crisfield. It’s a 46-foot workboat with plastic lawn chairs and a comfortable, fast ride — only an hour. Water and sodas could be purchased from the on-deck cooler.

Tangier Island charter ferry — Capt. Mark on the Sharon Kay III, a charter ferry to Tangier Island

The Sharon Kay II is also the only boat that runs year-round. Capt. Mark grew up on Tangier Island. He explains places to see and answers questions about island life.

Ferries and charters will take kayaks and bicycles. Arrange for them in advance.

Arriving to Tangier Island by Boat

The only public dock is Parks Marina. It has slips, power & water, but it’s ‘marina lite’. You won’t find a marine outfitters.

However, some boating supplies can be found at the fuel dock a half-mile down.

Tangier Island fuel pump — Tangier Island fuel dock. It’s the island’s working marina and also where the few vehicles on the island get their gas

Milton Parks, age 80-ish, runs the marina, and he’s been known to call the ladies “Lovey.” The biggest amenity at the marina is Milton’s charm. There’s no bathhouse.

There is a small airport for private planes.