Explore Smith Island’s waterman heritage by traditional Chesapeake Bay work boat
6 hrs
Crab cake lunch, cake demo, museum
Explore Maryland’s only offshore inhabited island aboard a traditional Chesapeake Bay deadrise work boat. Discover its waterman culture, local heritage, and island landscapes with guidance along the way.
(Approximate Times, Subject to Change)
10:30 AM: Depart from Crisfield Somers Cove Marina for a scenic boat ride to Smith Island.
11:30 AM: Arrive at Tylerton. Enjoy a fresh Maryland crab cake sandwich lunch at Drum Point Market along with some free time to explore the community.
12:30 PM: Depart Tylerton for Rhodes Point.
12:45 PM: Arrive at Rhodes Point. Blue Crab Demonstration: Learn about the local crab industry, and watch Captain Everett demonstrate traditional methods of catching and preparing blue crabs. Smith Island Cake Demonstration: Watch a local Smith Islander demonstrate how to make the iconic Smith Island Cake, Maryland’s state dessert.
2:00 PM: Depart Rhodes Point for Ewell.
2:30 PM: Arrive at Ewell. Visit the Smith Island Cultural Center along with some free time to explore the community.
3:30 PM: Depart Ewell for Crisfield for a scenic boat ride back to Crisfield.
4:30 PM: Arrive back at Somers Cove Marina, concluding your tour.
15 or more days before departure: refund minus a 15% processing fee. 3–14 days before departure: 50% refund. No refund within 48 hours, for no-shows, or late arrivals. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather.
Product ID: BGFCVW
Requires approximately 1/2 mile of walking across three stops, plus stepping in and out of the boat with minimal assistance. High or low tides can make boarding more challenging and may require walking through shallow water.
Dress for the forecast, keeping in mind it can feel cooler on the water. Wear shoes with good traction that can get wet. Bring bug spray, sunblock, snacks, cash, and any medications you may need. Bottled water is provided on the boat.
Lunch includes a Maryland crab cake. If you have a shellfish allergy or prefer a different option, choose from the alternate menu provided during orientation before departure.
Somers Cove Marina Pier B6, 715 Broadway, Crisfield, MD 21817
We did the 3 day Smith Island excursion as a family trip in July 2026, 3 couples from Maryland, Michigan and Illinois. We were intrigued by the history and culture of Smith Island. It is hard to find the words about how amazing these 3 days were. Captain Everett and his wife/first mate Carole Ann warmly welcomed us into their lives. The days were packed with activities that centered around crabs and Smith Island life & culture. I really enjoyed scraping for soft shell crabs with Captain Mark. This was a very hands on experience with a waterman. We scraped up busters, doublers, peelers, flounder, puffer fish, shrimp and a SEAHORSE! Captain Eddie took us by boat to a large pelican rookery where you could see pelican hatchlings along with oyster catchers, great egrets and tri-colored herons. Carole Ann and Everett's Mom were masters of Smith Island cuisine from Smith Island cakes to softshell crabs to stewed chicken. I really enjoyed learning the tricks of making and assembling a moist 8 layer Smith Island cake with Carole Ann. Everett and Carole Ann really got us going with the Smith Island dialect (related to Cornwall English) and the backwards talk which requires a very sharp wit if you're not used to it. The guest house at Rhode's Point was beautifully modern and spacious with great water views from every window. Bikes and golf carts were available to travel back and forth between Rhode's Point and Ewell. But what we'll remember the most is the genuine warmth and kindness of everyone we met on Smith Island. Karin & EG
Karin G
July 20, 2026
We did the 3 day Smith Island excursion as a family trip in July 2026, 3 couples from Maryland, Michigan and Illinois. We were intrigued by the history and culture of Smith Island. It is hard to find the words about how amazing these 3 days were. Captain Everett and his wife/first mate Carole Ann warmly welcomed us into their lives. The days were packed with activities that centered around crabs and Smith Island life & culture. I really enjoyed scraping for soft shell crabs with Captain Mark. This was a very hands on experience with a waterman. We scraped up busters, doublers, peelers, flounder, puffer fish, shrimp and a SEAHORSE! Captain Eddie took us by boat to a large pelican rookery where you could see pelican hatchlings along with oyster catchers, great egrets and tri-colored herons. Carole Ann and Everett's Mom were masters of Smith Island cuisine from Smith Island cakes to softshell crabs to stewed chicken. I really enjoyed learning the tricks of making and assembling a moist 8 layer Smith Island cake with Carole Ann. Everett and Carole Ann really got us going with the Smith Island dialect (related to Cornwall English) and the backwards talk which requires a very sharp wit if you're not used to it. The guest house at Rhode's Point was beautifully modern and spacious with great water views from every window. Bikes and golf carts were available to travel back and forth between Rhode's Point and Ewell. But what we'll remember the most is the genuine warmth and kindness of everyone we met on Smith Island. Karin & EG
Karin G
July 20, 2026