Things to do nearCurtis Merritt Harbor

Curtis Merritt Harbor has long served as a working heart of Chincoteague Island's maritime community. The marina sits on the island's southern end, sheltered from open Atlantic weather by the barrier landscape that defines this stretch of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Its protected slips and boat ramps make it a reliable home port for commercial fishermen and recreational boaters alike.

Visitors arriving by boat will find practical amenities alongside genuine coastal character. The surrounding waters open quickly into the shallows of Chincoteague Bay, where fishing charters target flounder, striped bass, and red drum depending on the season. The flat, protected bay also suits kayaking for those who prefer a quieter pace on the water.

The broader island of Chincoteague is famous for its wild pony herds and the annual pony swim, but the harbor reminds you that this is first and foremost a fishing town. Crab pots, weathered hulls, and the smell of brine are as much a part of the experience as any scenic overlook.

Curtis Merritt Harbor offers a grounded, authentic introduction to the Eastern Shore's working waterfront, and that honesty is precisely what makes it worth the visit.