Kayaking Tangier Island, Virginia

(click on the image to see my video!)

Last week, I took the ferry from my town of Onancock on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to Tangier Island, 12 miles out in the Chesapeake Bay. As a kayaker, my goal was to check out the paddling options. I borrowed a boat, life jacket and paddle, which are available free to visitors from the dock of the Tangier History Museum.

Turning right, I quickly left behind the small town and the sounds of the crab sheds and boats of Tangier’s main industry. A family of Canada geese walked along the shore. Osprey nested on a platform and great blue heron waded and fished in the shallows.

I soon entered a marsh creek where I could hear Virginia rails “clapping” in the grass. Occasionally one would flush and fly across my bow, colorful if somewhat awkward in flight. I was completely alone except for the birds.

Within 15 minutes a sparkling white sand beach came into view, a perfect spot for a picnic.

There was far more to explore than I had time for. I’d love to see this become a paddling destination. You could start in Onancock with a two-hour historic creek tour, stay the night in a B&B, take the ferry to Tangier in the morning, take a self-guided trip, then stay at one of their B&Bs.

Here’s a link to the Tangier Water Trails.

Learn more in my article on the "A day in the life" of the watermen who live here.

Tangier Island Ferry Resumes from Onancock, VA

After a year's absence, ferry service from Onancock, VA to Tangier Island has resumed. Tangierman Mark Crockett has outfitted the Joyce Marie to take passengers to and from the tiny watermen's community 12 miles out in the Chesapeake Bay.

Read our article about a truly authentic adventure, the Tangier Watermen's Tour. On this unique trip visitor get to ride along with crews pulling crab pots, visit a crab shanty where they 'bust' into softshells, then head to a local restaurant to dine on the delicacy the island is famous for.

Consider a trip to this authentic island this summer. It really is like stepping back in time. Board in Onancock, a 1680 Colonial port on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Watch a video on kayaking around Tangier Island.