SOLD OUT – Nov. 20: Cedar Island, VA

THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT.

BOATING/HIKING: Cedar Island, Virgina (boat tour from Wachapreague, VA to Cedar Island for beach hiking)

  • DATE: Friday, November 20
  • TIME: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • COST: $95/person (please bring $10/person tip for skiff captains)
  • MEETING LOCATION: public boat ramp in Wachapeague, VA, located near the VIMS ESL Seawater Lab at 39 Atlantic Avenue
  • BOAT DESCRIPTION: two open-air Carolina skiffs with licensed captains, 5 guests and 1 guide per boat

Join us for an exclusive small group visit to one of the wildest barrier islands along the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We’ll be meeting and leaving from Wachapreague, VA, for a five hour adventure along the Virginia seaside.

During the ~30 minute boat ride out to the island, we will cruise through the salt marshes and coastal bays where we will search for winter waterfowl, Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles and American Oystercatchers.

Brant, photo courtesy of Frode Jacobsen.

Cedar Island is regarded as one of the most dynamic landforms on the east coast, a distinction it shares with its neighbor to the north, Metompkin Island. The islands along Virginia’s seaside are relatively young, having been formed near the end of the last glacial period and moving steadily westward ever since.

Inhabited seasonally by native Americans and later by English colonists, these islands have a tale to tell. We’ll interpret the geology, ecosystems, and the natural and cultural history of the island in human times.

With visitation to Cedar Island only in the fall and winter, this is a rare opportunity to explore Atlantic maritime wilderness. There will be plenty of time for birding on the beach front and the broad sweep of marsh and mudflats on the island’s bayside. You may want to bring a small bag for shell collecting!

When we arrive back in Wachapreague, guests are invited to join us for a late lunch or beverage at the Island House Restaurant, located a short walk from the boat ramp. Food and drinks are not included in the cost of the trip.

Meeting Location

We will meet at the public boat ramp in Wachapeague, VA, located near the VIMS ESL Seawater Lab at 39 Atlantic Avenue. See the Google Map below for the specific meeting location. There is parking along Atlantic Avenue.

Some common sense approaches to make your Cedar Island trip more enjoyable:

  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for chilly weather near the ocean! Boots are preferred for getting in and out of the boats when we arrive at the beach. If you wish to bring a different pair of shoes for hiking on the beach, please do!
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You can still get sunburn in the winter.
  • Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
  • If you want to collect shells, please bring a small bag.
  • Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
  • Boat trips usually fill earlier than other trips; please make your reservations early.
  • Please bring a $10 tip for the skiff captains.
  • If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider Dramamine or Bonine (both are sold over-the-counter), or whatever natural preventative you prefer. Please don’t wait until you’re on the boat to take your medication. Follow the instructions to make sure you have a great experience!
  • Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
  • Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
  • Vegetarians & guests with seafood allergies must make their restrictions known for trips that include lunch.
  • During COVID-19, restroom facilities are limited on many trips. Portable toilets are available at many of our birding locations.

Delmarva Birding Weekends is offering group tours with these COVID-19 guidelines in place:

  • We will establish and enforce safe social distancing standards during field trips.
  • Our guides and providers will wear face coverings during the trips. We will request that our customers do the same.
  • Tour group sizes are reduced in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions.
  • There will be no carpooling to sites. All guests are asked to drive their own vehicles.
  • Trips occurring at the same location may have staggered starts to avoid crowding.
  • We will contract only kayak outfitters and charter boats that have been approved for operation in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. We will abide by the guidelines established for these businesses.
  • All trip registrations must be paid online through our website before embarking.
  • We will sanitize all work surfaces and offer extra masks and hand sanitizer to the extent possible and where practical. We encourage our customers to bring their own hand sanitizer, mask, and/or wipes for use during birding trips.

Please note:

  • Food and drink are not included in the trip cost.
  • No cancellations are accepted after November 10, 2020, unless diagnosed or quarantined with COVID-19.
  • Trips will go rain or shine.
  • If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions, a full refund will be provided. We will notify you via email of trip cancelation before noon on Thursday, Nov. 19.