Directions, Policies & Tips

GETTING THERE:

Somers Cove Marina is located at 715 Broadway in Crisfield, MD 21817, but the entrance for Pier N is not accessible inside the marina. Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled trip departs to find Pier N, park your vehicle, and use the restroom.

When you arrive at the main gate of the marina, drive past the gate to 4th Street. Turn right, and follow 4th Street to Norris Harbor Drive (you’ll keep the marina perimeter fence on your right as you drive). Turn right on Norris Harbor Drive, and turn right into the Somers Cover Marina Charter Fishing Center. You may park for free in the parking lot, and you will see two light blue buildings before you arrive at the dock.

Here are some commonsense approaches to make your Smith Island trip more enjoyable:

WHAT TO BRING:

  • If you’re on a boat, bring a coat! Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for weather which can be much cooler near the water. It may be warm on the dock, but our bay waters can still be chilly in spring and early summer.
  • If you are prone to motion sickness, please take Dramamine or Bonine prior to departure.
  • Bugs are a part of our natural environment. You can expect and prepare for flies, mosquitoes and ticks during some field trips. Be sure to bring insect repellent, and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine. We only cancel trips due to dangerous weather, such as lightning or strong winds.
  • Optics are not provided. Please bring your own binoculars, spotting scopes and/or cameras. We will be viewing the pelicans from skiffs, so you may want to bring a dry bag for your optics to keep them safe and dry from salt spray.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Although these trips are not physically demanding, there will be some walking and climbing in and out of boats.
  • You must be able to enter and depart the boats with limited assistance. This may require climbing up short ladders from the boat to the dock.
  • You should be prepared to walk a total of two miles on paved surfaces in the hot summer sun. Those who do not wish to walk can stay on the boat or find a bench to rest.
  • You should be able to carry your own gear, such as backpacks and camera bags.

TIPS, SHOPPING & LUNCH:

  • Please bring a tip for the first mate (suggested amount $15 – $20).
  • If you want to do some shopping on Smith Island, please bring cash. Some businesses do not accept credit and debit cards.
  • We may be able to take pre-orders from guests for food to take home, such as a world-famous Smith Island cake or crab cakes. We will notify you after you have registered with the options for that trip. You will be responsible for paying for these items with cash on the island, and for transporting your food on the boat back to Crisfield.
  • Vegetarians and guests with seafood allergies must make their restrictions known prior to lunch at Drum Point Market. If you do not want a crab cake sandwich, we can make arrangements for burgers or cheese & veggie sandwiches.

POLICIES & BEHAVIOR:

  • The schedule may change slightly during the day if unpleasant weather is in the forecast. Please be flexible as we endeavor to keep you and your fellow travelers safe.
  • Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
  • Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and silence your cell phones during trips.
  • Smith Island residents are warm and welcoming, but please be respectful. Do not enter private property, avoid taking photos of people without permission, and stay on one side of the road when walking to allow golf carts and vehicles to pass.
  • All reservations will be confirmed via email. We do not accept cancellations after you have registered for your trip.
  • Trips are subject to weather cancellations by boat captains, outfitters and guides. If we must cancel an event due to dangerous conditions, we will notify participants via email, and refunds will be issued within 30 days.