Smith Island Tours: Directions, Policies & Tips

Tricolored Heron, Brown Pelican and American Oystercatcher. Photos courtesy of Frode Jacobsen.

Getting there and restrooms:

We depart from Crisfield at Pier N in the Somers Cove Marina, located at 715 Broadway in Crisfield, MD 21817. Please note that the entrance for Pier N is not accessible inside the marina. Pier N is located beside the Rodeway Inn, located at 700 Norris Harbor Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817. GPS Coordinates for the exact meeting location: 37.975257, -75.856673. There is free all-day parking at Pier N.

Try to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled trip departs to find Pier N, park your vehicle, and use the marina restroom. There is no head (toilet) on our charter boat, the Elizabeth Joy II. Jim Rapp (DBW Guide) or Barry Chew (First Mate) will be present at Pier N one hour before the tour begins to help you load gear on the Elizabeth Joy II.

Google Map of Pier N and the Rodeway Inn

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 (or light jacket)! Wear layers of 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. We suggest wearing long pants made of lightweight, quick-drying material.
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Stay hydrated. We will have bottled water, but please bring your own as well. We will have access to restroomss on Smith Island.
  • 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. If you are on a pelican colony tour, 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. Your guide and the First Mate can assist you.
  • 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 one mile on paved surfaces. During the summer, there is little shade to protect us from the hot sun.
  • 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 on the Elizabeth Joy II (suggested amount $20/person). You are also encouraged to tip the watermen who captain the skiffs and pontoon boats for the pelican tours (suggested amount $5 – $10).
  • 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:

  • Please review our Waiver and Release of Liability. We require all registrants to complete the waiver and bring a signed copy with them.
  • 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 15 days.
  • We do not cancel trips for cold/hot temps or rain, and we strongly encourage our guests to dress and prepare for all weather. The birds will be there!