If you've ever wondered how to get to Smith Island, the answer is simple—join us for a guided boat tour that takes care of everything! Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island is only accessible by boat, making it a truly unique destination. Our all-inclusive tour departs from Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD, and offers an immersive experience of island life, from fresh crab cake lunches to hands-on blue crab demonstrations and a taste of the famous Smith Island cake.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover its charm, this tour provides a stress-free way to experience the island’s rich history and culture. Sit back, relax, and let us take you on an unforgettable journey through Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island.

A group of people on the boat Circuit Rider going on a day trip to Experience Smith Island with Crisfield MD in the background. — Guests enjoy the scenic ride across the bay, leaving Crisfield behind as they head toward the rich history and charm of Smith Island.

What to Expect on a Tour to Smith Island: A Day of Adventure and Heritage

Your journey begins at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD. Once on board my Chesapeake Bay deadrise workboat, we’ll travel across the bay for 50-60 minutes, heading toward Smith Island. As we depart, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter local watermen hard at work, hauling in the catch of the day. If we’re lucky, we may even get to witness their work firsthand!

Watching the watermen in their workboats go by while on a tour of Smiuth Island aboard the Circuit Rider with Experience Smith Island. — Guests get an opportunity of a close-up view of Chesapeake Bay watermen—witnessing the daily life of those who make their living on the water.

First Stop: Tylerton - Crab Cake Lunch

Your tour starts with a delicious crab cake lunch at Drum Point Market in Tylerton. The market serves up fresh crabmeat caught by local watermen, and the order is placed ahead of time so it’s hot and ready when you arrive. Enjoy your lunch while you soak in the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

Worker at Drum Point Market on Tylerton Smith Island Maryland offering a crab cake lunch to guests on my day trip tour. — Serving up fresh, locally caught crab cakes at Drum Point Market—authentic Smith Island flavors at their finest!.

Next Stop: Rhodes Point - Crab Shanty and Blue Crab Demo

After lunch, we head to Rhodes Point where we visit my dad’s traditional crab shanty. Here, I’ll demonstrate how a true waterman’s crab shanty operates, and you’ll get hands-on experience in what it takes to catch and prepare blue crabs. It's a chance to experience the island’s waterman culture firsthand.

doing a blue crab waterman crab shanty demonstration to a group on the Experience Smith Island tour. — Demonstrating the art of crabbing on Smith Island—hands-on learning about the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab industry!

Smith Island Cake Experience

Next, we visit my mom’s home where she will show you the art of baking a traditional Smith Island layer cake. You’ll even get a sample of this iconic dessert to take home with you. This step in our tour lets you experience a piece of island history in the kitchen where it’s been perfected for generations.

mom doing a Smith Island layer cake demonstration in her home for three women guests. — My mom, Maxine, showing how to make the iconic Smith Island chocolate layer cake.

Final Stop: Ewell - The Smith Island Cultural Center

As we head toward Ewell, keep an eye out for the pelican nesting site along the way. Once in Ewell, you’ll visit the Smith Island Cultural Center, where the island’s rich history and culture come alive. Admission to the museum is included, offering a fascinating glimpse into life on the island.

Ewell Smith Island cultural museum with the history of the island. This is the front of the museum. — Step into the Smith Island Cultural Center in Ewell and explore the fascinating heritage of Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island.

The Smith Island Experience

Throughout the day, you’ll be guided by me and my wife, Carole Ann. Both born and raised on Smith Island, we have a deep connection to its heritage. I spent years working on the water as a waterman, harvesting crabs, while Carole Ann picked the crabmeat from my catch to sell, continuing the island’s long-standing tradition of working the water and providing fresh seafood to customers. Later, I served as a pastor for 20 years on the Eastern Shore. Now, we love sharing our stories and showing you the true spirit of Smith Island.

Everett and Carole Ann LAndon standing on the dock at Somers Cove MArina in Crisfield beside their boat Circuit Rider. — Captain Everett and Carole Ann, ready to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable journey to Smith Island!

This all-inclusive tour lasts 6 hours and covers everything. From transportation, meals, and museum admission to hands-on experiences and a personalized tour, we take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a world untouched by time, Smith Island is waiting for you. Book your tour today to see this incredible place for yourself.

How to Get to Smith Island: A Complete Tour Experience