VA kayak tours: Tangier Island: Chesapeake Bay

August 6, 6:05 PMDC Kayaking ExaminerStu Griffith

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Photo © Tangier History Museum.

 In the beginning it was a native American fishing ground. John Smith, the first European explorer, stopped through during his tour of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1812, the British launched an attack on Baltimore from it's shores.

In the middle of the Chesapeake  Bay sits Tangier Island, population 590, give or take.

Known primarily as a community of waterman families, Tangier Island offers visitors water trails to kayak. Kayaks can actually be borrowed at no charge from the Tangier History Museum and Cultural Interpretive Center. As well, guides are available at $15/person (two person minimum). The five water trails are:

• The Town of Tangier Main Trail: Through the Main Gut and under 5 bridges, you will paddle through the harbor's crabbing boats and soft shell crab shedding houses. 
• The Port Isobel Trail: Follows the main channel to Port Isobel. A scenic walking path is close by that takes you through the marshes.
• The Marsh Trail: Runs through the marshes and brings you close to the beach.
• The Cod Harbor Trail: Takes you to the lagoon and isolated beaches. This is also a nesting ground for terns and black skimmers.
• The Uppards Trail: Circular route north of the main channel that leads you to the beaches on the western side of the island.

Several tourist ferries run May through September, the trip to Tangier Island talking approximately 90 minutes. Dining and lodging are also available for anyone looking to extend their stay.

For more info: Visit the Tangier Island web site.

Not quite what you're looking for? Check out all area tour locations!