How do you get to Smith Island?

It can be difficult to find your way to Smith Island if you’ve never been here before. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach the island from Crisfield, MD.

Step 1: Arrive in Crisfield, MD- Make your way to the charming town of Crisfield, located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Whether you're driving from nearby areas or embarking on a longer journey, Crisfield will be your starting point for your adventure to Smith Island.

Step 2: Choose Your Parking Spot- Once you've arrived in Crisfield, you have two options for parking your vehicle. You can park at Somers Cove Marina or the Old Lumber Yard. Both options are convenient and accessible, so choose the one that suits you best.

Step 3: Pay at the Old Lumber Yard- If you decide to park at the Old Lumber Yard, you'll find a pay box onsite. Bring an envelope with you, fill it with the required cash amount for parking, and place it in the pay box. Remember to write your vehicle information on the envelope. Make sure to check the posted parking rates to ensure you're paying the correct amount.

Pay for Island Parking at Somers Cove Marina- Alternatively, if you prefer to park at Somers Cove Marina, head to the marina office to pay for island parking. The friendly staff will assist you in the payment process and provide any additional information you might need. Parking for both locations runs about $3/day.

Step 4: Choose your ferry to Smith Island. Ferries depart daily from the Crisfield Dock at 12:30 PM. Make sure you bring cash for the ferry. Round trips are usually around $25-$30 a person but may fluctuate with fuel prices. Ferries leave Smith Island daily at 7:30am and 11:00am on Sundays. You have two choices for the ferry:

  • Captain Jason: (red boat) captained by Captain Terry Laird

  • Island Belle II: (green boat) captained by Captain Otis Tyler

Step 5: Board the ferry! Once on board, relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Chesapeake Bay as you sail towards Smith Island.

Step 6: Welcome to Smith Island! After a pleasant ferry ride, you'll arrive at the picturesque Smith Island. Both the Captain Jason and the Island Belle II docks are within walking distance of the Double H Ranch. Additionally, if you have luggage or need assistance, the ferry captains, Terry and Otis, are kind enough to provide transportation to the house. Simply ask them nicely, and they'll be happy to accommodate you.

3 Knots Marine: Renovated and ready for your visit!

3 Knots Marine on Smith Island is open! Located on the Big Thoroughfare next to the Bayside Inn.

Contact Captain Patrick Welsh to arrange your trip: 3KnotsMarine (google.com)

You can reach our Dockmaster on channel 78 or by cell phone: 443-797-2490

And yes, that is a historic Coast Guard vessel usually there for touring!

They also have single and tandem kayaks for rentals if you need more than the 2 at the HH Ranch. Or for convenience you can just rent from 3 Knots marine and not worry! You can launch right from his dock.

Boating to Smith Island is featured in Boat US! Cruising To Smith Island: A Parallel Universe | BoatUS

How do you get to Smith Island?

It can be difficult to find your way to Smith Island if you’ve never been here before. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach the island from Crisfield, MD.

Step 1: Arrive in Crisfield, MD- Make your way to the charming town of Crisfield, located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Whether you're driving from nearby areas or embarking on a longer journey, Crisfield will be your starting point for your adventure to Smith Island.

Step 2: Choose Your Parking Spot- Once you've arrived in Crisfield, you have two options for parking your vehicle. You can park at Somers Cove Marina or the Old Lumber Yard. Both options are convenient and accessible, so choose the one that suits you best.

Step 3: Pay at the Old Lumber Yard- If you decide to park at the Old Lumber Yard, you'll find a pay box onsite. Bring an envelope with you, fill it with the required cash amount for parking, and place it in the pay box. Remember to write your vehicle information on the envelope. Make sure to check the posted parking rates to ensure you're paying the correct amount.

Pay for Island Parking at Somers Cove Marina- Alternatively, if you prefer to park at Somers Cove Marina, head to the marina office to pay for island parking. The friendly staff will assist you in the payment process and provide any additional information you might need. Parking for both locations runs about $3/day.

Step 4: Choose your ferry to Smith Island. Ferries depart daily from the Crisfield Dock at 12:30 PM. Make sure you bring cash for the ferry. Round trips are usually around $25-$30 a person but may fluctuate with fuel prices. Ferries leave Smith Island daily at 7:30am and 11:00am on Sundays. You have two choices for the ferry:

  • Captain Jason: (red boat) captained by Captain Terry Laird

  • Island Belle II: (green boat) captained by Captain Otis Tyler

Step 5: Board the ferry! Once on board, relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Chesapeake Bay as you sail towards Smith Island.

Step 6: Welcome to Smith Island! After a pleasant ferry ride, you'll arrive at the picturesque Smith Island. Both the Captain Jason and the Island Belle II docks are within walking distance of the Double H Ranch. Additionally, if you have luggage or need assistance, the ferry captains, Terry and Otis, are kind enough to provide transportation to the house. Simply ask them nicely, and they'll be happy to accommodate you.

3 Knots Marine: Renovated and ready for your visit!

3 Knots Marine on Smith Island is open! Located on the Big Thoroughfare next to the Bayside Inn.

Contact Captain Patrick Welsh to arrange your trip: 3KnotsMarine (google.com)

You can reach our Dockmaster on channel 78 or by cell phone: 443-797-2490

And yes, that is a historic Coast Guard vessel usually there for touring!

They also have single and tandem kayaks for rentals if you need more than the 2 at the HH Ranch. Or for convenience you can just rent from 3 Knots marine and not worry! You can launch right from his dock.

Boating to Smith Island is featured in Boat US! Cruising To Smith Island: A Parallel Universe | BoatUS