tangier island cruises

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Tangier Island Cruises

Cruise to Tangier Island, Virginia from the Thomas Dock at 10th Street in Crisfield.  The boat departs at 12:30 pm.  The cruise begins May 15th and run daily through October 15th, weather permitting.  The boat is available for charter excursions, outside of their regular schedule, to groups of 25 or more. Note: bicycles are allowed for an additional fee, but no kayaks are allowed on board.

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• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

A day on Tangier Island

• September 22, 2021
• Eat , ESVA Places to Go , On the Water , Things to Do

Grab the ferry at the Onancock Wharf and set off for a day exploring Tangier Island, Virginia. This charming, welcoming island is the perfect introduction to Coastal Virginia. Get ready to enjoy tasty foods, learn unique history, and see a way of life that has been preserved for over 400 years.

Accessible only by traversing the Chesapeake Bay

As Tangier is an island located about 15 miles off the Eastern Shore, the only way to access it is by boating (or flying) across the Chesapeake Bay.

The first step in your journey to Tangier is to cross the Chesapeake Bay. The Island can be accessed by boat or by plane. A popular way to get there is by taking the Tangier Ferry, which leaves out of the Onancock Wharf.

The Ferry leaves at 10am and 5pm daily. The 10am boat returns around 4:30, which gives you most of the day to explore Tangier. The ride is an hour and 10 minutes, give or take, and gives a beautiful view of our lovely Bay.

Welcome to Tangier

Waterman by Cameron Evans

As you approach Tangier, the first thing you will notice is all of the crab houses and the friendly boat captains who wave as you pass. A variety of beautiful boats travel in and out of Tangier every day and you will see a variety of sizes and types of boats as they bring in their catches for sorting.

Tangier Island Crab Shack by Cameron Evans

These shacks are like the waterman’s home away from home. Days and nights are spent working (and occasionally resting) in these shacks as they expertly sort and pack their day’s catch.

On Island Time

Stepping onto the Island is like stepping back in time. The folks are friendly and the pace is slow. Ride around on a golf cart from Four Brothers to explore the Island or use a bike. You can bring your own on the ferry or rent bikes from Four Brothers.

Four Brothers Crabhouse on Tangier

Our first stop was the Tangier Island Museum. The Museum is a community effort to preserve the unique history and culture.

Tangier Museum Sign

Tangier History Museum

With stories of the Island dating back hundreds of years, the museum is incredible to walk through. Learn about military operations, English settlements, the preserved waterman’s dialect, and the intricacies of saltwater living. They truly are isolated – the small grocery store is stocked by ships bringing in limited supplies, but otherwise, locals fend for themselves. They have learned to live simply and slowly. It’s not an easy way of life, but it is one that the locals love.

Watch the video which shares information about the history and future of Tangier to learn more. Scan the pictures sharing local stories, check out the old appliances, and see the unique crab with oysters attached to its front that was caught by the mayor of Tangier himself!

The museum also has a game table outside and a gift shop featuring local artists, so everyone in your group will find something to enjoy!

Find it in a book

Just behind the museum is the Muddy Toes Library, which is the local spot for education and reading through books. Be sure to stop in and say hello and maybe find your new favorite beach read!

Off they go!

On our way to the beach, we stopped over at the Tangier Airport to watch the planes take off. On any given day, you will see upwards of 20 planes coming in and out of the Island. If you have a plane, it is a great way to see Tangier and explore!

Hit the Beach

Wind through a small neighborhood and follow the trail down to lovely Tangier Beach. If you are staying at the Bay View Inn, you are lucky to only have a short jaunt out to the sand!

You will notice the sand on Tangier is a little coarser with larger grains than other beaches on the Eastern Shore. It is one of the things that makes this little piece of paradise unique. Sit and stay awhile and enjoy the sound of the waves rolling in.

Check out a Crab Shack

By Cameron Evans

Now, this one can be a little tricky, but if you happen to ask and you’re in the right place at the right time, you just might get an exclusive tour of a local waterman’s crab shack. Not guaranteed, but you never know! The local watermen know the water like the back of their hands. Be sure to ask them about their experiences and stories. You will learn about a lifestyle that is unique to this area and a history you won’t find in any textbooks. 

Dinner Time

Chicken Salad from Four Brothers Crab Shack

Be sure to grab a tasty plate of food from one of the local restaurants or rustle up some fabulous Tangier crabs to steam on your own.

Tangier Island Crabs by Cameron Evans

There are so many things to do on the Island that we just scratched the surface. Be sure to check out all the gift shops, restaurants, and churches, and otherwise just explore by bike or golf cart. Bring your kayak and hit the water trail around Tangier (learn more at https://virginiawatertrails.org/eastern-shore/ ).

Tangier Island Marsh by Cameron Evans

Don’t forget your camera! There are so many beautiful spots on the Island and you will have no shortage of opportunities to take incredible photos during your stay. When you get back, be sure to tell us what you loved!

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Accomac | Cape Charles | Chincoteague | Exmore | Onancock | Onley | Parksley | Saxis | Tangier Island | Wachapreague

Tangier Island Transportation Chesapeake Bay Cruise Boat, Steven Thomas, provides transportation toTangier Island from Crisfield Maryland.

Where time stopped-still some twenty years ago! One visitor to Tangier Island states, "The most unbelievable sunsets you can ever imagine; no doubt, the next thing to heaven.  It is truly a great experience, getting back to the roots of your being."

No cars, no trains; the only transportation to Tangier Island is by boat or by small airplane. When you arrive, plan to leisurely stroll around the island. Bike Rental transportation is available:  Bicycles - Contact Joan at:  757 891-2248 at the Waterfront Restaurant. May thru October 15, the Captain Eulice departs from Onancock, Virginia on the Eastern Shore of Virginia daily to Tangier Island - 10:00 AM May thru October, the Steven Thomas departs from Crisfield Maryland on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay daily to Tangier Island - 12:30 PM May thru October,  the Chesapeake Breeze departs Reedville, Va on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay daily to Tangier Island - 12:30 PM Also, year round, the Courtney Thomas departs from Crisfield, Maryland on the Eastern shore of Maryland daily to Tangier Island: Freight & Mail Service

Tangier Island Cruises is a member in good standing with the Eastern Southern Vacation Alliance

Food & Lodging

Restaurants on tangier island, va.

Tangier Island is blessed with a couple of delicious eateries. Don’t miss out on a softcrab sandwich.

Muddy Toes Cafe

Great coffee | Great Food – Cafe and Coffee Shop featuring locally sourced coffee and foods. Enjoy our selection of sandwiches and treats made locally.

• Phone 757-993-0891
• Map Marker 16200 Main Ridge Road Tangier, VA 23440

Lorraine's Snack Bar

Lorraine’s was featured in  Southern Living Magazine . Come in and enjoy the homemade daily specials and friendly atmosphere.  From seafood, sandwiches, salads, soups to desserts, Lorraine’s has it covered.

The menu varies from a mouth-watering Flat Iron Steak to Baked Manicotti. But you better not leave without trying some of our famous Cream of Crab Soup. This Tangier style cream of crab soup is a tasty milk based cream soup with lumps of crab.

• Phone (757) 891-2225
• Map Marker 4409 Chambers Ln, Tangier, VA 23440

Four Brothers Crab House

The Crab House offers a wide variety of delicious food; crab cakes, shrimp salad, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, flatbread crab melt, pork BBQ, Italian hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, over 65 flavors of soft serve ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and much more! You can also rent fishing, crabbing & beach rentals by the hour, day or week.

• Phone (757) 891-2999
• Envelope [email protected]
• Map Marker 16128 Main Ridge Rd Tangier, VA 23440

Lodging on Tangier Island, VA

After a day of cruising around the Chesapeake Bay and sampling the local cuisine, you might as well stay a night or two. Check out a few of our favorite overnight establishments here and sleep peacefully.

The Brigadune Beachside Getaway

Born from the mists of the Chesapeake Bay, the Brigadune Beachside Getaway takes you back in time, to when life was slower and simpler. Come relax with us, unplug and unwind.  Take a leisurely stroll on the nearly deserted beach, only a few minutes walk away.  Watch a breathtaking sunset, over the water.

This beautifully appointed property, overlooking the Bay, is owned and managed by Irene Thomas, a native of Tangier Island, whose roots can be traced back to early island settlers. Renovations began on the property in July of 2018 and continue as this beachside getaway strives to reach its full potential.

• Phone (757) 891-2580
• Envelope [email protected]
• Map Marker 16650 Hog Ridge Rd Tangier, VA 23440

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DURBAN CRUISE, RORO & TANKER TERMINALS – 11 September 2024

Durban cruise terminal, roro terminal & tanker terminals.

Updated Daily 

Durban RoRo Terminal UPDATE

Durban roro terminal berthing list etas.

RoRo vessels at Outer Anchorage:

As at 11 September 2024:

***********************************************

Durban tanker terminal       (island view).

Note: Some tankers may be found at Maydon Wharf Liquid Bulk Terminals

Tankers in port:

As at 11 September 2024  

High Tide,  Bitumen Kosei @ MW,  Fairchem Pioneer at A/B

Tankers at Outer Anchorage

As at 11 September 2024

Essien,  Petalouda

Tankers due in Port: – as at 11 September 2024  

08/09/24 Akra,  Hector N 09/09/24 Theresa II 10/09/24 Ellirea 12/09/23 Philoxenia,  Shegardiah 13/09/24 Stolt Excellence 14/09/24 Hector N,  Sea Pearl,  Hafnia Swift, 15/09/24 Cedar Express,  Gem Turquoise 16/09/24 Theresa II 18/09/24 Maersk Tangier,  Atlantic Crown,  PPS Luck,  Bow Cedar 19/09/24 High Trader 22/09/24 Banglar Agrajatra

02/10/24 BBG Master 05/10/24 Weco Esther 08/10/24 Zhoushan Island 09/10/24 Jupiter

BUNKERS – as at 11 September 2024

Ships due in port: 

19/09/24 Hurst Point 20/09/24 Ark Germania

SHIPS AT NEW PIER – as at 11  September 2024:  

06/09/24 Observator – in

10/10/24 Julius S 20/10/24 CL Century

09/09/24 Sonne – in 12/09/24 Wagon Alpha 13/09/24 BBC Campana 20/09/24 Pacific Venture

08/09/24 Ogba – in

18/07/23 PSD 2 – in

Lineup to be confirmed: 

26/09/24 Alda

13/10/24 Jin Xing Ling

Durban Coal Port (Bluff)

Ships in port : as at 11 September 2024

GMTS Tracker 1,  Indus Fortune

Ships due: 

15/09/24 Electra 17/09/24 Ever Progress

05/09/24 Indus Fortune – in 11/09/24 Genessis 13/09/24 Leena 15/09/24 Mayfair Spirit 14/09/24 Chipol Guangan 21/09/24 Mayfair Spirit 25/09/24 W Mayfair

Lineup to be confirmed:

Durban Cruise Terminal

Ships in port: , ships expected in port:.

09/09/24 Fairchem Pioneer (T) – in

Cruise ships in port: 

Cruise ships expected in port:

14/11/24 AIDAstella 26/11/24 Le Bougainville 27/11/24 MSC Musica

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