Water Activities
It is not surprising that many guests visiting the Island are eager to see the sites via the water. We have several experienced tour guides, watermen, or captains who can accommodate you and show you sites. The Inn provides complimentary use of kayaks, canoes, and life jackets for guest use. We can also provide guests with a laminated map of our acres of kayak trials.
sunset cruises
Delight in the bay breezes as you enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise. Our amazing sunsets provide a tranquil scene as you watch the sunset with the best view on (or slightly off) the Island. Cruise by Swann Island, a swimming retreat for Islanders, as you venture towards the Western Shore. Look for the silhouette of the American Mariner Naval Target ship Maximum of 6 guests.
a day in the life of a waterman
Over the years, many guests have requested to spend a day with one of the local watermen. We are fortunate that a local Smith Island waterman invites guests to gleam a glimpse of his life on the water.
The journey starts with a shanty tour where guests learn the fragile eco-balance of the Maryland blue crab and the art of crab harvesting. Guest then venture onto the water to see crab potting as they make their way to Tylerton; the only Island community separated by water or can travel to the southern end of the Island to see the uninhabited bird habitat, featuring the largest rookery of brown pelicans in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The tour can be specialized to accommodate guest's interests
martin wildlife refuge
Explore the Martin Wildlife Refuge which is comprised of 4,548 acres featuring tidal marsh, coves and creeks, and vegetated ridges that provide an important stopover and wintering area for thousands of migratory waterfowl and nesting habitat for various wildlife species.
One portion of the refuge, Swann Island, is a popular natural untouched beach. Guests can enjoy the marsh creeks from either a native islander or use the Inn canoes and kayaks on a self-guided expedition.
Shanty tour
Visit an authentic working shanty where you will see crabbing equipment, learn about the life cycle of crabs, and see up close all the varieties of hard and soft shell crabs in their natural aquatic habitat. Learn about the busy schedule and daily activities and exciting working life of a Chesapeake Bay waterman.
birdwatching
Birdwatchers and bird lovers will delight in seeing the numerous rookeries (groups of birds who nest together) within the tidal marsh, creeks, and ridges of the Island. Smith Island is home to the largest rookery of pelicans in the Chesapeake Bay.
There are more than ten different species of water birds, including herons, egrets, and glossy ibis. Black ducks, pintail, mergansers, long-tailed ducks, scoters, bufflehead, Canada geese, and tundra swans frequent the refuge as well.
Throughout the year, various species abound, including mallards, gadwall, gulls, terns, black skimmers, oystercatchers, and willets.
Bring your bird guide book, a pair of binoculars, insect spray, and sunscreen for a memorable day watching the wildlife in their natural habitat.
a visit to Tylerton
Though a bit isolated, Tylerton, the community of Smith Island not connected by land, is a trip not to be missed. Tylerton is home to one of the smallest post offices in the United States with hours that compliment watermen's hours and the early morning ferries.
Tylerton is also home to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Smith Island's Environmental Education Program. Don't expect an indoor tour, but the buildings are Norman Rockwell like and create a beautiful entryway into this quiet harbor. Likewise, the ladies at the Smith Island Crab Co-Op are "hard to catch".
Finally, Tylerton is home to Drum Point Market, a small restaurant, grocery store, and gift shop that not only offers amazing food, including generously large crab cakes, but the Davidson kids voted best Island fries!
Kayaking and boating
With more than 4500 acres of preserved marshland, there are plenty of places to paddle and explore. We have laminated trial maps that guests to take along and use during their trip. The Smith Island Inn offers complimentary canoes and kayaks, along with paddles and life jackets. Some guests who are avid kayakers prefer to bring their own. We can arrange transportation of your kayak equipment for a nominal fee on the ferries.
sea glass & artifact tour
Lifetime Smith Islander, Tim Marshall, has spent his entire life on Smith Island. As a youngster growing up on Smith Island, the shores of the Island were his playground. Tim has collected Native American artifacts, salvaged bay treasures, and (sea) beach glass for decades. His collection has been borrowed and featured at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. His collection includes over 30,000 ancient arrowheads and has been featured in more than 15 newspaper articles, magazines, and books