Located in Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island is separated from the Crisfield on the mainland by about 12 miles. Visitors coming to Smith Island have to come to Crisfield to board a ferry or boats going to the island. There are a few boat slips at Smith Island Marina, so you can also come in your own boat. Smith Island is the only inhabited island in Chesapeake Bay that is not connected to the mainland by a causeway or a bridge. There are only about 200 permanent residents and three distinct communities: Tylerton, Ewell, and Rhodes Point.  Ewell, the largest, is the place where tourists land. It has a visitors’ center and a few restaurants. The island has more than 4,000 acres of marshland, protected in the Martin National Wildlife Refuge.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.