Chester River Packet Company offers historic views of Chestertown and other parts of Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.
Love to spend time on the water but do not own a boat? No problem.
The Eastern Shore has a variety of water activities that does not require ownership of a boat or the expense of maintaining one.
Patriot Cruises offers a narrated 65- to 75-minute historical tour from their dock in Saint Michaels.
View 200-year-old mansions; hear about events of the area including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the 300-year history of the people in the region while taking in the wildlife and nature of the beautiful Eastern Shore.
“The Patriot goes twice as far up river than any other boat allowing for views of these beautiful mansions,” according to the Patriot’s John Marrah.
“We have the cleanest full restrooms, fully equipped snack bar and cash bar. We have a choice of different seating selections,” said John.
The Patriot is handicapped accessible, has an air-conditioned glassed in main deck and an open-air upper deck.
The Patriot sails seven days a week and offers free parking at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. They also offer special event cruises for groups up to 149 passengers.
During the summer they have a 90 minute Island Music Cocktail Cruise. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on all cruises.
Passengers are invited to visit the Pilot House to see how the boat is operated. 410-745-3100.
Chesapeake Skipjack Cruises offer a unique educational experience aboard an authentic Skipjack.
These light boats were built for oyster dredging on the Chesapeake around 1890.
“The H.M. Krentz was built in 1955 and is one of the last to be built,” according to Ed Farley.
There are only 30 remaining boats from the nearly 2,000 that were built.
“During the winter months we use the H.M. Krentz to harvest oysters. We make the tour as interactive as possible. We have a demonstration of oystering and talk about the ecology of the Bay,” Farley said.
The Chesapeake Skipjack operates from April through October and is docked at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Saint Michaels.
The cost of the ticket includes admission to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. They can accommodate up to 32 passengers and offer cocktails, hor d’oeuvres and catered picnics.
Visitors are welcome to bring your own food. This cruise does not have handicapped accessibility. 410-745-6080.
Chester River Packet Company sails a 1920’s style 65’ classic yacht built in 1990 from Chestertown.
It offer historic views of Chestertown, and others parts of Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.
Its many events include: Girl’s Night Out, Full Moon Cocktail Cruise, Down rigging Weekend, Casual Cuisine Cruise and Log Canoe Races.
A buffet meal is usually included in the cost of the cruise except for the River Cruise, which does not include food. “We do private events also like weddings, birthday or anniversary parties,” according to Stephanie Somers. They are not handicapped accessible but have two “heads” on board. 410-635-0321.
Lady Patty Classic Yacht Charter of Tilghman Island uses a 1935 sailing yacht for their two-hour, half-day or full day sail for up to 45 passengers.
Enjoy the beauty of the Chesapeake. They offer a two-hour Champagne Sunset Sail. 410-886-1127. They are not handicapped accessible.
Sail Selina II offers a two-hour sail in a Gatsby-era 41-foot gentleman’s yacht.
“Selina II is a beautiful Cat boat of varnished mahogany and polished bronze built in1926. She is half as wide as she is long making her more stable,” said Captain Iris.
Another boat sailing out of St. Michaels, the Selina II, gives a very smooth and stable ride on the water. She is from an era of boats that are unique and beautiful.
“One of my passengers remarked that it was one of their most relaxing experiences,” Captain Iris added.
They offer sailing lessons as well as corporate events, fishing trips, charters, moonlight cruises, wine tasting, dinner, sunset champagne, dinner and overnight cruises. For more information, call 410-726-9400. It is not handicapped accessible.
Sawyer Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters and Tours sails out of Church Creek, Hooper’s Island or Taylors Island using a 52-foot vessel built in Crisfield. It can accommodate up to 41 passengers and includes a bathroom and heated cabin.
“We have a picnic table on the boat and can get a bushel of crabs to eat while we are out,” said Dave Schauber.
Tours include a historic lighthouse cruise visiting six “beacons” which includes a stop for lunch on Smith Island. There are two lighthouse cruises scheduled for this year, on Aug. 11 and Sept 15.
“We were in the sawmill business for a lot of years and that is where Captain Sawyer got his name,” Schauber said.
They provide bait, tackle, ice for preserving fish caught and a fishing license. The boat follows the fish in order to get a good catch. You can bring your own food. Call 410-397-3743 for more information.
For landlubbers, the Shore also includes some fantastic beaches:
Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean.
It offers a full range of activities including swimming, camping and exploring.
Don’t be surprised if you see a few wild ponies! Dogs are allowed on the Maryland portion of the barrier island only. Call 410-641-1441 for more informattion.
Ocean City Beach offers a 10-mile stretch of pristine beach. There is no admission charge to the beach. There are handicapped accessible sections including wheelchairs.
There is free parking and, of course, the famous boardwalk. Call 800-626-2326 for more information.
