Tangier Island Ferry Times | Every Route Compared

Tangier Island ferries leave Crisfield at 12:30 p.m. and Reedville at 10 a.m.; Onancock service is suspended as of July 2026.

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The latest Tangier Island ferry times give day-trippers two dependable seasonal choices: the Steven Thomas from Crisfield, Maryland, and the Chesapeake Breeze from Reedville, Virginia. Crisfield offers a shorter crossing but less time ashore, while Reedville provides a longer bay cruise and about 45 extra minutes on the island.

Schedules can change for wind, harbor conditions, or low passenger numbers. Use the published times below to choose a route, then confirm the sailing with the operator before driving to the dock.

For live availability on the main Maryland route and related ground-transport choices, compare the Crisfield crossing here:

Routes Running In July 2026

Tangier Island currently has scheduled passenger service from Crisfield and Reedville. Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism reported on June 15, 2026, that the Onancock ferry had suspended all runs until further notice.

The Steven Thomas season opened July 1 after a harbor-dredging delay. Its published schedule is a daily 12:30 p.m. departure from Crisfield, reaching Tangier at about 1:45 p.m. and leaving the island at 4 p.m.

The Chesapeake Breeze leaves Buzzard’s Point Marina in Reedville at 10 a.m., arrives at 11:30 a.m., departs Tangier at 2:15 p.m., and reaches Reedville at 4:15 p.m. The operator describes the full outing as a six-hour cruise.

Onancock status: Do not rely on the older May-to-September timetable shown on some pages. Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism and the ferry’s contact page both report that service is suspended.

Which Tangier Island Ferry Should You Take?

The Crisfield ferry suits travelers coming from Maryland, Delaware, or the Eastern Shore, while the Reedville ferry is the practical choice from Richmond, Fredericksburg, or Virginia’s Northern Neck. Neither day-trip schedule leaves enough room for a long beach visit, a seated lunch, a museum stop, and an unhurried island tour.

• Choose Crisfield for the shorter crossing: Each leg takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with roughly 2 hours 15 minutes on Tangier.
• Choose Reedville for more island time: The outbound ride takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, followed by roughly 2 hours 45 minutes ashore.
• Choose an overnight stay for a slower visit: One-way fares are offered by both seasonal operators, but return service must be reserved separately.
• Skip Onancock for now: The route has no active timetable while its suspension remains in force.

The current official Crisfield day-cruise schedule lists the July 2026 departure, arrival, return, and fare details. Call 410-968-2338 before departure if the weather forecast is poor.

Tangier Island Ferry Schedule: Every Route Compared

Tangier Island’s published timetable centers on two seasonal sightseeing boats plus year-round local transport from Crisfield. The table separates each leg so the return time is easy to spot.

The Courtney Thomas is a working mail and freight boat, not a timed sightseeing cruise. Its transportation page lists 12:30 p.m. from Crisfield and 8 a.m. from Tangier, Monday through Saturday, but passengers should call 757-891-2240 before relying on that schedule.

Current Fares And Booking Rules

Adult round trips currently start at $35 from Crisfield and $42.80 online from Reedville. Fares and operating days can change, so treat the amounts below as published July 2026 prices rather than a guarantee for a later sailing.

Crisfield’s operator warns that severe weather or too few passengers can cancel a trip. Reedville offers a refund with at least 24 hours’ notice and refunds operator-canceled sailings, while no-shows are charged in full.

Staying Overnight On Tangier Island

An overnight stay removes the tight day-trip clock and gives enough time for the beach, Tangier History Museum, local roads, and dinner. Reserve both lodging and return transportation before boarding because the island has limited rooms and no road connection to the mainland.

Use the map below to compare stays near Tangier’s main ridge and ferry landing:

One-way passengers should verify which boat will carry them back. The seasonal cruise boats, Courtney Thomas mail boat, and Sharon Kay III may follow different schedules, reservation methods, and cash-payment rules.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Passengers should reach either mainland dock 30 to 45 minutes before departure. That margin covers parking, ticket pickup, restroom stops, and boarding without putting the return of the whole boat at risk.

• Crisfield dock: 1001 West Main Street, Crisfield, Maryland. The departure is 12:30 p.m.
• Reedville dock: 468 Buzzards Point Road, Reedville, Virginia. The departure is 10 a.m.
• Return boarding: Be back near the Tangier dock at least 20 minutes early; there is no later seasonal day boat from the same operator.
• Weather check: Call on the morning of travel when strong wind, thunderstorms, or coastal flooding are forecast.

Travelers prone to motion sickness should sit low and near the center of the vessel, where movement is usually less pronounced. Bring water, sun protection, and any medicine you normally use before leaving the mainland.

Ferry Choice By Speed, Schedule, And Trip Style

The right ferry depends on where the mainland drive begins and how much time the trip needs. Crisfield wins for a shorter boat ride, Reedville wins for more time ashore, and an overnight plan wins for a visit without a two-hour deadline.

• For a Maryland day trip: Leave Crisfield at 12:30 p.m., reach Tangier about 1:45 p.m., leave at 4 p.m., and return about 5:15 p.m.
• For a Virginia Northern Neck day trip: Leave Reedville at 10 a.m., reach Tangier at 11:30 a.m., leave at 2:15 p.m., and return at 4:15 p.m.
• For the Eastern Shore of Virginia: Drive to Crisfield while Onancock service remains suspended; confirm the route before setting out.
• For an overnight visit: Reserve a one-way seasonal ticket and a dated return, or confirm space and times directly with a year-round Crisfield boat.

Plan lunch and a golf-cart tour before arrival if traveling on the Crisfield day boat. Its 2-hour-15-minute island window disappears quickly once restaurant waits and return boarding are included.