An island lost in time. A hidden gem of the Chesapeake. A vanishing community. These are all descriptions of Tangier Island, Virginia, a storied place famous for its blue crabs, yet one poised to disappear altogether due to the same force that has sustained it for years: the Chesapeake Bay. You'll find Tangier on the widest expanse of the Chesapeake Bay between Virginia's mainland and the Eastern Shore. Its remote location makes it accessible only by water or, in rare cases, air.

When it comes to Virginia's bucket-list destinations, Tangier is an obvious choice; it's one of America's most remote places. Yet it's not so much a place to vacation in the traditional sense but rather a part of our beloved Virginia to experience before it's lost completely. Below, you'll find a guide to visiting this fascinating community: how to get to Tangier Island, where to stay nearby, and what you can expect to find along the way.

To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.

What Makes Tangier Island Special?

I've always been enchanted by the Chesapeake Bay: its immense beauty, extraordinary wildlife, and absolutely charming small towns. Having grown up spending summers in the Northern Neck, I have always felt an affinity for this waterfront environment. But Tangier Island is truly a world in itself. Anyone fascinated by Tangier Island, its history, people, and culture should begin with a copy of The New York Times Bestseller, Chesapeake Requiem: A Year With The Watermen Of Vanishing Tangier Island. In it, author Earl Swift interviews locals about the disappearance of their home due to an unfortunate combination of erosion, sea-level rise, and the fact that the island itself is slowly sinking. The book includes first-hand accounts of islanders who have witnessed the land being swallowed by the bay at an alarming rate. Yet it also celebrates Tangier's unparalleled beauty: the nearness of the open water, the sealife, the massive sky, the kinship, and, of course, the crabs.

Soft-shell blue crabs are the island's main export and are vital to the community of Tangier. In fact, the island is the largest exporter of soft-shell crabs in the world. It's a highly sought-after delicacy in many places along the East Coast. And if you've ever tried it, you'll agree that nothing compares to authentic Chesapeake blue crab!

Tangier Island is special simply because there's nowhere else like it on Earth. It's among the most remote communities in America, and its unique way of life, accent, and community values have been preserved for centuries. It's also breathtakingly beautiful. Completely surrounded by water, the panoramic views will make you feel equally close to the sea and sky.

How To Get To Tangier Island

Given that Tangier is in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, it's accessible only by boat or by plane. Most visitors opt for the ferry. If you're leaving from the Virginia mainland, you'll depart from Reedville via the Tangier Island Cruises. The cruise takes about 90 minutes each way, departing from the mainland at 10:00 a.m. and returning at 4:15 p.m. Learn more about how you can book your ride with Tangier Cruises. It's also possible to get to Tangier Island from the Eastern Shore town of Onancock. The Tangier-Onancock Ferry ride takes about an hour each way.

Flying into Tangier is possible, although it's not a common way to arrive. The Tangier Island Airport (KTGI) has an asphalt runway measuring just over 2,000 feet.

Where To Stay Near Tangier Island

Option 1: Bunaglow on Tangier Island

You can rent an entire home on Tangier Island for a little under $200 per night. This lovely home can accommodate up to 8 guests, with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The home, which is called the Waterman's Hideaway, is in the heart of town and within walking distance of the island's restaurants, gift shops, and more. Staying here will give you a lovely perspective of life on the island.

Option 2: Private Home On The Chesapeake Bay in Reedville

A cozy and private retreat awaits in Reedville, the same little town where you can catch the ferry to and from Tangier Island, making it the perfect home base to explore the area. This waterfront home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate up to 7 guests. Perhaps the best feature of all is the private beach, complete with sun chairs just ready for lounging!

24 Hours In Tangier Island: A Quintessential Itinerary

You'll set sail from Virginia on your Tangier Cruise at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting, leaving from Buzzard’s Point Marina in Reedville. The trip will cover 20 miles of open water – and this is where the adventure begins. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of abundant wildlife, including dolphins!

Next, you'll spot the beautiful island itself, surrounded by crab shanties. After being greeted by the waving fishermen and friendly locals, you'll want to check in at Four Brothers, a place that offers a handful of golf carts and bicycles to rent. You may also catch one of the guided tours.

Next, head on over to Lorraine's Seafood Restaurant. This not-to-be-missed local eatery is infused with local charm. And be sure to do yourself a favor and order some seafood while you're there. The soft-shell crab and crabcakes are second to none. Sourced locally and prepared with time-tested ingredients, these entrees alone are worth the trip from the mainland.

After lunch, dive into the island's storied history when you visit Tangier History Museum. You'll walk through time as you learn more about the island's history, including the English settlements, wars, and the fascinating dialect found nowhere else on Earth.

When you're ready for a pick-me-up, head to Muddy Toes Cafe for a coffee drink and, if you're lucky, a slice of the island's famous Coconut Smith Island Cake. Trust us when we say that you simply have to try a slice!

A self-guided walking tour is another great way to familiarize yourself with the island. There are a handful of shops where you can find a souvenir from your time on this special island.

Of course, no trip to Tangier is complete without walking along the beach. The Public Beach of Tangier Island is a lovely beach with white, coarse sand and beautiful waves. Prepare to be amazed by the variety of wildlife, especially birds, that frequent the island. With no natural predators nearby, pelicans, herons, and egrets are easy to spot. One word of caution: horseflies can be quite a nuisance and don't seem to be affected by bug spray. Your best bet is to hope for a breezy day!

Need-To-Know Information About Tangier Island

The sad truth is that Tangier Island is disappearing. This aerial photo was taken back in 2006, and much of the landmass shown has been submerged. It's believed that less than two-thirds of the land remains today. There are a handful of reasons for this – rising sea level, erosion, and the fact that the island is slowly sinking – but it's estimated that, like many nearby island communities that have been lost, Tangier will one day be inhabitable.

Visitors of the island agree that it's a warm and inviting community, and the locals are happy to share their home. Of course, as is true with any place, it's important to show respect, especially if you plan on taking pictures.

No matter your reason for visiting Tangier Island, you'll quickly discover it's truly a world unto itself: a place characterized by beauty, community, faith, and perseverance.

Have you ever visited Tangier Island? Do you perhaps live there yourself? We would love to hear about your travels, memories, and experiences of this one-of-a-kind destination in Virginia. For an in-depth view of the island, including interviews with local residents, watch the video below: