Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
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About
Embark on a trip of discovery aboard the M/V Sharps Island, on excursions that take you back through the storied history of the Chesapeake Bay and its Lighthouses. Four different Chesapeake Lights trips accommodate any schedule and all levels of interest. Each includes a narrated recounting of the the Bays history as well as informed local insights about its beautiful and fragile ecosystem.
Chesapeake Lights Lighthouse Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Menagerie21
Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.8 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
You can read the full account of our little adventure in "ontheroadagain33's" review. A short recap, after about an hour and a half into our trip when we arrived at Thomas Point Light, the boat started to take on water. We were told to put on life jackets, Capt. Mike called the Coast Guard and then made a general call for assistance. Within 10 min. we were surrounded by small pleasure craft waiting to assist us. Then the DNR police boat and two Coast Guard boats arrived about 10min later. After making the necessary call for help, Capt. Mike went back to work, located the cause of the leak and fixed it, before the Coast Guard even arrived. It seems that a 3/4in. brass plug had vibrated loose in the engine compartment. The pumps then were able to do their job and pump out the water. When the engine was running again, the Coast Guard had us go to their base so that an inspector from Baltimore could inspect the boat. He finally arrived and gave us the OK to continue our trip. Although it was a little suspensefull, I never had the fear that we would be in the drink. With all the support around us, I doubt that, if the problem had not been resolved, we would have even put a toe in the water. To quote a seven year old passenger, "at least we got to spend quality time at the lighthouse" As for the accident being due to neglect or stupidity that is absolute nonsense. The boat is routinely inspected and no one is going to risk the lives of passengers or the loss of a $100+ boat. It was simply an accident. No different than if we had our car inspected with new tires etc, before a trip only to find ourself stuck on the road because of a blown tire or broken hose. As the saying goes "S--- happens". We finally started back on our tour and were told that because we lost 2 hours, seeing all 12 lighthouses would bring us back to Tilghman Island at 9pm not 7pm. Except for two passengers all of us wanted to do the whole tour. They unfortunately had a whole list of why they wanted get back at 7pm including not wanting to continue the trip at all. Luckily Capt. Mike did not give any of us THAT option. So we saw 10 lighthouses and returned to port at our scheduled time.
NOW to get to the Northern Lighthouse cruise itself. If you are into lighthouses and boating, this is the cruise for you. It is long trip,leave at 8am back by 7pm, so make sure that you like being on a boat for that amount of time. Because 2 new lighthouses were added, there is no lunch stop, so bring a cooler with lunch, drinks and snacks. The Sharpe Island is comfortable and because it originally was a naval vessel it is very heavy and sturdy. You do not feel the motion as much as you do on lighter boats. You can spend your time either up front, where you will get wet at times (bring a water resistant jacket and a plastic bag to protect your camera when not in use) or under the plastic canopy in the back. You get great views in either place since Captain Mike makes it a point to circle the lighthouse when possible. Capt. Mike or the first mate are very imformative about what we are seeing, not only the lighthouses but also the surrounding area and the bay. A plus for arriving back at port in the evening is that you also get to see the sunset on the water. If we were not so far away from Tilghman Island (6 hours from New York) we would have taken Capt. Mike up on his offer to do a return trip to see the missed 2 lighthouses. All in all a very pleasant and entertaining cruise.
NOW to get to the Northern Lighthouse cruise itself. If you are into lighthouses and boating, this is the cruise for you. It is long trip,leave at 8am back by 7pm, so make sure that you like being on a boat for that amount of time. Because 2 new lighthouses were added, there is no lunch stop, so bring a cooler with lunch, drinks and snacks. The Sharpe Island is comfortable and because it originally was a naval vessel it is very heavy and sturdy. You do not feel the motion as much as you do on lighter boats. You can spend your time either up front, where you will get wet at times (bring a water resistant jacket and a plastic bag to protect your camera when not in use) or under the plastic canopy in the back. You get great views in either place since Captain Mike makes it a point to circle the lighthouse when possible. Capt. Mike or the first mate are very imformative about what we are seeing, not only the lighthouses but also the surrounding area and the bay. A plus for arriving back at port in the evening is that you also get to see the sunset on the water. If we were not so far away from Tilghman Island (6 hours from New York) we would have taken Capt. Mike up on his offer to do a return trip to see the missed 2 lighthouses. All in all a very pleasant and entertaining cruise.
Written September 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky C
Leesburg, VA8 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
While staying in St Michaels we decided to book a boat tour... Chesapeake Lights offers multiple boat tours in the Chesapeak Bay... we chose the Northern Lights tour which is an ALL DAY boat tour.
It's easy to find and get to, only about 15 minutes from St Michaels.
The boat is sufficient, definitely not luxurious, but sufficient. It could probably hold about 25 people, our tour had 14 plus a crew (normally 2, but we had a capt in training with us too so we had 3). The back part of the boat was covered with a canopy and had plastic "walls" to shield you from the bay spray. We rode in the front. We got wet. We got sunburned. (Note: DO bring a chance of clothes with you and honestly, rain gear is not a bad idea. You won't get continuously soaked, but it can be uncomfortable. DO bring sunscreen - and use it. Even if you wouldn't need it on land, remember the water is reflecting back at you from all angles... ALL DAY). The boat does not have seats... it has benches - hard benches that you bounce on constantly for 8 hours. (Note: Bring one of those stadium cushions). There is a "head"... but my husband used it and said I wouldn't so I didn't check it out... it's "down below", but apparently there are no doors, just a curtain. (Note: Do not down a much of coffee before getting on the boat. And do use the restroom before you get onboard.)
It couldn't have been a more beautiful day to be on the boat. I romantize about lighthouses and so I thought the tour was fabulous. You go under the Ches Bay Bridge, pass enormous ships, see a trillion sailboats, learn about efforts to "build islands" in the bay (seriously). The Capt is quite knowledgeable. "Jane-O" the mate was less so... she knew some stuff, but eh... I still learned alot. It was an awesome tour!
I was content with the length of the tour, although Hubby really hit his limit after 5-6 hours, and so did some (most) others. I am going recommend you opt for the shorter tour... they have one that does 5 lighthouses instead of the 10 we saw. We really were on the boat from 8-5 except for an hour stop for lunch and refueling.
Be advised, the place where you stop for lunch is not a "nice" restaurant. It's clean and sufficient if you're hungry (we were starved), but it won't impress you, and there is NOTHING there but a place to park, refuel and grab a bite, so you aren't walking a block to another restaurant. I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. Hubby had a steak and cheese that he says has to be Steak-ums. They also have a ham sandwich and a crab cake sandwich on the menu and a couple other things. Like I said, sufficient. With the exception of the crab cake, it's probably what you would eat at home if you were spending a Saturday fixing your car and got hungry. The prices are about $6 for sandwich, so it was the cheapest meal we had all weekend.
One more note - you can and should bring a small cooler with snacks and sodas or even a beer if that is your preference (just remember somebody's gotta drive home and that sun + beer + bouncing can get to you).
So glad we did this tour! Now I am looking for similar tours for other points on the bay so I can see ALL the lighthouses....
It's easy to find and get to, only about 15 minutes from St Michaels.
The boat is sufficient, definitely not luxurious, but sufficient. It could probably hold about 25 people, our tour had 14 plus a crew (normally 2, but we had a capt in training with us too so we had 3). The back part of the boat was covered with a canopy and had plastic "walls" to shield you from the bay spray. We rode in the front. We got wet. We got sunburned. (Note: DO bring a chance of clothes with you and honestly, rain gear is not a bad idea. You won't get continuously soaked, but it can be uncomfortable. DO bring sunscreen - and use it. Even if you wouldn't need it on land, remember the water is reflecting back at you from all angles... ALL DAY). The boat does not have seats... it has benches - hard benches that you bounce on constantly for 8 hours. (Note: Bring one of those stadium cushions). There is a "head"... but my husband used it and said I wouldn't so I didn't check it out... it's "down below", but apparently there are no doors, just a curtain. (Note: Do not down a much of coffee before getting on the boat. And do use the restroom before you get onboard.)
It couldn't have been a more beautiful day to be on the boat. I romantize about lighthouses and so I thought the tour was fabulous. You go under the Ches Bay Bridge, pass enormous ships, see a trillion sailboats, learn about efforts to "build islands" in the bay (seriously). The Capt is quite knowledgeable. "Jane-O" the mate was less so... she knew some stuff, but eh... I still learned alot. It was an awesome tour!
I was content with the length of the tour, although Hubby really hit his limit after 5-6 hours, and so did some (most) others. I am going recommend you opt for the shorter tour... they have one that does 5 lighthouses instead of the 10 we saw. We really were on the boat from 8-5 except for an hour stop for lunch and refueling.
Be advised, the place where you stop for lunch is not a "nice" restaurant. It's clean and sufficient if you're hungry (we were starved), but it won't impress you, and there is NOTHING there but a place to park, refuel and grab a bite, so you aren't walking a block to another restaurant. I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. Hubby had a steak and cheese that he says has to be Steak-ums. They also have a ham sandwich and a crab cake sandwich on the menu and a couple other things. Like I said, sufficient. With the exception of the crab cake, it's probably what you would eat at home if you were spending a Saturday fixing your car and got hungry. The prices are about $6 for sandwich, so it was the cheapest meal we had all weekend.
One more note - you can and should bring a small cooler with snacks and sodas or even a beer if that is your preference (just remember somebody's gotta drive home and that sun + beer + bouncing can get to you).
So glad we did this tour! Now I am looking for similar tours for other points on the bay so I can see ALL the lighthouses....
Written September 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyTravels033
Middletown, DE1,139 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Captain Mike and first mate Evan were great!! Trip included close up of 5 lighthouses. Was not best weather, so much of trip required riding in back on engine block - great that the boat was equipped to protect passengers, stinks that weather did not cooperate. Not good for conversations. Captain can't control weather, so no blame there. Captain was experienced, and made for good trip (even for me, who tends to get sea sick). If you really like lighthouses, this is a must do trip. If not, great trip if weather is good. Otherwise, you may feel the trip is a little long. Glad we did it.
Written September 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle R
Washington DC, DC8 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
We were also there the day the boat took on water and totally agree with "Menagerie21." You can read the account of the day on their review, or that of "Ontheroadagain33's." Captain Mike and First Mate Jerry were absolutely cool and calm under pressure. At no time did any passenger feel that the situation was out of control. If anything, this unfortunate occurrence only served to add to my confidence not only in Captain Mike, but also in the boat Sharps Island. As far as continuing the trip not being safe, we were cleared not only by a seasoned boat captain, but also the United States Coast Guard. I'd say we were pretty safe to continue our cruise on the bay!
Though we were disappointed we weren't able to see all of the lights, (due to 2 passengers that did not want to continue) we had so much fun! To make up for missing out on the two northernmost lights (Fishing Battery and Turkey Point) Captain Mike took us by 2 extra Craighill Channel Lighthouses (Upper Front and Upper Rear) to make up for it. He tried very hard to accommodate everyone and to ensure that everyone had the best time possible, in spite of a several hour detour. He offered anyone that wanted it a chance to come back again for free, NOT just the people that wanted to continue. To say that a business man like Captain Mike would refuse someone another cruise just because they wanted to come back early is absurd and untrue.
The boat was comfortable, the lighthouses were fabulous, Captain Mike was knowledgeable and personable, and the company was fun. The overall atmosphere is one of a lighthearted day of enjoyment on the Bay, so how could you go wrong? I'd recommend you bring a waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, lots of snacks, and lots of liquid to make your time on the water the most enjoyable experience possible. This was our second cruise with Captain Mike and we will definitely be going back!
Though we were disappointed we weren't able to see all of the lights, (due to 2 passengers that did not want to continue) we had so much fun! To make up for missing out on the two northernmost lights (Fishing Battery and Turkey Point) Captain Mike took us by 2 extra Craighill Channel Lighthouses (Upper Front and Upper Rear) to make up for it. He tried very hard to accommodate everyone and to ensure that everyone had the best time possible, in spite of a several hour detour. He offered anyone that wanted it a chance to come back again for free, NOT just the people that wanted to continue. To say that a business man like Captain Mike would refuse someone another cruise just because they wanted to come back early is absurd and untrue.
The boat was comfortable, the lighthouses were fabulous, Captain Mike was knowledgeable and personable, and the company was fun. The overall atmosphere is one of a lighthearted day of enjoyment on the Bay, so how could you go wrong? I'd recommend you bring a waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, lots of snacks, and lots of liquid to make your time on the water the most enjoyable experience possible. This was our second cruise with Captain Mike and we will definitely be going back!
Written September 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave F
Washington DC, DC6 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This is a top notch cruise. The vessel is stable yet powerful enough to REALLY move you around so that you can experience what the Chesapeake has to offer. Captain Gary and his crew really care about your experience. Personal attention from the get-go (at booking) all the way through the time you disembark really just makes for a great experience. BYO is always a plus. The Captain makes you feel safe and keeps you informed even before the engines fire up. He listens to your needs and questions and isn't satisfied himself until you are satisfied. The first rule is that you must have fun (beside all the safety stuff!).
Overall it's a great experience and I would absolutely recommend a tour (especially for the price!!)
Overall it's a great experience and I would absolutely recommend a tour (especially for the price!!)
Written May 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ontheroadagain33
Silver Spring, MD377 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We arrived at 745 am for a lighthouse boat tour of the Chesapeake Bay. We got underway at 8am. We arrived at 10am at the second lighthouse: Thomas Point Light when the boat started taking on water. The captain threw the anchor overboard and called the Coast Guard requesting a pump and assistance for 14 passengers and two crew on the 36 foot boat. As we all put on life jackets the DNR police as well as the Coast Guard arrived and other boats come full speed to our location. It was determined that the plug in the bottom of the boat "had vibrated out" thus allowing water to gush into the boat and placing the passengers in a precarious predicament of sinking. Eventually at 11am the pumps started to work and the captain was directed to go to the nearest Coast Guard Station for a boat inspection. We spent two hours at the Coast Guard station at Cox Creek (thanks to all the CG staff for their assistance) until the boat inspector came from Baltimore. The boat got inspected and we were allowed to continue our trip wit the following restrictions: 1. Call the Coast Guard every hour to make sure the boat was still seaworthy and 2. The boat had to be pulled for inspection on the next business day. 3. It was determined by the Coast Guard that the hand pump on board wasn't functioning. The rest of the trip was uneventful until the Captain decided to leave the decision up to the passengers whether to extend the tour another 2 hours and arrive after dark to see all the lighthouses scheduled. There was obvious tension between the passengers because the captain didn't make the decision. The captain said "for those wanting to go back you don't get anything, but for those who wanted to see the far Northern LH they would get a free trip". So, was this an unfortunate accident or neglect or stupidity? The boat takes on water because the plug wasn't secure and couldn't have been check before the trip, the hand pump didn't work, we lost three hours from 10a-1p sitting on a boat with life jackets or at the coast guard station and the captain lacked any customer service skills in providing any compensation for all these variables. If you consider going on this tour: I simply ask think about these things.
Written September 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph9732
Columbia, MD80 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
We took the Passage to 5 lighthouse tour yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a small family operation, so there were only about 20 of us on the boat. We were allowed to bring coolers, but they had iced bottle of water for those who did not bring anything. Our guides were freindly and knowledgable and able to answer all questions. We were able to get close to all 5 lighthouses and I got some great pictures. A few caveats- the only shade is near the diesel engine, so if you, like me, tend to seasickness, you won't want to be back there, so bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat. The other caveat is that if you ave back problems there are not a lot of seating options. One more- you will get sprayed, so dress accordingly. We had a great time and definietly would take a trip with them again.
Written August 21, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ronjones11640
Berlin, MD8 contributions
Mar 2018 • Business
Captain Culver was a gracious host and captain as he explained to our students from The Salisbury School the history of the Chesapeake Bay, the history and reasons for the Thomas Point and Bloody Point lighthouses in the Chesapeake Bay. At the conclusion of our tour, Captain Culver afforded our students the opportunity to answer questions based on his explanations during the tour and offering the student with the most correct answers a nice prize. Our students enjoyed every minute of the tour, especially the opportunity to respond to the questions about his information. This is a very educational and worthwhile trip for high school students.
Written June 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure taking your students out to see the lighthouses!
Written August 30, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dlmorrow
Shippensburg, PA97 contributions
Sep 2016
We signed up for the 5 hour tour. While the sights were awesome and the captain and helper were great the boat was a little lacking. It was very noisy and much smaller than what we were anticipating for a 5 hour tour of 5 lighthouses. We were not told anything about a bathroom on board or whether we could use it. There were 18 people plus two crew and seating was at a premium. Would recommend but just be aware. The noise of the engines made it very hard to hear what the crew was telling us about the various light houses.
Written September 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce H
Catonsville, MD23 contributions
My wife and I had been talking for years about going on a Light House tour on the Chesapeake. She set this up as a surprise and it was a wonderful day. Capt. Mike is an able and seasoned skipper that made everyone comfortable and informed all during the trip. His First Mate, Evan, was excellent and stepped in to take care of whatever was needed from helping load people's lunch and gear aboard to offering to take photos for us.
The ship is heavy and powerful so the trip was comfortable. This is good for older teens and adults as it is 5 hours on the water. Highly recommended.
The ship is heavy and powerful so the trip was comfortable. This is good for older teens and adults as it is 5 hours on the water. Highly recommended.
Written May 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't know for sure, however, it is really no place for a dog of any size in my opinion. Unless a small dog and a short cruise, say a sunset cruise. You would have to ask Captain Gary to be sure!
Enjoy your trip!
Written September 4, 2017
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