Somers Cove Inlet
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About
Introduction:
Crisfield and Somers Cove Inlet are located on the Little Annemessex River off of Tangier Sound in Somerset County, MD. Crisfield, once home to the largest oyster fishery on earth, now revolves around fishing, recreational boating and crabbing. Somers Cove is home to Somers Cove Marina, a DNR Police Station and home of the local fishing fleet. This is also the point from which ferries and supply boats leave for Smith Island.
History:
Founded in 1666 by Benjamin Summers, Crisfield was originally known as Somers Cove. Annemessex was a typical small Eastern Shore village. Gradually the name of the village was changed to Somers Cove. This came about because boat captains and crews consistently referred to the area by the small cove which afforded them protection from the weather in the Chesapeake and was a fine docking place. The combination of the railroad and the oyster helped fuel the development of secondary industries in the city. Harvested seafood requires cool temperatures in order to keep it fresh and edible. Consequently, a large ice house was built which supplied ice to keep seafood refrigerated in transit.
Navigating the Water:
Use NOAA Chart 1231.
Crisfield and Somers Cove Inlet can be reached on a north or southbound approach from Tangier Sound. On either approach, Janes Island Light (flashing white every four seconds) is the light you first pick up to clear into the Annemessex River (green can 1 is a secondary unlit aid in the area).
Once clear of the long shoal extending from Janes Island, pick up quick flashing red 2, flashing red 4, and then flashing green 7 at Long Point (making sure to follow the intermediate aids as well). After you have passed Long Point, flashing red 10, and then flashing red 11 guide you into Somers Cove. Depths in the cove, and along the approach route bottom out at about 8 feet at mean low water.
Local Notices to Mariners:
Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Reviews
Somers Cove Marina We arrived about 2 weeks before the scheduled season opening so the marina wasn’t completely operational. The hospitality of the staff more than made up for any inconvenience. We got a ride to town for food when we arrived on Saturday and when the marina office opened on Monday, the Executive Director gave us a 2-hour guided tour and history lesson of the area. Tom Schisler was a most gracious host and great ambassador for the Crisfield community. The rest rooms were clean and well maintained, the WiFi was good, the floating transient dock was well appointed. The marina is well protected and the shore side perimeter is secured with locking gates. Although we didn’t use them, there is a pool, kids play equipment and a dog walk area. The facilities were all great. The local food and the hospitality of the staff made this a great stop. Bill & Mindy Gold Loopers aboard M/V Big Enough Offshore 48 Pilothouse March 25-27, 2023
This was my third visit to Somers Cove Marina, which is a gem of a facility, that is centrally located to the town, is open enough to still receive some of the steady trade winds that Crisfield is famous for while maintaining privacy, and the amenities simply rock; bathhouse(s), pool, picnic benches, grills, covered pavilions, and even a small general store! Of special note is the welcoming attitude of the staff that comes thru to visiting boaters. From the offer to come out and pilot the boat in if needed, staff waiting at the dock to help you tie up, the offer of a longer electric cable when mine was too short to reach, and even the gift of a slice of Smith Island cake for everyone onboard, you couldn't ask for a more pleasant stay...