Discover Virginia's Wild Barrier Islands on the Eastern Shore
The barrier islands along Virginia's 70-mile Eastern Shore coastline offer pristine, untouched beaches, fragile ecosystems, and echoes of historic communities. Standing on the Atlantic's edge, you'll feel worlds away from civilization.
Hire a local guide with a boat or kayak for a guided excursion, or captain your own vessel for a personal beach adventure.
About the Islands
Virginia’s Eastern Shore features 14 barrier islands, forming the longest coastal wilderness on the U.S. eastern seaboard. Designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of International Importance, this chain is one of only 17 U.S. wetlands of international significance.
Primarily owned by The Nature Conservancy, state, and federal agencies, the islands welcome daytime hiking, nature observation, swimming, and photography. All except drivable Assateague Island require water access.
Once bustling with farming, fishing, hunting, and tourism communities, many islands were abandoned after 1930s hurricanes. Relocated homes still dot the mainland. Explore their stories at the Barrier Islands Center.
Getting There
No roads or bridges connect these remote islands—the journey is part of the thrill. Paddle a kayak through salt marshes, sail with a knowledgeable captain, or soar above for aerial views. Combine them for the full experience.
Kayaking
Rent or bring your kayak and follow the Seaside Water Trail. Tackle short segments or the full Eastern Shore span, gliding silently amid marshes teeming with wildlife.
Learn more about kayaking on Virginia’s Eastern Shore here. Launch points detailed below.
Boating
With your own boat, launch from nearby seaside harbors and reach the islands in minutes. Pack a picnic for secluded beaches, birdwatch with binoculars, or surf fish.
View Atlantic coast boat ramps here. Most are free or low-cost.
Guides
Expert guides enhance your trip. DayTripper’s boat taxi drops you at Dawson’s Shoal for beach time. Certified eco-tour captains share bird insights and island lore.
Kayak outfitters offer guided trips to Assateague’s wild ponies, Metompkin Island wildlife, or multi-day stays on private Holly Bluff Island.
Book guides or eco-tours here.
From the Air
Aerial tours reveal the islands’ dramatic chain protecting the peninsula.
Details on air tours here.
Planning Your Trip
Not all islands allow public access. Check this list for open islands and activities.
These delicate ecosystems shelter migratory birds, rare species, and shield the shore from storms. Respect them fully.
- Camping, dogs, vehicles, and open fires prohibited.
- Follow signs protecting wildlife and plants.
- Stay below high tide line to minimize impact.
- Leave no trace—pack out all trash.
- Pick up litter to protect marine life.
The Nature Conservancy: Cobb, Godwin, Hog, Mink, Myrtle, Parramore, Revels, Rogue, Sandy, Smith Islands, and TNC portions of Cedar and Metompkin open for day use (swimming, hiking, birding, fishing, photography). Seasonal restrictions. Little Cobb and Ship Shoal closed. Learn more.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Assateague, Assawoman, FWS portions of Cedar and Metompkin, Chincoteague NWR open daytime with restrictions. Fisherman Island closed except winter tours. Learn more.
VA Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries: Mockhorn and state-owned Cedar portions open with restrictions. Learn more.
VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation: Wreck Island open seasonally (closed Apr 15–Aug 31). Learn more.
VA Marine Resource Commission: Dawson’s Shoal open for day use, seasonal restrictions. Learn more.
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Written by EasternShore VA RootsRated for Visit Eastern Shore VA.
Featured image courtesy of Visit Eastern Shore, Virginia.
