Boat Travel

Water sports and activities are popular recreational pursuits in Virginia and Maryland, which share the expansive Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Harbor and river cruises are offered in Baltimore, St. Michaels, Annapolis, Washington, D.C. (along the Potomac), Hampton, and Norfolk, to name a few starting points. Sailboats and other pleasure craft can be chartered for trips on the Chesapeake Bay or inland rivers. Popular ports include Rock Hall, Havre de Grace, and Solomons in Maryland, and Newport News and Chincoteague in Virginia.

For a complete list of ferries operating in Virginia, including commercial ferries and those operating to the Maryland shore, see www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry.asp.

If you're over 60, chances are you qualify for greatly discounted transit fares in Virginia and Maryland. If you're over 60 in the Norfolk area, they almost pay you to ride their excellent system of buses and ferries. And if you're over 65, Maryland and WMATA let you ride their trains, buses, and subways at half price. All state-operated ferries in Virginia are free. The Elizabeth River ferry between Portsmouth and Norfolk costs $1.50 per person, and half that for seniors. Ferries to Tangier and Smith islands cost about $25 round-trip, but be sure to confirm the price in advance.

Information

Hampton Roads Transit. 757/222–6100. www.gohrt.com.

Smith Island Cruises. 410/425–2771. www.smithislandcruises.com.

Tangier Island Cruises. 410/968–2338 or 800/863–2338. www.tangierislandcruises.com.

Virginia Department of Transportation. 804/786–2801. www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry.asp.