I have an exceptional day trip idea to share with you my friends. It involves a barrier island off the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean – a Virginia remote water destination. Did you know that there are 14 barrier islands that claim the state of Virginia as home? Fisherman Island may not be the very most remote of them all, however, it will lead you to both an unspoiled beauteous beach and some boast-worthy bird watching.

Fisherman Island is a National Wildlife Refuge, approximately a half mile off the coast of Virginia.
virginia remote water destination
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
The remarkable Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the island to mainland Virginia via Highway 13.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Fisherman Island is not open to the general public, however, you can pre-register to join a free guided tour.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Tours may be most plentiful on Saturdays during fall and winter months - call to confirm availability and find out about special events throughout the year. The other way to visit the island is to apply for a hunting permit.
Fisherman Island offers a protected habitat for migrating birds – birds nesting here include pelicans, plovers, terrapins, and more.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Currently underway on the island is the Diamondback Terrapin Crossing Prevention Project. Female terrapins tend to land in roadways as they look for nesting areas – a concrete barrier now helps lessen the number of birds hit by vehicles entering the island from the bridge.

Related Stories

You Can Watch Wild Ponies Swim During This Wonderfully Unique Summer Event In Virginia

You Can Watch Wild Ponies Swim During This Wonderfully Unique Summer Event In Virginia

 One Of The World's Most Epic Water Tube Slides Is Right Here In Virginia And You Need To Ride It

One Of The World's Most Epic Water Tube Slides Is Right Here In Virginia And You Need To Ride It

 The Rural Virginia Lake Is The Perfect Place To Make A Splash This Summer

The Rural Virginia Lake Is The Perfect Place To Make A Splash This Summer
Back in the 1800s, Fisherman Island encompassed only 25 acres, but today occupies a whopping 2,000 acres – more room for the birds!
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Virginia’s barrier islands make up one of 17 sites considered to be wetlands of international importance. Fisherman Island is Virginia’s southernmost barrier island, where the Chesapeake Bay mixes with the Atlantic Ocean.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
In addition to birds, you may come upon other small ocean-dwelling animals, including horseshoe crabs.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
As you explore the island, keep your eyes open for the elusive ghost crabs too.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr

Fisherman Island is a Virginia remote water destination. Retreat from the hustle and bustle, walk the beach, and see some fascinating fowl. Phone the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at (757) 331-3425 to register for one of the free island tours. For more tour information, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.

Discover two more islands in Virginia when you read our articles about Assateague and Chincoteague.

Stay awhile, in this Vrbo rental home, an 11-minute walk to the beach in Cape Charles.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Virginia

Featured Addresses
Fishermans Island, Virginia 23310, USA