Captain Barry's Back Bay Cruises, Chincoteague, Virginia, Bay Cruises Around Virginia's Only Resort Island

Visitors to Virginia's Chincoteague Island find that what is billed as "Virginia's only resort island'' has managed, in many ways, to maintain the feel of a small, close-knit community. Less than 5,000 people live on the island year round, but summer brings some tourists and vacationers to the island.

Many people go to Chincoteague for the wildlife or to see the wild ponies swim across the bay. Among the available activities on this small island are Captain Barry's Back Bay Cruises.

Captain Barry Frishman moved to the island from upstate New York. Passionate about the environment, Frishman sees the cruises as more than a way for his guests to have a good time. He also uses the time to teach them about the ecology of the Back Bay.

A visitor from New York said, "we took the kids (girls ages 13 & 9) and they loved it! They are not nature lovers by any means, but they loved learning about oysters, clams, jellyfish, snails, birds, seashells and the island in general.''

Captain Barry offers several cruise options. The Birding and Nature Tour allows both beginning and experienced bird watchers to see some of the rare birds and other wildlife that can be found on and around the island. An experienced guide is on board to answer questions and discuss the birds that can be seen.

The Coastal Encounter has visitors catching crabs, looking for jellyfish and tramping through the salt marshes in search of wildlife. Those on board will also learn about how to predict the weather and tidal navigation and also learn some of the history of Chincoteague Island. A visitor from Pennsylvania took this tour with his family and said, "Took the nature cruise in the afternoon. Learned a lot about the wildlife in the area. Got off the boat and we were taught how to clam with our feet. Went into a rookerie, onto a beach formed by shells, crabbed, ate freshly harvested oysters, Learned about the local businesses and characters also.''

The Champagne Sunset Cruise is the only one of Captain Barry's cruise that is just for the grownups. Guests will be invited to sip champagne as the captain discusses local history.

Finally, there is the Sea Life Expedition which, in many ways, is simply a shorter version of the Coastal Encounter cruise.

Only 6 passengers are allowed at a time. The small group setting will allow everyone to have the chance to ask questions of the captain. All ages are encouraged to take any of the cruises with the exception of the Champagne Sunset Cruise.

Advance reservations are recommended and personal coolers are welcome on all cruises.