Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all public access to protect sensitive species and habitats. The only exceptions are guided walking tours of the island conducted on Saturdays from October through February. Reservations for these tours are made through Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and will open on September 1st.
Visit Us
Because of the critical nature of its habitats for wildlife, Fisherman Island is closed to general visitation. That makes for a particularly unique experience for anyone who pre-registers for one of our guided tours or gets a permit to hunt on the refuge.
Activities
In the fall and winter, we offers tours of the refuge to visitors with advance registration and hunting opportunities to hunters with a valid permit.
Other Facilities in the Complex
We are managed as part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, this group of sites protect similar habitat types and wildlife. This means common management needs can be applied toward a common purpose throughout the Complex.
Rules and Policies
Refuge access is available only to pre-registered tour participants or by special use permit. Visitors must follow all rules and policies described in tour information or your special use permit. Keep in mind that unless an activity is explicitly permitted, that activity is prohibited.
Locations
The Eastern Shore of Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges are located off Route 13 in Virginia just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
- From Route 13 go East on Seaside Road (Rt 600)
- Follow Seaside Rd for about 0.3 mile to the intersection with Fitchett Rd
- Turn right to drive South on Fitchett for ¼ mile, Refuge Headquarters is on the left.