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Virginia

A Hands-On, Sea-to-Table Extravaganza on Chincoteague Island

Program No. 23441RJ
Learn about the aquaculture industry of Chincoteague as you harvest clams, oysters and crab with locals, and take your catch to the kitchen to cook local dishes with acclaimed chefs.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
climate
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2023
Starting at
1,599
Aug 13 - Aug 18, 2023
Starting at
1,599
Aug 27 - Sep 1, 2023
Starting at
1,599
Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
1,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jul 9 - Jul 14, 2023
Starting at
1,949
Aug 13 - Aug 18, 2023
Starting at
1,949
Aug 27 - Sep 1, 2023
Starting at
1,949
Sep 24 - Sep 29, 2023
Starting at
1,949

At a Glance

The coastal waters surrounding Chincoteague Island off Virginia’s Atlantic coast were once known for their salty oysters until overfishing nearly depleted the harvest during the 19th century. Today, a new “aquaculture” industry is emerging as the famous oysters known as the “Chincoteague Salts” return. Local waters also offer excellent grounds for clamming and crabbing, and sea-to-table restaurants abound for enjoying these bountiful harvests. During this hands-on seafood extravaganza, get your feet wet as you join local shellfishers and crabbers to hunt for clams, oysters and the famous blue crab, and head to the kitchen with experienced chefs to learn how to make historic and modern Chincoteague dishes. Along the way, learn about the re-emerging aquaculture industry and from those who live it, and find out about the challenges faced by those who work on the water.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Harvesting in knee-deep water.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Join husband and wife clammers for a hands-on harvesting experience, and take your clams to the kitchen to prepare an island chowder with a well-known local chef.
  • Learn the craft of beer making as you produce a small batch of stout with an excellent local brewer, and take your skills home with you to try beer making in your own kitchen!
  • Enjoy a special progressive dinner through historic downtown Chincoteague.

General Notes

All rooms at Channel Bass Inn have one bed, and some include a sleeper sofa or space for a rollaway bed. Roommate matching is unavailable for solo travelers on this program.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Chip Lewis
Chip Lewis is a Chincoteague Island native who grew up working in the local seafood business. His mother was one of the few female decoy carvers. He returned to the island following a successful military career. He operates his own clamming business using modern aquaculture techniques to carry on an age-old tradition.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Chip Lewis
Chip Lewis View biography
Chip Lewis is a Chincoteague Island native who grew up working in the local seafood business. His mother was one of the few female decoy carvers. He returned to the island following a successful military career. He operates his own clamming business using modern aquaculture techniques to carry on an age-old tradition.
Profile Image of Beth Scheeley
Beth Scheeley View biography
Beth Scheeley was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. She has many family ties to the island, which makes her a true "teaguer." Beth has an extensive knowledge for Chincoteague's history. Her childhood memories of Chincoteague's past looks, restaurants and people will call for endless conversations and stories during your time with her. Her go-getter personality and friendliness will surely make you feel right at home on Chincoteague Island.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.