Cruise the Miles River, take in an exhibition, engage in a hands-on program, or watch a restoration in the Working Shipyard. However you choose to explore CBMM, you’ll experience Chesapeake history and culture firsthand.
Tours & River Cruises
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has many options for touring campus and our waterways. Choose from self-guided or docent-led walking tours, a scenic river cruise aboard the historic 1920 buyboat Winnie Estelle, and more.
Adult Group Tours
CBMM’s 18-acre waterfront campus is just a short walk from St. Michaels’ historic shops and restaurants. With at least two weeks’ advance notice, CBMM will provide a guide for your group tour upon request. Some tour customization is available.
Student Group Tours
Whether at CBMM, in your classroom, or out on the water, we are dedicated to teaching students about the rich history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay’s communities and environment. Our hands-on programs and curriculum units are designed to inspire, challenge, and enlighten your students about the unique heritage of the Chesapeake Bay’s people and places.
Cruises
Enjoy a 45-minute scenic Miles River cruise aboard the 1920 Chesapeake buyboat Winnie Estelle. Beginning Memorial Day weekend through August, drop-in cruises depart from CBMM at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sign up at the Welcome Center on the day of your visit, and meet under the Lighthouse for boarding. Cruises are also offered on Memorial Day, July 4 Monday, and Labor Day.
Exhibitions
Through interpretive exhibitions, CBMM seeks to capture the essence of the Chesapeake Bay story, the connections between the environment and people over time, how a place where land is intricately intertwined with water has impacted individual lives and communities throughout history. Grounded in a sense of place and connection to the Chesapeake’s culture, land, and water, CBMM’s guests better understand the history, environment, and culture of the region and are inspired to act as stewards for the Bay and its cultural and environmental resources.
Learn more about CBMM’s floating fleet, long-term exhibitions, and past, current, & upcoming special exhibitions.
Shipyard
CBMM’s working Shipyard creates anew the tradition of working on a waterfront. Shipwrights and apprentices provide a tangible connection to the Chesapeake’s rich story of boatbuilding.
Event Spaces
From a corporate retreat to a grand waterfront wedding, CBMM offers venues and event coordination to complement any occasion.
Learn About
Our Programs
Designed to bring the Chesapeake Bay’s heritage, culture, and ecology alive through experiential learning, CBMM’s programs and resources inspire and educate both current and future Bay stewards. Explore our Chesapeake legacy through specialized tours, hands-on programs, on-the-water experiences, and corresponding curriculum units.