Located at the southern end of Chincoteague Island, Curtis Merritt harbor is a town-owned facility which includes deep water slips, a launch ramp, restrooms, fish cleaning facilities, fishing pier, a recreational park, and other services.
Curtis Merritt harbor is an important facility for commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, and visiting mariners. It is also a popular recreational area for visitors and residents.
The launching ramp requires a permit which can be obtained from the local Police Station. The water is fairly deep right off the bulkhead and the current runs swiftly in the channel.
Nearby are several popular fishing areas that can be reached by small boat. Check with local tackle shops or VMRC for fishing regulations.
Waterman’s Memorial
At the end of Curtis Merritt Harbor is a small public park known as Mariner’s Point. A trail leads up onto a high bank where visitors will find a memorial for lost fishermen and mariners.
The park’s elevated location offers views of Chincoteague Inlet, Atlantic Ocean, Assateague Island, Tom’s Cove, and Wallops Island. Mariner’s Point is a popular spot for viewing rocket launches from the NASA launch pad on Wallops Island.