Who we are

Welcome to Sailor Jim’s Seafood, where our family brings the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay to your table.

Based in Virginia, we’re a proud, family-owned and minority-owned business dedicated to delivering the freshest, highest quality seafood from our waters to you. Our journey is rooted in a deep love for the Chesapeake Bay’s unique ecosystem and a commitment to preserving it for generations to come.

Our Commitment: Fresh, Sustainable, and Delicious Seafood

At Sailor Jim’s, we believe that great seafood starts with great stewardship. As caretakers of over 265 acres of pristine oyster farms nestled in the Chesapeake Bay and nearby tributaries, we take pride in harvesting seafood sustainably and responsibly. Every oyster, crab, and fish we bring to you is a product of clean waters, careful cultivation, and sustainable practices. Our dedication to quality is more than just a promise; it’s a family tradition.

As of 2024, Sailor Jim’s has over a dozen oyster farms in the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in the Chesapeake Bay, James River, Nansemond River, Cooper Creek, Chuckatuck Creek, and Battens Bay. Sailor Jim’s is proud to be one of the few Black-owned aquaculture companies in the U.S. East Coast, and hopes to encourage the next generation to become passionate about this growing industry.

Our oyster farms

What We OFFER

Our products reflect the richness of Virginia’s coastal waters, allowing you to experience seafood as fresh and flavorful as if you had pulled it from the water yourself. Here’s just a few of the products we offer:

  • Fresh Virginia Oysters: Our signature product, these oysters are hand-harvested with care from our waters, delivering a clean flavor with the perfect mix of salt and brine unique to the Chesapeake Bay.

  • Virginia Blue Crab: Known for their sweet, delicate meat, our Blue Crabs are freshly caught and packed for quality and taste.

  • Smoked Oysters (Canned in Olive Oil): For those seeking the convenience of oysters in their pantry and home kitchen with a longer shelf life, our canned smoked oysters are carefully prepared and preserved in oil to capture their rich, savory flavor.

Whether you're hosting a seafood feast or just craving a taste of the coast, our offerings promise quality, freshness, and sustainability in every bite. We invite you to join our mailing list to receive updates about our product offerings and availability.

one of our farms in cooper creek, virginia

our story

The story of Sailor Jim’s Seafood is one of passion, dedication, and respect for the natural world. Founded by the Andrews family, our connection to the water runs deep, and our goal is balance enjoying the richness of the Bay’s resources with a sense of responsibility to its future. This dedication means practicing sustainable farming methods, advocating for cleaner waters, and ensuring that the seafood you enjoy today will be available for generations.

Sailor Jim’s Seafood is proudly named after the grandfather of our co-founder.

Born in 1923, Grandpa Jim was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard, serving our nation from World War II (1941) until 1963, eventually obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his military service, he worked as a waterman, a commercial painter, and in the shipbuilding industry. His dedication to the waters, his sense of humor, his respect for hard work, and his unwavering values are at the heart of everything we do.

Sailor Jim taught us that stewardship of the sea is both a privilege and a responsibility. Today, we carry on his values by ensuring that our practices respect the Chesapeake Bay and all its inhabitants, aiming to pass this thriving ecosystem to the next generation, just as he inspired us to do.

why choose sailor jim’s?

When you choose Sailor Jim’s Seafood, you’re not only getting a superior product—you’re supporting a family business with a mission. We are committed to:

- Sustainability: By maintaining our farms responsibly and following eco-friendly practices, we help protect and sustain Virginia’s waterways.

- Quality: Our seafood is harvested and prepared with the utmost care to ensure premium freshness and flavor.

- Community: As a family and minority-owned business, we believe in supporting our local economy and community, and in sharing the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty with respect and gratitude.

Join Us on This Journey

From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the Sailor Jim’s story. We invite you to explore our range of seafood offerings and discover the difference that family pride and sustainable practices bring to your table. Taste the tradition, savor the quality, and support our family’s commitment to a more sustainable world with Sailor Jim’s Seafood.