CHINCOTEAGUE TOURS TO ASSATEAGUE. ASSATEAGUE HORSES & WILDLIFE with ASSATEAGUE EXPLORER
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What time of day is the best for Assateague horses and dolphins?
- Is it advisable to make a reservation in advance?
- What month is best to see Assateague Horses?
- Are we going to get off the boat?
- Is it customary to provide gratuity or tips for the boat crew or kayak guides?
- Can you guarantee to see wild animals?
- What is the protocol if it rains?
- Is there a bathroom on the boat tour?
- Has anyone ever got sea sick?
- Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
- What is the tour boat like?
- What is the recommended arrival time before the tour?
- Where is the departure locations for the boat and kayak tour?
- Is there any shade available on the boat?
- Are gift certificates offered?
- What is the distance between Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and Ocean City, Maryland?
- Which side of Assateague should I visit, the Maryland side or the Virginia side?
- Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement?
- What is the optimal time of day for observing wild ponies and wildlife?
The best time of day to see wild ponies and wildlife is any time of day. Unlike deer, ponies graze all day, and shorebirds, eagles, and dolphins can be seen at any time of the day. Different herds of ponies and various species of wildlife can be spotted at different times throughout the day, making each cruise or kayak trip unique. The ponies are always grazing, resting, or socializing, and they like to walk, graze, and sometimes even run along the lush marshlands, edges of the woodlands, and remote beaches we frequently visit. Ponies, eagles, shorebirds, and dolphins can be seen just as well at any time of day. Anytime you go out with us, you will have a good chance of seeing the ponies, as they move around all day, and we see them throughout the day. - Is it advisable to make a reservation now?
Yes, advance reservations are the norm and are highly recommended. Trips can fill up rapidly. You can maximize your chances of securing the day and time you prefer by reserving now, as seats are limited. If you need to alter or cancel your reservation, you can do so as long as you provide us with at least 48 hours notice. Reserve now online. - When is the optimal time to see the ponies?
The best time to see the ponies is from late April through mid-October. This is when the weather is most favorable, and it's also the time when the foals are typically born, making it an ideal time to witness the ponies in their natural habitat. - Are we disembarking from the boat during the tour?
Typically we stay on the boat to explore more of the pristine areas in search of wild ponies and wildlife. However, there are times when we opt to disembark on a stunning remote sandbar to hunt for shells, especially if we've already seen plenty of ponies and are in that vicinity. The kayak trips may also include a stop at a fantastic remote beach, but this depends on where our guides choose to take you and where the wild ponies are located. - Is it customary to provide tips for the boat crew and or kayak guides?
Yes, it is customary to give a gratuity for the tour boat crew or kayak guides if you enjoyed your experience. Our crew works tirelessly to ensure you have the best possible time. They're passionate about the outdoors, assisting others, and meeting individuals like yourself. Gratuity is always welcomed. - Can you guarantee sightings of wild animals?
You are guaranteed to see great areas where the wild horses, birds, dolphins and wildlife live. Assateague horses move around all day, we usually see them, bald eagles and dolphins. This is the only way to access these places. It wouldn't make sense to visit and not see this beautiful half of the island, which is only accessible by boat. You'll have the best chance of seeing the wild ponies, as evidenced by our YouTube videos and photos. However, we cannot guarantee that we'll see these wild creatures up close or doing something remarkable each tour. The wildlife at Assateague and Chincoteague is "wild," and this is not a petting zoo. Nature is unpredictable, so think of it like visiting a National Park. There are many herds of wild horses. Wildlife and marine life are here in the wild outdoors, but they are not circus animals we we have no magic summoning powers. - Does it matter if it rains?
The boat and kayak tour depart from an ideal location, near where the wild ponies and wildlife reside on the refuge. The weather is typically favorable to us here at Chincoteague and Assateague, thank goodness. During the summer, we experience cooler weather than the mainland. If there is a light shower, it means nice, cool weather as well. We typically still proceed with our tours. The rain does not bother us or the wild ponies and wildlife. In fact, some of our best pony watching can occur on a rainy day, and we always welcome some cool weather. We provide nice rain parkas for you (similar to those used on the "Maid of the Mist"), but you are also welcome to bring your own. The boat is 40 feet long and very wide, with a spacious top. We monitor wind and sea conditions, and they are not necessarily unfavorable during the rain. In the event of severe weather, such as strong winds, we may cancel the tour, but you are not obligated to attend. - Is a bathroom on the tour boat?
There is always a bathroom nearby during the tour, as we are close to the island's restrooms in various areas. Additionally, a couple of our tour boats are equipped with restrooms. - Has anyone ever got sea sick?
Nobody has ever gotten seasick on our tours because the waterway is protected between the islands. We operate between Chincoteague and Assateague Island mostly where the waters are sheltered. Our Coast Guard Certified boats are very stable and even on our big skiff boat nobody has gotten sea sick. - Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
There is a nice floating dock ramp at the harbor for easy access. We will do all that we can to accommodate customers with disabilities, but everyone is different, and although most can get on and off, we cannot guarantee it. We gladly do our best to help so most everyone can get on and off the boat. - What are the tour boats like?
We have several tour boats. We even have a new addition for 2024. The 40ft vessel, "Misty," is an impressive craft. It is Coast Guard Certified, which requires an annual inspection each year. The boat was designed and built as a high-speed catamaran, ensuring it is very seaworthy, with twin engines for speed and reliability, as well as a restroom. In addition to modern safety equipment, this vessel is operated by a licensed “Master” captain. U.S. Coast Guard Certification also requires a crew member. The boat has undergone a U.S. Coast Guard stability test, and the Coast Guard performs hull inspections. The boat has met plan approval, passenger weight regulations, and construction phase observations by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel is periodically hauled out for a complete U.S. Coast Guard hull inspection. A Certified vessel is held to a higher standard for passenger safety. The chief captain has also worked on these waters as a boat captain since the mid-1980s, has operated boats in the Pacific, and is the unquestionable pioneer of Pony Watching in these areas by boat. This tour vessel is wide and provides a smooth ride. It is very spacious, and the boat sits up higher off the water, allowing for great views of wildlife and scenic vistas. Bring the family and experience Assateague and the splendor of one of nature’s great wonders. Some of our tour boats have a restroom and all have a canopy for shade. - What is the recommended arrival time before the tour?
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your tour. Look for the sign that says "Assateague Explorer" and our crew will assist you onboard. - What are the departure locations for the boat tour and kayak tour?
The tours depart from Chincoteague Island, Virginia by the best part of Assateague. Visit and print the driving directions page. - Is there shade on the tour boat?
Yes, the tour boat has a large top that provides ample shade. - How can I get a gift certificate?
Gift certificates for the tour are available. Click here for your gift certificate. - What is the distance between Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and Ocean City, Maryland?
Chincoteague Island, Virginia is the gateway to the best parts of Assateague and is situated right beside Assateague, just one-hour south of Ocean City (near the Maryland/Virginia line). Chincoteague, Virginia is a relaxing town with all you need to visit nearby Assateague Island. - Which side of Assateague should I explore, the Maryland or Virginia side?
About half of Assateague Island is located in Virginia, and the other half is in Maryland. The Virginia portion of Assateague is certainly the island's most beautiful part. This area is amazing and situated beside Chincoteague Island. This is where the Assateague Lighthouse is, most of the wild horses (with approximately 80 foals born each summer, as opposed to the Maryland side, where horses receive a birth control shot, resulting in fewer foals). Assateague's beach here and wooded areas have giant loblolly pine trees and beautiful scenery. The Assateague Channel is between Chincoteague and Assateague Island, providing access to the island's best parts. The wild horses on the Virginia side are visible here along this inner coastline. - Is there a minimum age requiremen ?
Kids of all ages enjoy the boat tour, the kayak tour is usually ages 5 minimum.
Photos taken on the tour of Assateague - wild ponies, wildlife & scenery. |
Videos of the cruise & kayaking along Assateague & Chincoteague. |
Explore and experience that feeling of discovery. Your outdoor adventure begins here. |
Assateague Explorer featured on the ABC Good Morning America Show. |
Cruise / Kayak - 2024 Season
March 15th - November 24th
Reserve now, the reservation office is open all year.
Advanced reservations are recommended.
