CHINCOTEAGUE TOURS TO ASSATEAGUE.  ASSATEAGUE HORSES & WILDLIFE with ASSATEAGUE EXPLORER

Assateague Wild Pony Watching Cruises

Assateague is an amazing destination. Visit Chincoteague,  Virginia to see the only place like this on earth.

Assateague Explorer Pony Watching Cruise

Time:

 

9:30AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM, SUNSET
(Other times may be available.)
See sunset departure time.

Duration:

Approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours

Price*:

 

Adults $59
Children 3-11 years old receive $10 off
Children under 3 years old are free

Location:


Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Driving Directions

Reservations:










Reserve Now Online

Call (757) 336-5956
or (757) 894-2932


7 days a week 7am-10pm

Advanced reservations are recommended. Free cancellation until 48 hours before the scheduled tour (cancellation policy).

A private tour is also availabe.

* Group discounts available.
* The schedule & price are subject to change.
* 6% fee will be applied to all the transactions.

Chincoteague Combo Tour to Assateague (SAVE 10%):

Enjoy Chincoteague and Assateague on your vacation. You have the option of either taking the cruise and kayak tour or going out on the boat or kayak twice, either on the same day or on separate days. Each time you go out, the experience is unique. Throughout the day, herds of wild horses, dolphins, and other wildlife are constantly on the move. The combo tour is a great choice for witnessing the most wildlife and scenery.

Combo tour options:
1. Cruise & Kayak Combo:

  • Option 1: Start with the leisurely cruise, enjoying scenery and wildlife from the boat. Then, switch to a kayak for a closer look at the tranquil waters and wildlife.
  • Option 2: Begin with the kayak tour, observing wildlife in areas. Then, transition to the boat cruise for a different perspective.
  • 2. Double Boat or Kayak Adventure:
  • Option 1: Do the boat tour twice in one day, potentially spotting different wildlife during each trip.
  • Option 2: Opt for two kayak trips, exploring different areas and potentially encountering different wildlife each time.
  • 3. Boat & Kayak on Different Days:
  • Option 1: Start with the boat tour for panoramic views, then take the kayak tour on another day for a more active experience.
  • Option 2: Begin with the kayak adventure for a close-up look at wildlife, then enjoy the boat tour on a separate day for a different perspective.
  • Assateague Explorer Tour Boat MISTY

    The Assateague tour boat "Misty" is a Coast Guard Certified inspected vessel. A Coast Guard Certified vessel undergoes stability tests, periodic inspections at various phases of construction, continuous hull inspections & annual safety inspections by the coast guard. It provides a comfortable ride with a top & a restroom. A brand new tour boat is also added to our fleet in 2024. Any one of the tour boats is guaranteed to get you to the best areas.


    USCG inspected vessel

    Assateague Explorer Pony Watching Cruise

    Travel to the best part of Assateague from Chincoteague, Virginia. Dolphins are usually seen up close on the tour, almost every day. The marine waters and pristine estuaries in this area are perfect for dolphins and other marine life. You can see dolphins playing and catching fish. The waters and land are full of life. Horses and wildlife are active in different areas all day long, so you can encounter various forms of wildlife throughout the day. Go twice while you are here, do the Combo Tour. Wild ponies, dolphins, shorebirds, wildlife, and scenery await. See the legendary wild horses and wildlife. The Chincoteague tour to Assateague is a great family vacation.

    Dolphin Watching near Assateague

    Birdwatching near Assateague

    BOAT TOUR TO ASSATEAGUE 

    Assateague wild horses on the Pony Express Cruise

    Chincoteague Virginia is a gateway to Assateague Island's natural wonders, offering nature's experiences for the intrepid traveler. Assateague Explorer's tour boats cruise from the picturesque Chincoteague Island, located in the southern region of Assateague. This mode of travel provides a close-up encounter with the beauty of the islands, including wild horses, dolphins, and a diverse array of bird species. The tour is led by U.S. Coat Guard certified captains who possesses a great understanding of the area, ensuring that passengers have the best opportunity to witness the local wildlife in the natural habitat. For those visiting Chincoteague on their family vacation, Assateague Explorer is the perfect choice.

    The best time to see the wild ponies and wildlife of Assateague and Chincoteague is any time of day! These majestic animals and birds are out and about, grazing and soaring, all day long. For an extra special experience, visit between mid-April and mid-October when the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.

    The sightseeing tour cruise goes through the serene waters between the barrier islands of Assateague and Chincoteague. You'll be treated to stunning views and have the chance to spot the iconic lighthouse. Visit Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you can catch a glimpse of the legendary wild ponies and other wildlife. It's an adventure for the whole family!

    Assateague Explorer Pony Watching Cruise

    The Chincoteague boat tour to Assateague is the ultimate way to witness the region's captivating wild horses and wildlife within the Wildlife Refuge. Captain Mark that started this is an island native, seasoned expert and pioneer in pony watching by boat with great knowledge of the area. Featured on Good Morning America, he is renowned for his ability to locate the elusive wild ponies. A native of Chincoteague, Captain Mark's family has deep roots on the island, with connections to the iconic Misty from the famous book and film "Misty of Chincoteague." As a nature photographer, his art prints of wild horses and nature can be found on his website, Photographerimages.com. Discover the history of Assateague's ponies, wildlife behavior, special adaptations, birdwatching, and local ecology, all while experiencing the Chincoteague tour to Assateague.

    Assateague Explorer Pony Watching Cruise

    Embark on the Chincoteague to Assateague tour with Assateague Explorer's cruise, taking you to the very heart of the legendary wild horses' and migratory birds' sanctuaries. Since it's inception in 2001, the tour has introduced countless visitors to these pristine havens on the unforgettable cruises.The nature tour, a harmonious blend of relaxation, natural history, and outdoor adventure, is a must for every nature enthusiast. This tour was featured on ABC's Good Morning America show. You can join this and see the vast expanse of this remarkable landscape. These waterways offer a breathtaking array of protected coves, channels, and inlets, each revealing a new discovery as we search for wild ponies and other hidden treasures. The wild horses, living in family groups called "bands," graze on the salt marsh grasses in remote areas you will be privileged to visit. These horses, a registered breed known as Chincoteague Ponies, are as remarkable as they are captivating to observe. Witness the magic of nature. Approximately 60 new foals are born each summer, adding to the approximately 150 wild ponies that roam these scenic interior coastlines accessible only by boat.

    A vacation to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, and Assateague offers a serene island getaway, away from the bustling crowds of Ocean City, Maryland. Just an hour's drive south of Ocean City, these Chincoteague tours are conveniently accessible. Departing from Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Assateague Explorer offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and outdoor relaxation. Assateague is a beloved destination for families in Virginia. This Chincoteague tour to Assateague provides an exceptional chance to learn about nature while encountering the wild horses that make this place so unique. The tours are family-friendly, and all ages are welcome. Assateague Explorer takes you to prime wildlife viewing and photography habitats. While wildlife is unpredictable, it's not uncommon to spot several herds of wild ponies, dolphins, and eagles all on the same tour. Witness the wild horses, along with their playful foals, frolicking along the shoreline as you search for various herds of ponies, birds, and dolphins.

    Assateague Wild Horses

    Assateague serves as a sanctuary for the wild horses and is a crucial environment for both local and migrating bird populations. Positioned within a significant bird migration path, the island is a haven for various bird species, which visitors can observe during our cruises. The locations we explore offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Birdwatching from a boat is an incredible experience. If you have a passion for horses, birdwatching, or photography, you'll find it truly enjoyable. Our cruises provide the most efficient way to observe ponies and birds. This is the ideal method to explore the finest parts of Assateague Island. There are ample opportunities for outdoor photography on the tour.  

    Photo Gallery

    Tour Photos

    Photos taken on the tour of Assateague - wild ponies, wildlife & scenery.

    Watch Us on YouTube

    Tour Videos

    Videos of the cruise & kayaking along Assateague & Chincoteague.

    Tour Brochures

    Tour Brochure

    Explore and experience that feeling of discovery. Your outdoor adventure begins here.

    Good Morning America

    Media Coverage

    Assateague Explorer featured on the ABC Good Morning America Show.

    Cruise / Kayak - 2024 Season
    March 15th - November 24th

    7 days a week.
    Reserve now, the reservation office is open all year.
    Advanced reservations are recommended.

    Wildlife Art Prints