Cowboy Cruise Company is run by fourth-generation Saltwater Cowboys who have helped care for Chincoteague’s wild pony herd since 1925. Captains Hunter and Ayden grew up on these waters, know every inlet and bloodline, and delight ...
Cowboy Cruise Company is run by fourth-generation Saltwater Cowboys who have helped care for Chincoteague’s wild pony herd since 1925. Captains Hunter and Ayden grew up on these waters, know every inlet and bloodline, and delight ...
Captain Hunter and his crew have built something genuinely special here. Hunter brings a rare combination to the water as a 3rd generation Saltwater Cowboy and Marine Biologist, meaning the stories and knowledge you get go well beyond a typical tour script. Guides like Ayden also consistently earn high marks for being personable, punctual, and deeply familiar with the wildlife and history of the area. The small boat size is a real advantage. It lets them navigate into shallow marsh areas that larger tour boats simply can't reach, which translates directly into closer encounters with the wild ponies. Reviewers frequently mention getting remarkably close to multiple herds, and a few have even witnessed foals being born during their tour. Beyond the standard pony tours, Hunter also offers experiences like duck hunts and the annual Pony Swim, and the same level of attentiveness carries through all of it. The 8am tour gets mentioned specifically as the best slot for pony sightings, and the tour is dog friendly, which is a nice bonus for travelers bringing pets along.
We had the best time on the combined pony/shellfish tour! Hunter was an absolute delight and so knowledgeable about the history, geography, and wildlife that make Chincoteague a special place.
Zelda Barrett
July 6, 2026
We had the best time on the combined pony/shellfish tour! Hunter was an absolute delight and so knowledgeable about the history, geography, and wildlife that make Chincoteague a special place.
Zelda Barrett
July 6, 2026