Cruise to see wild Chincoteague ponies with a Saltwater Cowboy guide
2 - 2.5 Hours
Up to 6 people
Guide, Boat tour, Pony viewing
Explore the North and South grazing pastures of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. by small boat as you look for the herds of wild Chincoteague ponies. Ride with Captain Hunter Leonard, a Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. Saltwater Cowboy, and enjoy time for questions in a six-passenger tour boat.
Three passengers are required to operate the boat; if fewer book, you may be called to reschedule. Parties over 6 people should make two separate bookings.
Full refund with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Yes. Three passengers are required to operate the boat. If fewer than three book, you may be called before departure to reschedule.
Please arrive 15 minutes early.
After you enter the harbor, continue toward the flag pole and the harbormaster’s building. Keep going toward the large wooden cross by the water until you see the red sign on your right that says "Floating Dock #2." Above it, look for the sign that says "Cowboy Cruise Company Parties Meet Here." The boat is near the end of Floating Dock #2.
Address is 2246 Curtis Merritt Rd
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.
Excellent tour, small boat = close to ponies. The guide knew every point by name. Most knowledgeable tour guide ever. Guide not concerned about the time as much as he was making sure we saw lots of ponies and horses. Our tour was excellent, we saw one foal being born and another take their first steps!!! This tour company is the best.
Shawn Wilson
May 12, 2026
Excellent tour, small boat = close to ponies. The guide knew every point by name. Most knowledgeable tour guide ever. Guide not concerned about the time as much as he was making sure we saw lots of ponies and horses. Our tour was excellent, we saw one foal being born and another take their first steps!!! This tour company is the best.
Shawn Wilson
May 12, 2026