Harvest local shellfish and look for pony herds on a full-island cruise
3–4 hrs
Up to 6 people
Pony viewing, shellfish tasting
Explore Chincoteague and Assateague by boat on a full-island journey that combines pony viewing with a hands-on shellfishing stop. Hear local history as you visit clam and oyster grounds to harvest, shuck, and sample shellfish.
Cancel at least 48 hours before departure.
Product ID: ZPRJMB
Dress to get wet and plan to wade in the water. Depth varies with the tide and can reach almost waist deep on a 6 ft person (often around knee deep).
Yes. This tour is bring your own drinks, and you can use the cooler on the boat. The crew also provides iced water at no charge.
Yes. You’ll have a planned restroom break during the tour, and there’s also an emergency restroom available on the vessel.
Cowboy Cruise Company, 2247 Curtis Merritt Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336
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
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