See Assateague Ponies & Wildlife Cruise From Chincoteague
Cruise the back side of Assateague to spot wild ponies and coastal wildlife
Duration
1.5 - 2 Hours
Includes
Boat cruise, Wildlife viewing
Highlights
Explore the waters between Chincoteague and Assateague on a 1.5–2 hour nature cruise led by an experienced captain. Scan the shoreline for wild ponies and watch for marine life as you take in local scenery.
- Cruise from Chincoteague along the back side of Assateague
- Look for wild ponies, bald eagles, shorebirds, and dolphins
- Enjoy scenic views near Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- Travel in comfort across smooth waters between the barrier islands
- Ride with a local captain and learn about the area
Things to know
Wheelchair access may require steps or lifting a wheelchair, and full accessibility cannot be guaranteed. Let the operator know at booking and tell the captain or crew when you arrive so they can plan.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund with at least 24 hours’ notice. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellations within 24 hours of the tour and no-shows are charged the full price. Group tours: deposit or 50% non-refundable within 30 days; 100% non-refundable within 2 weeks.
FAQs
Anytime of day is great, wild horses graze and move around anytime of day. Shorebirds, eagles and dolphins are also seen at all times of the day. Mid April through mid October is awesome.
Meeting details
2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive Chincoteague, VA US 23336
More about Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge sits on the southern end of Assateague Island, a protected stretch of salt marsh, maritime forest, and shimmering coastal waters that feels worlds away from the everyday. Famous for its wild ponies, migratory shorebirds, and unspoiled barrier island beaches, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most beloved natural sanctuaries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Pony Express Nature Cruise glides through the calm bays and channels that hug this refuge, giving you a water-level view of the landscape that most visitors only see from the road or the trail.
From the comfort of the boat, you will drift past the marsh edges of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge while your captain points out the famous Chincoteague ponies grazing in the distance, often with foals at their sides. Along the way, expect to spot great blue herons stalking the shallows, ospreys circling overhead, egrets standing motionless in the reeds, and the occasional bald eagle perched along the tree line. The salty breeze, the soft slap of water against the hull, and the wide-open sky over Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge create a sensory experience that photographs never quite capture. The captain shares stories about the ponies, the local ecology, and the refuge's long history, turning the cruise into both a sightseeing trip and a gentle lesson in coastal life.
This cruise is a wonderful fit for families with curious kids, couples looking for a relaxed and scenic outing, wildlife photographers, and any traveler who wants to understand why Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge holds such a special place in American conservation. It is unhurried, comfortable, and full of those quiet moments when a pony lifts its head, a heron takes flight, or the sun catches the water just right. If you want to see the wild side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge the way nature intended, from the water and at its own gentle pace, this is the cruise to choose.