Are children allowed on the tours?

Yes. Wild Pony Tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Barnacle Bill's

Wild Pony

Boat Tours

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS

2026 season begins May 13 — 2026 Pony Swim & Swim-back are SOLD OUT

Narrated Wild Pony Boat Tours in Chincoteague, Virginia

Explore Assateague’s wild ponies, coastal wildlife, and waterways with an expert local guide

Wild Pony Tours offers narrated wild pony boat tours in Chincoteague, Virginia, focused on Assateague Island’s famous ponies, local wildlife, and coastal history. Led by an experienced local captain, our tours provide a calm, informative way to explore the waters surrounding Assateague and Chincoteague without crowds or scripted audio.

Each tour features live narration, real-time wildlife spotting, and insight into pony behavior, island history, and the ecosystems that make this area unique. Guests often see wild ponies roaming Assateague’s shoreline along with dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, and other coastal species.

What is a wild pony boat tour?

A wild pony boat tour is a guided sightseeing cruise that explores the waters around Assateague Island, where wild ponies live freely. A narrated tour provides live explanations about pony behavior, wildlife, and local history while viewing the shoreline from the water.

Narrated Tours vs Scenic-Only

A narrated boat tour includes live storytelling from a knowledgeable local guide, explaining pony behavior, wildlife, and the area as you explore. A scenic-only tour focuses on the views, often with little or no commentary.

Narration adds context & creates a more meaningful experience.

Wild Pony Tours offers small-group and private experiences designed for families, couples, photographers, and visitors who want more than a quick boat ride. Our goal is simple: help guests understand what they’re seeing, not just pass by it.

Learn more about our wild pony boat tour options, explore our guide to Assateague’s wild ponies, or visit our FAQ page for details about planning your visit. Ready to experience Assateague from the water? View available tour dates and book online using our real-time calendar.

LEARN ABOUT CHINCOTEAGUE BOAT TOURS »

Locals guide to Chincoteague wild pony boat tours

Top-Rated Wild Pony Boat Tours with Live Narration and Wildlife Sightings

Experience Includes:

Narrated wild pony boat tours around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Expert local narration about ponies and wildlife
Wildlife sightings (dolphins, eagles, marsh birds)
Family-friendly and private options
90-minute to 2-hour cruises

Exclusive PICTUREBOOK

A Visual Guide to our Stories

We finish your tour with a rich visual companion designed to enhance the stories you’ve just heard. Filled with hundreds of historic and modern photographs that line up with the narration, helping bring Chincoteague’s past and present into sharper focus.

Saltwater Stories & Scenic Pony Cruise

FULLY NARRATED, STORY-RICH BOAT TOUR

Enjoy a narrated scenic and nature cruise around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

See wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and other local wildlife as you explore the scenic and peaceful waterways with an expert, knowledgeable captain that will share tons of stories about the area and the ponies.

Sunset Island Stories & Pony Cruise

FULLY NARRATED, STORY-RICH BOAT TOUR

Unwind on a peaceful sunset cruise around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Relax as the sky glows over the water and enjoy the chance to see wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and other local wildlife — all while soaking in the beauty of golden hour on the bay.

FAQ

Frequenty Asked Questions

Where do Wild Pony Tours depart from?

Tours depart from Curtis Merritt Harbor in Chincoteague, Virginia. Detailed directions and arrival information are provided after booking.

How long are the tours?

Most Wild Pony Tours last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on conditions and wildlife activity.

Are wild pony sightings guaranteed?

Wild ponies live freely on Assateague Island, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, ponies are seen on most tours, and your captain will explain their behavior and habitat regardless.

Are the tours narrated?

Yes. All Wild Pony Tours are fully narrated live by a knowledgeable local captain.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

What other wildlife might we see?

In addition to wild ponies, guests may see dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, and other coastal wildlife. Sightings vary by day and season.

What You’ll Experience on a Wild Pony Tour

Narrated boat tours focused on Assateague’s wild ponies
Departing from Chincoteague, Virginia
Live commentary from a knowledgeable local captain
Small-group and private tour options
Pony sightings along Assateague Island (wildlife sightings vary)
Coastal wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, ospreys, and seabirds
Calm cruising suitable for all ages

What We Offer

A Chincoteague Pony Tour filled with local stories, wildlife and wild pony sightings, along with fascinating island history as told by your captain.
A relaxing Chincoteague Sunset Boat Tour, perfect for winding down as the sky glows over the marsh and bay along with the fascinating local stories told by the captain and crew.

Why Choose Barnacle Bill’s Wild Pony Boat Tour?

Experienced local guides
Live narration, no recordings
Multiple wildlife experiences, not just pony viewing
Family-friendly and customizable
One of the newest boats in the area with comfortable seating and forward-facing viewing

The Lucky Lady

Our Boat - Lucky Lady

Comfortable, shaded, and designed for sightseeing. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or spotting wild ponies, this boat delivers a smooth and unforgettable ride.

Comfortable, shaded, and designed for sightseeing, The Lucky Lady is the perfect vessel for exploring the scenic waters of Chincoteague and Assateague. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or spotting wild ponies, this boat delivers a smooth and unforgettable ride every time.

Pony Blog

How the Wild Ponies of Assateague stay warm all Winter

Winter on Assateague Island is quiet, cold, and wind-driven—but the wild ponies are right at home. With no barns, blankets, or human help, they rely on thick winter coats, natural fat reserves, and deep knowledge of the island to survive snow, ice, and coastal storms. Even while tours are paused ...

Chincoteague Explorer: A Water-Level View of the Chincoteague Wild Ponies and Island Life

Experience Chincoteague and Assateague from the water on a Chincoteague Explorer boat tour. See wild ponies, dolphins, and island wildlife while learning the real stories behind this unique coastal ecosystem.

The Tradition, Spirit, and Legacy Behind Chincoteague’s Saltwater Cowboys

Chincoteague and Assateague are known for their wildlife, quiet marshes, and laid-back island life, but nothing captures the heart of this place quite like the saltwater cowboys. For nearly a century, these local volunteers have managed, protected, and rounded up the famous wild ponies that roam the Assateague coastline. Their ...