Barnacle Bill's

Wild Pony

Boat Tours

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS

Chincoteague Boat Tours

Item: Wild Pony Boat Tours
Rating: 5
Author: Ethan Paquette

Set sail on a relaxed, story-rich, narrated cruise through the southern waters of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Our route stays close to the heart of the island—where history, wildlife, and scenery come to life. With expert narration and a family-friendly pace, we focus on the southern pony grounds where sightings are common (but always wild!). Whether you spot ponies up close or from afar, you’ll leave with unforgettable views, entertaining stories and a deeper understanding of this one-of-a-kind coastal world.

We offer two unforgettable experiences:

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.

Whether you’re here for the wild ponies, peaceful scenery, or just a great time on the water, our tours are fun, entertaining and designed to leave you with lasting memories.

Discover our Exclusive

Chincoteague Picture book

Exclusive to Barnacle Bill’s: A Visual Guide to the Stories We Tell

At the end of your Wild Pony Boat Tour, we hand out our Picture Book—a rich visual companion designed to enhance the stories you’ve just heard. This book is filled with hundreds of historic and modern photographs that line up with the narration from your captain and mate, helping bring Chincoteague’s past and present into sharper focus.

It’s packed with fascinating facts, local history, and hard-to-find information that ties directly to the moments you just experienced on the water.

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.

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.

Captain Brian and Mate Lacy ready to welcome guests onto the Lucky Lady

The Lucky Lady docked and ready for departure with Wild Pony Boat Tours in Chincoteague, Virginia

Wild Pony Boat Tours’ Lucky Lady cruising through Chincoteague during a pony tour and scenic boat adventure

The Lucky Lady cruising past the shores of Chincoteague on a wild pony boat tour at golden hour

Pony Blog

Chincoteague Wild Pony Boat Tours Two men stand beside a wild Chincoteague pony foal at an outdoor auction, while a speaker addresses the crowd from a podium. Visitors looking for Wild Pony Boat Tours in Chincoteague can experience these unique pony events and enjoy unforgettable Chincoteague pony tours.

Guide to the Chincoteague Pony Auction

Each summer, the Chincoteague Pony Auction draws thousands of spectators and bidders for a one-of-a-kind tradition that blends history, conservation, and community spirit. Held the day after the famous Pony Swim, the auction not only helps manage the wild herd but also raises vital funds for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. With record-breaking bids and heartfelt moments, it's a highlight of Pony Penning Week you won’t want to miss.

Wild Chincoteague ponies swimming across the channel, as seen during the annual pony swim and Wild Pony Boat Tours

About the World-Famous Chincoteague Pony Swim

Every July, the island of Chincoteague comes alive with the world-famous Pony Swim—a beloved tradition that combines history, wildlife, and community spirit. From the thrilling swim across the Assateague Channel to the week-long Pony Penning festivities, discover everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime event and how to experience it from the best seat in the house.

A great egret wading through shallow water on Assateague Island, spotted on a wild pony boat tour

Wildlife you may see on a Chincoteague Boat Tour

Chincoteague Island is home to one of the most diverse and exciting coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. From wild ponies grazing in the marsh to dolphins playing in the channel, every boat tour offers a chance to encounter something unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at the incredible wildlife you can see on a Chincoteague boat tour.