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Barnacle Bill's

Wild Pony

Boat Tours

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS

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Merchandise

Coming Soon

We’re putting the finishing touches on our brand-new shop, featuring exclusive Wild Pony Boat Tours merchandise, gifts, and apparel inspired by the beauty and spirit of Chincoteague.

🛍️ The shop will officially launch May 17, just in time for the start of our tour season.

Check back soon to grab your gear and take a piece of the adventure home with you!

100th Anniversary Shirts

Commemorate a century of one of America’s most beloved traditions with our 100th Anniversary Chincoteague Pony Swim T-Shirt!

Limited edition 100th Anniversary design is available in ultra-soft breathable fabric as well as performance dry-fit. Choose from a full range of adult, women’s and youth styles and colors. Quantities are limited—get yours now and be a part of the celebration that only happens once every 100 years!

100th Anniversary TUMBLERS

Stay refreshed during your island adventures with our Wild Pony Tours 20 oz Insulated Tumbler!

Blog

Wild Pony Blog

Welcome to the Wild Pony Blog

Discover the stories, sights, and secrets of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. From local history and wildlife insights to tour tips, island happenings, and behind-the-scenes moments on the water, our blog brings the spirit of the Eastern Shore to life. Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for more, there’s always something new to explore. Let’s set sail—one story at a time.

Spotlight on a Rare All-White Albino Dolphin Near Chincoteague

Chincoteague has a new star—a rare white dolphin calf spotted alongside local pods in recent weeks. This once-in-a-lifetime sighting adds even more wonder to our waters, where every tour brings the chance to witness something unforgettable.
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Ultimate Guide to Chincoteague Boat Tours: How to Choose the best Experience

Thinking about booking a boat tour in Chincoteague? Whether your dream is spotting the famous wild ponies, watching dolphins leap through the waves, or catching a sunset over Assateague, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you go.
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Looking for the best way to explore Chincoteague Island? Our guide to Chincoteague boat tours shows you how to spot wild ponies, dolphins, and eagles while cruising through some of the most scenic waterways on the East Coast.

Top-Rated Chincoteague Boat Tours for Families and Wildlife Lovers

Looking for the best way to explore Chincoteague Island? Our guide to Chincoteague boat tours shows you how to spot wild ponies, dolphins, and eagles while cruising through some of the most scenic waterways on the East Coast.
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Things for Kids to Do in Chincoteague | Why Kids Love the Chincoteague Pony Tour

Looking for unforgettable family fun on Virginia’s Eastern Shore? Discover why the Wild Pony Tour in Chincoteague tops the list of things for kids to do in Chincoteague! From spotting wild ponies to learning island history, this narrated boat tour is an educational and magical adventure your kids will talk about for years.
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Assateague Explorer Adventures by water with Wild Pony Boat Tours

Looking for the ultimate Assateague Explorer experience? Wild Pony Boat Tours offers a front-row seat to Chincoteague’s wild ponies, coastal wildlife, and rich island history—told by expert local captains on a relaxing, scenic cruise. Whether you choose a daytime adventure or a golden-hour sunset tour, it’s the perfect way to experience Assateague from the water.
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Experience the Magic – Chincoteague Sunset Boat Tour

Looking for the perfect end to your Chincoteague adventure? Our Chincoteague Sunset Tour offers a relaxing, narrated boat ride through scenic marshes and pony territory—when the wild ponies are most active and the golden light of sunset transforms the island. It’s the best time of day to see wildlife, beat the heat, and capture unforgettable views. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or family looking for a memorable outing, this is the boat tour experience you won’t want to miss.
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Chincoteague Uncovered: Hidden Adventures & Local Favorites

Planning a trip to Chincoteague? 🐴🌊 Don’t just stop at the ponies—this guide uncovers the island’s lesser-known adventures, local traditions, and off-the-radar experiences. From narrated boat tours and rocket launches to historic landmarks and fresh seafood, here’s how to explore Chincoteague like a local.
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Riptide the wild Chincoteague pony running through shallow water on Assateague Island

Riptide: The Bold & Beloved Stallion of Chincoteague Island

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a wild pony on the shores of Assateague Island, there's one name that stands out above the rest—Riptide. With his striking coat, piercing blue eyes, and commanding presence, Riptide isn’t just any wild pony—he’s a living legend. As one of the most recognizable and beloved stallions in the southern herd, Riptide has captured the hearts of photographers, pony fans, and Chincoteague visitors from around the world. In this article, we dive into Riptide’s story, his connection to Misty of Chincoteague, and where you might catch a glimpse of him on your next Wild Pony ...
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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.
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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.
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A Chincoteague pony foal standing in the marsh grass on Assateague Island, seen during a wild pony boat tour
A young pony stands alert in the marsh — a precious and unforgettable sight on Chincoteague boat tours.
A bottlenose dolphin surfacing in the waters near Chincoteague, often seen on Wild Pony Boat Tours
A playful dolphin breaks the surface near Chincoteague — a thrilling wildlife encounter on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
A young Chincoteague pony foal standing in shallow water on Assateague Island, seen on a wild pony boat tour
A curious foal stands near the water’s edge — a heart-melting moment from a Chincoteague pony tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours.
A great egret fishing in the shallows near Chincoteague, often seen on Wild Pony Boat Tours
A great egret hunts in the shallows — one of many bird species spotted during Wild Pony Boat Tours in Chincoteague.
A group of wild Chincoteague ponies making their way through shallow water, a memorable sight on Chincoteague boat tours
A herd of Chincoteague ponies crossing the water — just one of many magical moments guests experience on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
A bald eagle soaring above Chincoteague’s coastal waters, commonly seen during Wild Pony Boat Tours
A bald eagle glides overhead — just one of the awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on Wild Pony Boat Tours in Chincoteague.
A Saltwater Cowboy rides horseback near the marshes of Chincoteague, part of the island’s famous pony roundup
A Saltwater Cowboy rides through the marsh — honoring the historic tradition behind every Wild Pony Boat Tour.
Wild Chincoteague ponies running through the shallows, a thrilling sight seen on wild pony boat tours
Wild ponies gallop through the water — a legendary scene celebrated on every Chincoteague pony tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours.
Two bald eagles perched together in Chincoteague, often spotted during wild pony boat tours
A rare double sighting — two bald eagles perch side by side, a majestic moment on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
The Assateague Lighthouse framed by trees, as seen during a Chincoteague boat tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours
The Assateague Lighthouse rises over the treetops — a picture-perfect stop along your Chincoteague pony tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours.
A wild Chincoteague pony grazing in the marsh grass on Assateague Island, seen during a wild pony boat tour
A wild pony grazes quietly in the marsh — a serene and unforgettable moment on a Chincoteague pony tour.
A cormorant freshly surfaced from a dive in the waters near Chincoteague, spotted on a wild pony boat tour
A cormorant emerges after a dive — one of many real-time wildlife encounters seen on Chincoteague boat tours.
A bottlenose dolphin surfacing during a Chincoteague boat tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours
A dolphin appears near the boat — a magical moment and guest favorite on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
Wild ponies walking along the shore during a Chincoteague sunset tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours
Guests aboard Wild Pony Boat Tours capture unforgettable views of wild ponies at sunset — a must-see Chincoteague boat tour experience.
A great blue heron standing still in shallow water near Chincoteague, seen on a wild pony boat tour
A great blue heron stands watchfully in the shallows — one of many majestic bird sightings on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
Wild Chincoteague ponies swimming across the channel, as seen during the annual pony swim and Wild Pony Boat Tours
A rare and unforgettable sight — wild ponies swim together across the water during a highlight of Chincoteague boat tours.
A single roseate tern perched on a wooden post near Chincoteague, seen during a wild pony boat tour
A roseate tern rests on a post above the water — a quiet glimpse of Chincoteague’s birdlife on Wild Pony Boat Tours.
Wild ponies grazing peacefully on Assateague Island during a Chincoteague pony tour with Wild Pony Boat Tours
A signature sight during Wild Pony Boat Tours — wild ponies grazing on Assateague Island during a scenic Chincoteague boat tour.
Sunset view over Main Street in Chincoteague, a top attraction before or after your wild pony boat tour
Golden hour lights up Main Street in Chincoteague — the perfect place to explore before or after your Wild Pony Boat Tour.
A great egret wading through shallow water on Assateague Island, spotted on a wild pony boat tour
A great egret scans the water’s surface — one of many elegant bird sightings on Wild Pony Boat Tours.

Barnacle Bills Wild Pony Tour Location

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Wild Pony Boat Tours -

Bringing Chincoteague’s Stories to Life

Our mission is to offer a one-of-a-kind, story-driven boat tour that brings Chincoteague’s wild ponies, rich history, and coastal beauty to life. With expert narration and a relaxed pace, we give guests a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural wonders—without the crowds, gimmicks, or shortcuts.

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CLOSED FOR THE SEASON!

Thank you for an amazing year!

We’re getting the boat ready for the upcoming season at Barnacle Bill’s Wild Pony Boat Tours—and look forward to 2026!

Our 2026 tour season officially starts on May 15, 2026.

👉 Early Booking for 2026 Special Events available below! 👈

2026 Pony Swim
2026 Pony Swimback