FAQs

What is the best time of day to see wild ponies and wildlife?

Anytime of day. The ponies are not like deer. Ponies graze all day, shorebirds, eagles and dolphins are seen any time of the day. We see different herds of ponies and various species of wildlife at different times throughout the day. Each time we go out on the cruise or kayak trip, we see different wildlife behavior throughout the day. No two trips are ever alike. The ponies are always grazing, resting or socializing. Wild ponies like to walk, graze and sometimes even run along the lush marshlands, edge of the woodlands and remote beaches we travel to all the time. Ponies, Eagles, Shorebirds and Dolphins can be seen just as good at anytime of day. Anytime you go out with us, you will have a good chance at seeing the ponies. The ponies move around all day, we see them throughout the day.
Should I make a reservation now?

Yes. Advance reservations are the normal thing most people do and are strongly recommended. The boat tour and kayak tour can book up quickly. Maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer by calling us now since seats are limited. If you have to change or cancel your reservation, you can do so as long as you give us at least a 48-hour notice (you don’t loose anything then). Reserve now online.
What month is best to see ponies?
Are group tours available?

Assateague Explorer welcomes your group on the nature cruise or kayaking tour. Group discounts are available. The certified 49 passenger and 12 passenger wild pony nature tour boats are USCG approved and USCG safety inspected annually. The kayaks we use on the kayak tours are extra large sit on top ocean kayaks that are more than enough on the sheltered Assateague Channel inland waters between the two islands of Assateague and Chincoteague. The Assateague Explorer tours are educational and a fun way for groups like yours to experience the island’s nature.

Assateague Explorer’s tours go between the islands of Assateague and Chincoteague in Virginia to see wild ponies, dolphins, eagles shorebirds, the Assateague Lighthouse and amazing scenery. The tours are very popular for scout troops, churches, schools, corporate outings, as well as senior groups. Group organizations of all kinds enjoy this ever year. If your group is looking for a private party or just a fun educational tour, they will enjoy the boat or kayak tour while sightseeing here with all the nature the island has to offer.

Bring your family party, team building event, wedding party or company outing to the perfect natural setting and enjoy watching wild ponies, dolphins as you relax. Reconnect with nature and rejuvenate with your group for birthdays, family gatherings, graduation parties, anniversaries or any club organization you belong. We make this an epic vacation experience when you travel here to visit Assateague and Chincoteague. Let us put a wild pony, dolphin watching tour of Assateague together just for you! We have welcomed: School Groups, Scout Groups, Wedding Parties, Bus Groups, Church Groups, Family Reunions, Senior Groups, Meet Ups and more on the Assateague Explorer tours since 2001. Call now for a group discount and we can help you with your group planning. Ample Free Parking for tour buses.
Do we get off the boat?

It depends. Most of the time we stay on the boat so we can cover a lot of the pristine areas in search for more wild ponies and wildlife. However, sometimes we do decide to land on a beautiful remote sandbar and search for shells if we have seen plenty of ponies and we are in that vicinity. The kayak trips sometimes land on an awesome remote beach, but it depends where our guides decide to take you, where the wild ponies are hanging out, etc…
Gratuity/Tipping? Should we tip the boat crew or kayak guides?
Do you guarantee wildlife sightings?

You are guaranteed to see the areas where the wild ponies, birds, dolphins & wildlife live and are active, but there is no guarantee of any kind of wildlife viewing just because the wildlife is “wild” and this is not a zoo. However, this is the only way to reach these places and we do see the wild ponies most of the times. It would not make sense to visit and not see this beautiful part of the island only accessible by boat and have the best success (90%) in seeing the wild ponies (as good as it gets, see our youtube & photos, this is the best way to see wild ponies). We see bald eagles & dolphins frequently. However, there is no guarantee that we’ll see these wild creatures on every single trip. Some visitors expect to see them close or doing something remarkable, but the wildlife at Assateague and Chincoteague is “wild”, this is not a petting zoo (Assateague is a National Park) and nature is unpredictable and we cannot control the wildlife. A variety of scenery, wildlife & marine life is here in the wild settings, and that is why they are called “wild” ponies and this is what makes them so special. There is no refund for not seeing wild ponies or dolphins.
What happens if it rains?

The boat and kayak tour leave from the best location possible, near where the wild ponies and wildlife are on the refuge. The weather is usually pretty good to us here at Chincoteague and Assateague, thank God. We have cooler weather than the mainland during the Summer. If it is a light shower, that means nice cool weather also. We usually still go. The rain does not bother us or the wild ponies and wildlife. In fact, some of our best pony watching can be on a rainy day and we always welcome some cool weather. We have nice rain parkas for you (like going out on the “Maid of the Mist”) but you are welcome to bring your own. The boat is 40ft. long and very wide with a nice large top. We monitor wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. In the case of severe weather, such as strong winds, we may cancel but you are not under any obligation.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Will I get Sea Sick?
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
What is the boat like?

The newest 40ft vessel “Misty” is awesome. It is Coast Guard Certified which requires an annual inspection each year. The boat was designed and built as a high speed catamaran, to be very sea worthy and has twin engines for speed and reliability, plus a restroom. In addition to modern safety equipment, this vessel is operated by a licensed “Master” captain. U.S. Coat Guard Certification also requires a crew member. The boat has undergone a U.S. Coast Guard stability test and the Cost Guard performs hull inspections. The boat has meet plan approval, passenger weight regulations and construction phase observations by the U.S. Coast Guard. The vessel is hauled out periodically for a complete U.S. Coast Guard hull inspection. A Certified vessel is held to a higher standard for passenger safety. The captain has also worked on these waters as a boat captain starting way back in the mid 80’s, has operated boats in the Pacific and is the unquestionable pioneer of Pony Watching in these areas by boat. This tour vessel is wide and provides a smooth ride. It is very spacious and the boat sits up higher off the water which allows great views of wildlife and scenic vistas. Bring the family and experience Assateague and the splendor of one of nature’s great wonders. The boat has a restroom and canopy for shade.
How early should I arrive before my tour?
Where does the boat and kayak tour leave from?
Is there shade on the boat?
Are gift cards available?
How far is Chincoteague Island, Virginia from Ocean City, Maryland?
Which side should I visit, the Maryland side or the Virginia side of Assateague?

A lot of people do not know, but half of the island is located in Virginia and the other half located in Maryland. The Virginia half of Assateague is definitely the best part of the island. It has the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (where delmarva fox squarrals, sika deer, bald eagles, waterfowls and other wildlife inhabit), Assateague Lighthouse, most of the wild horses with approximately 80 foals born each summer (whereas the Maryland side horses receive a birth control shot so there are only a few foals there), the beach and extended wooded areas with giant loblolly pine trees and beautiful areas. The Assateague Channel is located between Chincoteague and Assateague Island and it provides access to the best parts of the island. The wild ponies on the Virginia side are visible along this inner coastline.
Is there an age limit?
Are pets allowed?