Assateague Island Cruise from Ocean Pines: Wild Ponies

The Bay Hopper navigates the backside of Assateague to bring wild ponies within arm's reach.

This 2-hour boat cruise departs from Ocean Pines Yacht Club, travels down Assawoman Bay, and circles Assateague Island so passengers can watch wild ponies and dolphins from the water. The captain navigates the island's backside where the ponies gather, and the trip includes a live English-speaking guide. All passengers, regardless of age, need a ticket. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Assateague Island Cruise from Ocean Pines

• Board boat at Ocean Pines Yacht Club
• Cruise to Assateague Island (30 min)
• Explore Assateague Island and see wild ponies (60 min)
• Cruise back to Ocean Pines Yacht Club (30 min)

The experience

The Bay Hopper leaves Ocean Pines Yacht Club and heads down Assawoman Bay for about 30 minutes before reaching Assateague Island. Once there, the boat circles the backside of the island (the side where the wild ponies actually are), so you see them in their habitat rather than from a distance. Dolphins often appear alongside the boat, and the captain points out other wildlife as the cruise moves along the shoreline. The whole trip runs 2 hours: 30 minutes out, roughly an hour at Assateague, and 30 minutes back to the dock.

This is one of the most popular boat trips in the Ocean City area, and it works for families with children and adults who want to experience the bay without arranging a separate nature tour. The boat accommodates infants (they sit on a lap) and small children in strollers, and it's suitable for all fitness levels since you're seated the entire time. A live guide in English narrates the trip and answers questions as the boat moves.

What’s included

• Boat ride on the Bay Hopper.
• live English-speaking guide narration.
• access to view wild ponies and dolphins from the water around Assateague Island.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 28 Sep 2027

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 30 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Bimini

Is this one for you?The live English guide makes the trip work for families and adults who want to learn about the island and its wildlife as the boat moves. If you prefer to explore independently or need a longer time on land, a self-guided visit to the island itself would suit you better.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the wild ponies of Assateague Island?

Assateague Island is famous for its population of wild ponies that roam the island freely. The boat circles the backside of the island where these ponies gather, giving passengers an up-close view from the water.

How long is the boat ride to Assateague Island from Ocean Pines?

The trip takes 2 hours total: about 30 minutes traveling from Ocean Pines Yacht Club down Assawoman Bay to Assateague, roughly 60 minutes cruising around the island, and 30 minutes returning to the dock.

Will we see dolphins on this cruise?

Dolphins often appear alongside the boat during the cruise around Assateague Island. The captain watches for them and points them out when they surface.

Can I bring an infant or small child on the boat?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. All passengers, regardless of age, need a ticket to board.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, a live guide in English provides commentary throughout the cruise, narrating what you see and answering questions about the island and wildlife.