Chincoteague Birdwatching Boat Tour: Remote Marshland Access

Spot native birds in their natural habitat across remote waterways

A birdwatching boat tour through Chincoteague and Assateague's marshlands and waterways with a live English-speaking guide. The boat reaches remote areas of the barrier islands where native birds congregate, traveling roughly 80 minutes through the waterways. Children from age 1 are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap. All fees and taxes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching tour around islands

• Explore Chincoteague’s coastline
• Travel waterways to spot native birds
• Visit prime birdwatching spots on Assateague Island

The experience

This is the only tour boat in the area that specializes in birdwatching, which means the route and timing are built around where the birds actually are rather than where the crowds go. You travel through the marshlands and waterways around the barrier islands (the places where native species feed and nest) rather than staying in the developed areas. The guide knows which locations hold the unique and rare birds at different times, and the boat goes to those spots instead of the standard tourist stops.

The tour runs roughly 80 minutes, long enough to work through several of the best birding locations without the day becoming a commitment. You explore Chincoteague's coastline first, then move to the great spotting locations around Assateague Island. The boat is small enough to access the waterways where larger vessels can't go, which is why the remote areas stay accessible. All fees and taxes are already included in the price.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide.
• access to remote marshland and waterway locations around both islands.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Assateague Tours

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Chincoteague, so if you're staying on the island or nearby without a car, you can reach it by public transit: no rental needed to get to the remote birding spots.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (4 to 6 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What birds will I actually see on this tour?

The guide takes you to the locations where native bird species congregate in the marshlands and waterways. The specific birds present depend on the season and time of day, but the tour is routed to the spots where rare and unique species are most likely to appear rather than the general tourist areas.

How long does the birdwatching tour take?

The tour runs approximately 80 minutes, covering Chincoteague's coastline and then moving to the best spotting locations around Assateague Island.

Is there parking or public transit to reach the boat?

Public transportation options are available nearby. If you're staying in Chincoteague or the surrounding area without a car, you can reach the departure point using local transit.