Private Boat Tours of Chincoteague & Assateague: Wild Ponies

Two hours watching wild ponies, dolphins and eagles from your own boat

A private pontoon charter around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands in Virginia where you navigate secluded tidal creeks and salt marshes at your own pace, spotting wild ponies grazing the shoreline, dolphins, and bald eagles while your captain shares island history and ecology. Choose between a 6-passenger or 20-passenger boat. Binoculars are provided, and no other groups share the water with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private pontoon cruise and wildlife viewing

• Board private pontoon boat
• Cruise around Assateague and Chincoteague Islands
• Spot wild Chincoteague ponies grazing
• Observe dolphins playing in the wake
• Watch bald eagles soaring overhead
• Navigate secluded tidal creeks and salt marshes
• Listen to captain's narration on island history and ecology
• Enjoy personalized, flexible sightseeing experience

The experience

You arrive at the dock and board a private pontoon: either the smaller 6-passenger or the larger 20-passenger, depending on your group size. Your captain, who doubles as a naturalist guide, takes the helm and steers into the back-bay routes where the wildlife actually lives. The boat moves slowly through secluded tidal creeks and salt marshes, the kind of narrow passages where you can see individual birds and hear the water lapping against the marsh grasses. This is not a crowded tour boat with a microphone and a fixed script. It is your boat, your pace, your questions.

The wild Chincoteague ponies are what most people come for, and you will spot them grazing the shoreline: stocky, shaggy animals that have lived on these barrier islands for centuries. Dolphins surface in the boat's wake, and bald eagles hunt overhead. Your captain narrates as you go, pointing out the ecology of the salt marsh, the history of the islands, and the animals' behavior. Binoculars are on board if you want them, though you can also bring your own. The whole experience unfolds over two hours, long enough to see the wildlife without rushing, short enough to fit into an afternoon or morning.

Because the boat is private, there are no other parties aboard: no strangers' conversations, no jostling for a spot at the rail. This works for a family reunion, a romantic outing, a small corporate group, or just a couple who want to spend an afternoon on the water without a crowd. The captain tailors the route based on where the wildlife is showing up that day and what your group wants to see.

What’s included

• Private pontoon charter with your choice of 6-passenger or 20-passenger boat.
• captain-naturalist guide providing personalized narration on island ecology and history.
• binoculars for guest use.
• no other parties aboard.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Saltwater Pony Tours

Is this one for you?The two-hour duration and slow pace through shallow creeks mean you're watching wildlife from a stable platform without long walks or strenuous activity, making this suited to families with young children, older adults, or anyone who wants to see the islands without leaving the boat.

Traveler reviews

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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.

Can I bring my own binoculars, or are they provided?

Binoculars are provided on board for all guests, though you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer your own pair.

What's the difference between the 6-passenger and 20-passenger boats?

The 6-passenger pontoon suits smaller groups or families who want an intimate experience, while the 20-passenger boat accommodates larger parties like reunions or corporate groups. Both are fully private with no other parties aboard.

Will we definitely see wild ponies and dolphins?

Wild ponies graze the shoreline of Chincoteague and Assateague, and dolphins are common in the back-bay waters. Your captain knows where to find them and will navigate toward sightings, though wildlife viewing is never guaranteed.

How long does the tour take?

The cruise lasts two hours, which gives you time to explore the tidal creeks and salt marshes and observe the wildlife without rushing.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and service animals are allowed aboard.

Can I customize the route or focus on specific wildlife?

Yes, your captain tailors the experience to your group's interests and adjusts the route based on where wildlife is active that day, so you set the pace and priorities.