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Assateague Explorer: Wild Ponies and Dolphin Tour
4.4
146 Ratings
Chincoteague
With over 20 years of flawless safety, Assateague Explorer boat tours have been showcasing the wonders of Assateague Island since 2001. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed sightings of the island’s famous wild ponies, dolphins, eagles, shorebirds, and more. Locally owned and operated, the tour has been highlighted by ABC’s Good Morning America.
With over 20 years of flawless safety, Assateague Explorer boat tours have been showcasing the wonders of Assateague Island since 2001. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed sightings of the island’s famous wild ponies, dolphins, eagles, shorebirds, and more. Locally owned and operated, the tour has been highlighted by ABC’s Good Morning America.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Assateague Island - Discover the western shores of Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the stunning scenery and look out for wild horses, dolphins, and birds during your visit.
- Chincoteague Island - Navigate the inland coastal waterways of Chincoteague Island. Relish the fresh air and beautiful…
- Assateague Island - Discover the western shores of Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the stunning scenery and look out for wild horses, dolphins, and birds during your visit.
- Chincoteague Island - Navigate the inland coastal waterways of Chincoteague Island. Relish the fresh air and beautiful views from the water while spotting dolphins and birds.
- Chincoteague Island Waterman’s Memorial - Sail past the southern tip of Chincoteague Island to view the waterman’s memorial.
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Experience the breathtaking areas of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge by boat, searching for wild ponies, eagles, dolphins, shorebirds, and other wildlife. Appreciate the scenery and wildlife, with narration providing island history and wildlife insights.
What's Included
- Narration
- Local Knowledge of Islands & Wildlife
- Narration
- Local Knowledge of Islands & Wildlife
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Dinner
Location
Assateague Explorer Pony Watching Cruise & Kayaking
Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive
The Assateague Explorer captain and the crew will meet you at farthest left side of the harbor at dock #3. After you enter the harbor, stay left, past the restrooms/harbor master building, and go to the very end of the road. Look for the dock #3 sign and the "Assateague Explorer" sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(146 Ratings)
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1 star
Timothykw5630vp
Oct 26, 2025
Our 26th Wedding Anniversary Cruise - Our guide was Capt Shane, on a small skiff, with 6 customers. We saw multiple pods of dolphins, 2-6 each, several of which came right up to the side of our skiff. There was also a herd of about 8 ponies, with some right near the water, so we could see them well. And there was an osprey, too
Capt Shane was very knowledgeable. He was able to answer all our questions, and he provided a running commentary about everything that we saw. He was also a great conversationalist, so we felt like we were friends by the end of the trip.
It was a blast!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Backpacker192446
Oct 23, 2025
Birding - Captain Shane was very accommodating of my request to see birds- we toured a spot that included Caspian Tern and Marbled Godwit!
The close views of dolphin where lovely as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O7640zzanitam
Oct 21, 2025
Sunset Cruise - Such a great company, They are so persoable and amazing. The Sunset cruise was beautiful but the area is that. Capt. Mark brought you into his family and made you feel apart of his. His partner on the boat was super knowlegdable and so wonderful in sharing information and her love of the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dequane_c
Oct 4, 2025
Capt. Shane - Captain Shane was amazing and very thorough! If you come during fall definitely bring a jacket and they allow concealed drinks!
Review provided by Viator
Toma_l
Oct 3, 2025
Capt Chain was very... - Capt Chain was very friendly and the tour was fun and relaxing. It was our child’s first boat ride and he enjoyed being on the water and seeing the birds and horses.
Review provided by Viator
Dhawnh
Sep 30, 2025
Fantastic sunset boat tour! - Capt Shane did a wonderful job navigating the boat to ensure we had the best chance to see the splendor of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. The sunset cruise was fabulous and we were thrilled to see the wild ponies, bald eagles and many shore birds. We highly recommend and will definitely be returning for another tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
315marilynw
Sep 28, 2025
Great busy ride with Captain Stan - We didn't go on the Sunset Cruise because the weather was predicted to be stormy, so they moved us to the 2:30 cruise. We had a wonderful boat ride with Captain Stan and a group of great people. Although we only saw a few ponies from far away, we did see dolphins and eagles. It was a relaxing and fun time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelly_n
Sep 23, 2025
It was a very good... - It was a very good experience. Our boat driver was very knowledgeable about the island and was very down to earth. We saw bald eagles, ponies from a distance and dolphins. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Lauriem732
Sep 20, 2025
Sunset cruise with Captain Shane - Captain Shane did a great job touring us around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands with this sunset cruise. He took his time and slowed the boat as we watched for dolphins. We yelled and pointed with excitement and headed in that direction but he usually spotted them first. We saw different varieties of birds and fish as well as the ponies and a bald eagle. It was a cloudy evening but the sun didn't disappoint as it made its magnificent appearance through the clouds at the end. Tour is 1.5 hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauraprophoto
Oct 15, 2025
Wildlife cruise was somewhat disappointing - We had hoped to see more wildlife. The dolphins were closer to the boat but wild horses and the one eagle were much farther away to see. I had originally scheduled a sunset cruise but the tour operator requested we come earlier so the boat would be full. Sunset cruise only had us. The earlier cruise had 15 which included a two year old girl who cried for over an hour. Not sure young children are appropriate for this trip. Photos taken with a long zoom lens didn’t show much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
