Virginia/Maryland, United States
Explore the 37-mile barrier island and its famous wild horses. Compare kayak rentals, guided boat tours, and hiking trails for your visit.
5.0 from 827 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Find guided kayak eco-tours, private boat charters, and e-bike rentals.
Most booked*Brand new luxury boats for 2026! *If you want a full tour of Chincoteague and Assateague Island's please consider us for your tour guides. We promise that the passion...
Top ratedKayaking along Assateague Island where wild ponies live is a great way to experience nature and...
Best valueKayaking here on Chincoteague island is one of the biggest activities around the island. It is the best way to explore the coastlines and get to the most remote parts of...
Explore
The island is divided into two distinct districts managed by separate agencies.
4 spotsVirginia DistrictThe southern section with the historic lighthouse and wild ponies.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsMaryland National SeashoreNorthern part of the island with beach camping and horses.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsCreeks and BaysThe network of creeks, coves, and bays between the barrier islands.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The wild horse population on the Virginia side is restricted to roughly 150 adults.
This protects the fragile wildlife refuge ecosystem.
Plan your visit
Guided kayak and boat tours run 2 to 2.5 hours. Set aside a full day to explore the trails and beaches.
April-May and September-October are ideal. You avoid the intense summer heat and heavy biting insect populations.
Drive via Route 175 to Chincoteague Island, then cross the bridge to Assateague. It takes 1 hour from Ocean City, MD.
Refuge entry is $10 per vehicle. Kayak rentals start around $49, and guided tours range from $65 to $80.
Assateague Island is a 37-mile barrier island ecosystem across the Maryland and Virginia coasts. It features salt marshes, beaches, and a famous population of feral horses. The southern portion is the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Here, visitors can see the Assateague Lighthouse and access paved nature trails.
Kayaking is highly recommended for exploring the inland channels. Shifting tides and shallow mudflats make the area tricky to navigate alone. Guided eco-tours leave from Chincoteague docks and last roughly 2.5 hours. Read our guide on Kayak Tour Prices to compare options.
Regulations require all visitors to stay at least 40 feet away from the wild horses. Touching or feeding the animals is illegal. Learn more about the different areas in our Virginia District overview.
We list exact durations, inclusions, and minimum age rules.
We highlight tidal warnings and park distance regulations for wildlife.
We show starting prices from major booking platforms.
From Viator
827 reviews of the pony boat tour on Viator
Such an amazing trip! I’m so thankful for the opportunity to tour with Kristy Kent! We saw both Riptide and his ladies and Spirit with his!
The scenery is unique and beautiful. The guide, I think J or Jay was his name, was really nice and a great guide. We had a really great time navigating through the marsh and paddling back to shore against the wind and tide. Got a good workout at the end. This was definitely the highlight of our trip.
Fantastic location at Snug harbor directly opposite the marshes where the ponies come out and eat the grass. We got right up close by going into the marshes channels. Highly recommend!
Kayaking is the perfect way to get close to Assateague's nature and even bald eagles! Do it! So worh it.
We had a beautiful day on the water with Captain Mike. He is a very knowledgeable and personable guide that knows all the great spots to see the ponies and explain their history and style of living…. His love for the ponies is unmeasurable. He had a great recommendation for lunch and even joined us!!!
Mike is a great guide. He knows the area well. His knowledge of the ponies is extensive. The boat was super comfortable. Highly recommend.
The tour was great. It was educational, the ebikes were fun, and we saw all the wildlife promised. Steve is an awesome guide.
Fantastic adventure. We went out with Bailey's group, my daughter, her friend and myself had a wonderful afternoon. Stopping to get out and explore and even trying some freshly picked seaweed. Oh , yeah- happen to catch the most incredible view of the ponies in 28years.
Captain Lefty was awesome! Very friendly, good info and fun stories! We saw Riptide and his mares on the beach, two eagles, an osprey and a big pod of active dolphins. We had a blast!!!
Travel tips
Kayak Tour PricesCompare kayak rental rates and guided tour costs for Assateague.Read 
Best Time for PoniesFind the best time to visit Assateague Island for wild ponies.Read 
Island DifferencesUnderstand the difference between the town and the nature reserve.Read 
Kayaking With KidsAge minimums, safety rules, and tandem options for family kayaking.Read Packing EssentialsLearn exactly what to pack to handle biting insects, sun, and wild horses.Read 
Maryland vs VirginiaCompare beach camping in Maryland to wildlife trails in Virginia.Read Taking a guided kayak or boat eco-tour is highly recommended. These tours navigate the shallow inland channels where ponies frequently graze. On land, use the Woodland Trail & Pony Overlook.
It depends on your interests. The Maryland side offers extensive beach camping and OSV zones. The Virginia side has the historic lighthouse, paved trails, and access to Chincoteague town amenities. Read more in Maryland vs Virginia.
You must stay at least 40 feet (about one bus-length) away from the wild horses at all times. Touching, approaching, or feeding them is illegal.
No, you can rent a kayak to self-navigate. However, shifting tides and wind changes can easily strand you on mudflats. A guided tour is strongly advised for beginners.
Tours depart from docks and public launching points on Chincoteague Island, such as Memorial Park. They head east into the Assateague Channel and surrounding marshes.
Most guided kayak tour operators enforce a minimum age limit of 5 years old. Children under 15 using rental kayaks require active adult supervision.
Secure your spot on a guided kayak or boat tour today.
