Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Get the most out of your trip with advice on tides, bug spray, and navigating the wildlife refuge.
Assateague Island and Chincoteague Kayak Tours
8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague, VA 23336
GPS 37.9342, -75.3678
Open directionsGetting there
Directions to the access points and boat launches.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive to Chincoteague Island via Route 175, then over the bridge onto Assateague Island. | 1 hour from Ocean City, MD; 3.5 hours from Washington D.C. | $10 entry fee (Virginia side) | Parking is available at the Bateman Educational Center, Toms Cove, and beach lots. |
| Tour: Book a guided kayak or boat eco-tour departing from docks on Chincoteague Island. | 2 to 2.5 hours | $45 - $65 per person | Highly recommended to safely navigate the tidal marshes and find wild ponies without getting stranded at low tide. |
| Boat: Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to self-navigate the channels. | Half-day or full-day rentals available | $35 - $60 for rentals | Must be mindful of tidal currents, wind changes, and restricted refuge shorelines. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The refuge is open year-round. April to May and September to October are the best times to visit. These months offer comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and fewer bugs.
Summer brings peak crowds for the July Pony Swim. It also brings intense heat and heavy populations of mosquitoes and greenhead flies.
What to bring
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Stay at least 40 feet (one bus-length) away from wild horses.
Approaching, touching, or feeding them is illegal.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules to maximize your time.
Combine a morning water tour with afternoon trails.
- Kayak Tour
Launch from Chincoteague for a guided paddle in the inland channels.
- Lunch
Eat back in Chincoteague town or grab food from your secure zippered cooler.
- Assateague Lighthouse
Enter the Virginia side and view the historic 1867 lighthouse.
- Wildlife Loop
Drive or walk the 3.2-mile paved path through the marshlands.
Focus solely on a boat tour and the main visitor center.
- Wildlife Boat Charter
Take a motorized boat tour to cover more distance quickly.
- Toms Cove Visitor Center
Get a map, check out exhibits, and walk down to the beach.
- Woodland Trail
Walk the paved path to the Pony Overlook in the marshes.
Packing for the refuge
Industrial-strength bug spray is mandatory. Greenhead flies and mosquitoes are fierce, especially in summer. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing for extra protection. Bring water shoes or old sneakers for walking on muddy, shell-covered shores.
Food must be stored securely. Use a zippered cooler with nylon straps or lock food inside your vehicle. The wild horses are known to scavenge and steal food from open bags. Always carry at least 32 ounces of drinking water per person.
Easiest way to do it
Kayak Tour along Assateague & Chincoteague Island, Virginia
2 h 30 min 4.5 (129)
- Use of kayaking equipment (paddle & PDF)
- Use of a single or a tandem kayak
From$75per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What should I wear for a kayak tour in Chincoteague?
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to deter biting insects. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and water shoes. A Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required.
Where do kayak tours leave from to see the Chincoteague ponies?
Most guided tours and self-guided rentals depart from public launching points on Chincoteague Island, such as Memorial Park.
Can you kayak from Chincoteague to Assateague?
Yes. You will cross the Assateague Channel. Be highly cautious of heavy boat traffic and strong tidal currents in the main thoroughfare.