Assateague Explorer: Wild Ponies and Dolphin Tour

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 - Explore the western coastline of Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Admire the picturesque landscape and search for wild horses, dolphins, and birds along the way.
  • Chincoteague Island - Explore the inland coastal waterways along Chincoteague Island. Enjoy fresh air and the…
What's Included
  • Narration
  • Local Knowledge of Islands & Wildlife
What's Not Included
  • 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.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(124 Ratings)
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Lisa_m
Aug 15, 2025
It was a very relaxing... - It was a very relaxing boat ride. We saw the ponies and dolphins. The small boat allowed us to mingle with the other guests. Overall very enjoyable
Review provided by Viator
Kimberley_d
Aug 13, 2025
Sunset cruise - We loved the cruise and our guide and captain were both great, they were knowledgeable and personable! Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
A1493iwkimberlyc
Aug 12, 2025
Sunset Cruise - couldn't beat the pony foal view! - Sunset Cruise was absolutely amazing - we got so close to a pony mother and newborn foal and the Captains Steve and Martin were great! Also, saw pelicans fishing and a gorgeous sunset. Really nice people, comfortable, fun. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nichole_s
Aug 11, 2025
Great tour guide. - Jen was engaging and informative. She kept the tour interesting even when we weren't seeing wildlife. She was knowledgeable on local wildlife as well as history and the NASA facility. We saw many horses, dolphins, and shore birds.
Review provided by Viator
Teachermomma3
Aug 8, 2025
Captain Shane was Great! - Shane was knowledgeable and didn't hesitate to answer any questions we had. He took time to allow us to see a pod of dolphins, and allowed us enough time to see the ponies!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gerlinde_h
Aug 5, 2025
Great boat tour! We saw... - Great boat tour! We saw tons of dolphins, pelicans and even a bald eagle. Friendly tour guide, small group.
Review provided by Viator
Kristind377
Jul 25, 2025
Beautiful Sunset Excursion - Captain Marc was the best! We really enjoyed our guide Jenn as well! The tour was beautiful and we got to watch some wild horses! Captain Marc made sure that we took advantage of great photo opportunities. I got great shots of the lighthouse. Both gave great information and history about the island. I loved hearing their personal anecdotes. This tour was so awesome, some of the folks on my tour had been two and three times on while on their trip. This was my family’s first time but we will be back. Thank you Captain Marc and Jenn!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F1640gkjuliew
Aug 11, 2025
Fun to see dolphins but no ponies in sight - Friendly and knowledgeable staff; we saw many dolphins up close, and some interesting birds. However, we thought we would see wild ponies, like the pictures on the website show, but we learned that they had been rounded up for the pony swim, so no ponies in sight. I think they are rounded up a few times every year so they can be checked, so I recommend calling to ask before taking the boat ride. (To Wildlife Cruise company—it would be helpful and fair if you stated on website that ponies have been rounded up and won’t be seen.) The ride was 1 1/2 hours which in my opinion was too long since there was no wildlife to see for long stretches.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauren_l
Jul 27, 2025
While the tour guide and... - While the tour guide and driver were very nice and informative, there wasn’t much to see after we saw dolphins for the first 20 minutes. Some birds here and there. The tour left a bit late and lasted about an hour and half.
Review provided by Viator
Regina_k
Aug 11, 2025
Very bad small boat ,no... - Very bad small boat ,no regular place to feel comfortable.We been vet all time.Other people have nice big comfortable boat,but we pay same money.I request compensation.We cannot take any pictures.
Review provided by Viator
From $59
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).