Why you should take a boat tour during your next Chincoteague vacation

Chincoteague Island by its very name conjures up an image of a beautiful piece of land surrounded by water. There is hardly a better way to explore the island than to take a sail around it! The good news is that you do not need to own a boat to experience Chincoteague from the water.  If you want to enjoy the sea breeze on the deck of a watercraft, be sure to book a trip on one of the many boat tours available on the island. Boat tours run at various times of the day from early Spring through late Fall, which means that most times of the year you can find a captain willing to take you and your crew on a boat ride.

When you’re already spending money on your transportation to Chincoteague, your accommodations, and meals while you’re on your island vacation, you may be tempted to ask yourself if you should spend the extra money to take a boat tour. I hope that I can convince you that it’s worth it. You might get up close and personal with the most famous ponies in the world.

While you may see a band of wild ponies as you drive your vehicle on the main road through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge,  they most certainly will be farther away from you than if you take a boat tour.  The main reason for this is that there are fences that keep ponies from getting too close to the road and beach. Another reason is that the ponies like to be near the channel side water’s edge where it’s cooler and the marsh grass is green and tender.

The boat tours stay in the inland waterway and do not go out into the open ocean. This means you will not be in waters that are rough enough to give you seasickness.

What can I expect from my cruise?
Each boat tour has its own route and type of boat that it uses.  Depending on the boat tour, you may be in a deck boat, pontoon boat, large passenger boat, even a pirate style boat. They are all typically around 2 hours in length.

How far in advance should I book a boat tour?
You can make reservations over the phone with any of the boat tour companies listed on our website. It’s best to make the reservations at least a few days in advance, however, you can make them weeks or months in advance if you have an exact time and date in mind.  Most boat tour companies will take your name, number and your hotel or rental property information in order to book your spot.

Can I pay with my credit card or do they only take cash?
This depends on the boat tour company that you’re using, and you should ask them about payment during the reservation process.

Do boat tours run rain or shine?
Light rain does not affect boats, however strong winds or rain, and definitely, thunderstorms can cause your cruise to be cancelled.  The touring company will call you if they cancel, but sometimes summer storms come up quickly and they may not cancel until the last minute when you are about to board.

What should I bring with me?
On cool days or evening cruises, you will want to bring a jacket or sweatshirt because it is always cooler when you are on a boat. You’ll also want to bring a camera, sunblock or sunglasses. Many tours allow you to bring beverages or a cooler, just ask when you book.

What wildlife will I see on the boat?
Every cruise is different because the wildlife never stays in the same places all of the time, however, you will likely see one or more of the following types of animals  – wild ponies, bald eagles, dolphin. Dolphins definitely prefer the warmer weather and you will not usually see them in the early spring or late fall. During pony round-ups which are explained here, you will not see any wild ponies because they are corralled for semi-annual vet check-ups and for the pony swim.

Should I bring my young children?
Since tours are typically two hours, toddlers may find it difficult to be in a boat that long.  You know your child best. If they can tolerate sitting in a car for a long period, then perhaps they will be ok on the boat. You must not allow them to run around or move from seat to seat for their own safety. If you’re still unsure, then ask the touring company during your reservation. There are also boat tour companies that cater specifically to children.

Are boat tours safe?
Each boat captain must go through a rigorous testing process to obtain a captain’s license. They have years of boating experience.  They are equipped with safety and personal flotation devices per the U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

How many people can fit on a boat?
It depends on the boat tour company. If you’re hoping for a cruise with just a small amount of people, many tour companies offer pontoon boats that accommodate only 6 passengers. If your part is larger, they can put you on two different boats, or you can choose a boat tour company that offers seating for 25, 50 or even 100 guests at a time.

One of the most experienced tour guides is Captain John from Snug Harbor Marina, he has been navigating these waterways since he was 7 years old. He will take you on a grand adventure around the most remote parts of the islands. It will be an incredible expedition to find the elusive wild Chincoteague ponies and all the wildlife the islands have to offer! Click the link below to book your adventure today!