December 27, 2025
The Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim & Auction
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time do the Ponies swim?
A: The Saltwater Cowboys swim the Ponies at “slack tide”. Slack tide is about 40 minutes after the current stops moving in one direction, and before it starts moving in the opposite direction. Slack tide is the easiest time for the Ponies to make the swim. The Chincoteague Fire Company will announce the actual time of the swim a few weeks before the event. When the tide goes completely slack the Coast Guard shoots off a red flare to signify it is time for the ponies to swim.
For the most up-to-date information, check out Chincoteague.com.
Q: How do I get to the pony swim?
A: One way to get to the swim on Wednesday morning is to catch a free shuttle. The Pony Shuttle runs between various locations on Chincoteague Island and Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 7:00 am. Check the Pony Shuttle Map for the shuttle bus stop closest to your lodging location. We recommend getting started early on this day and anticipating a heavy crowd. A large screen showcasing a live feed of the pony swim will also be available at Veterans Memorial Park. You can also drive your car to the swim the best parking is at 7503 Eastside road Chincoteague Va. You do need a reservation to park. The number for reservations is 757-894-2431.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes! There is no parking at the event location but yes there is parking very close. The best parking lot is 7503 Eastside Road Chincoteague Va. You need a reservation for parking and the number is 757-894-2431. The parking lot is just 200-300 yards away for the main spectator location.
Q. Does this event cost money to see?
A: No, this is a free event! The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and Chincoteague Island do not charge to see the ponies swim.
Q: I’m coming into town just for the day, what should I do?
A: Make sure you call ahead and get your parking spot before you come, parking is very limited. Make sure you are at least 2 hours early to get a good viewing spot.
Q: Where do the Ponies come ashore?
A: It is important to note that Memorial Park is not the pony landing site. If you wish to go to the landing site, you will need to walk from Veterans Memorial Park to Pony Swim Lane. No seating is provided at either location. The viewing area at the pony landing site (Pony Swim Lane) is marshland and space is very limited. If you walk from Memorial Park to the pony landing site, and you wish to catch a shuttle after the swim, you must be back to the front of Memorial Park within 30 minutes of the ponies coming ashore.
Q: How well can I see the Ponies swim from Memorial Park?
A: Memorial Park is several hundred yards away from the Pony Landing Site at Pony Swim Lane. You can see the Ponies swimming from Memorial Park but it is not a close-up view. However, a large screen will be located in Veterans Memorial Park with a live feed of the swim. You will be able to see a close-up of the swim on the screen.
Q: Where do the Ponies go after the swim?
A: After the swim, the ponies rest for about 45 minutes. Then the Saltwater Cowboys then “parade” the Ponies down Main Street, to the carnival grounds where the auction will be held Thursday morning. The parade route is shown on the Pony Swim Guide.
Q: Where should I go after the swim?
A: You have options. The people that paid for parking will have the easiest departure from the event, you just walk to your car and drive to the carnival grounds to see the ponies arrive at the corral. If you park at the 7503 Eastside lot you won’t even hit any traffic because of the lot being outside of the congested traffic area. If you want to reserve parking please call 757-894-2431. You can ride a shuttle bus back to your lodging location. You can ride a shuttle bus to the Carnival grounds (where the ponies are going). Or you can walk to the Carnival grounds. The Pony Shuttle Map shows the Pony Parade route and the walking route to the Carnival grounds (they are separate routes).
Immediately after the swim, two lines will form in the front of Memorial Park (where you were dropped off for the swim). One line is for transportation to the Carnival (where the ponies are going), and the other line is for transportation to the Municipal Center, Motels, and other locations. If you are going to a motel, you will first be transported to the Municipal Center where connections may be made to your lodging.
From the carnival, you can ride a shuttle bus back to your lodging location. Buses will begin to load after the ponies arrive at the Carnival. Service from the Carnival will continue until APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AFTER THE PONIES ARRIVE.
The Pony Express, the Island’s Trolley will begin service again at 3 PM, servicing from the carnival entrance on Main Street for $.50 per person.
Q: What’s the deal with all the boats near where the Ponies Swim? Can I get a seat on one of those?
A: There are licensed tour boat guides that take people to the Pony Swim by boat. Going by boat will provide you with the best view of the swim. However, spots on these boats for the pony swim are in very high demand, so seats are expensive and you must reserve your spot at least several months in advance.
Q: What should I take with me to the pony swim?
A: The Town of Chincoteague asks that you please do not carry large coolers, large strollers, yard/porch chairs, or large umbrellas on the buses. Bring only what will fit in your lap. Be prepared for hot and humid conditions on swim day. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
Q: Are Ponies good swimmers?
A: Yes! Ponies are very good swimmers. The youngest foals do not make the swim, rather they are transported to the carnival grounds by horse trailer.
Q: Who are the Saltwater Cowboys?
A: Most of them are members of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. A few come in from outside locations to help.
Q: What else is happening on the Island Pony Swim Day?
- Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival from 7 pm – 11 pm at the Carnival Grounds with family fun, food, rides, games, and raffles. All proceeds benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Q: Where can I find more information?
