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Chincoteague Island Activities

Visitors to Chincoteague often remark that they are surprised that there is never a shortage of things to do on our small Island, seven miles long and three miles wide. Chincoteague is uniquely situated to offer a wide array activities. Chincoteague Island lies right next door to Assateague Island, with the only publicly accessible beach between Ocean City, MD. and Virginia Beach, VA. Scroll down to view the wide array of activities available on Chincoteague Island.

Click here to read about 'Things To Do' in our Chincoteague Travel Blog.

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Assateague Island

Assateague Island is the home of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Assateague Island offers a pristine public beach and incredible outdoor recreational opportunities.

Click here to view the Assateague Island Activities page.


Beach & Vacation Equipment Rentals

Chincoteague Island Outfitters
Anyone who has been on vacation, especially with children, knows the struggle of packing… not just packing for your destination, but repacking to leave as well. You always have more stuff at the end of the vacation and somehow things do not fit as easily as before. Chincoteague Island Outfitters (CIO) strives to make that experience a little easier by offering a variety of beach equipment, tables and chairs, kayaks, and much more all for rent. They also have unique gifts available for purchase. Don't be caught on the hot sand without a chair! Come to CIO for all your vacation rental needs. We are always adding to our inventory, so please ask if you don't see something on our list! FREE DELIVERY ON THE ISLAND!
Location: 7885 Eastside Road, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-5129
Email: Click Here
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Biking and Hiking

Chincoteague offers a great place to take off with a bike or walk. Everything is close and has the perfect blend of small town and wilderness. Many of the roads on Chincoteague have sidewalks. The Chincoteague Bicycling Advisory Committee is taking great strides towards enhancing the recreational experience of the bicycling public on Chincoteague Island. Hiking and Biking on Assateague Island offers many views of nature that you would not see anywhere else. There are 15 miles of trails that wind through the marshes and forests and including a path to the Assateague Lighthouse.

Chincoteague offers a fantastic, paved nature trail on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive, which is located off of North Main Street, near Chincoteague High School. The Island Nature Trail is located along both sides of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive. The land where the trail is located represents some of last large tracts of undeveloped land on Chincoteague. The trail is a place where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat and it provides a safe haven for people to walk, run, ride their bike, bird-watch, or just enjoy the natural side of Chincoteague. To the south is an accessible 0.7 mile long paved loop path complete with benches, and an interpretive sign display. Pets are allowed along this portion of the trail. To the north is a natural surface trail that loops approximately 0.45 miles through pine forest and glade. No pets are allowed on this portion.

Guide to Biking and Hiking Historic Areas of Chincoteague (.pdf download)

Assateague Island Trail Map (.pdf download)


Bike and Beach Gear Rental

The Bike Depot
The closest bicycle rentals to the beach, The Bike Depot offers a wide selection of over 200 standard and specialty cycles for riders of all ages. Beach rentals include heavy-duty sunblocking umbrellas, lightweight beach chairs, boogie boards, and skim boards. Bicycles are first-come, first-served--Hourly, Daily, and Weekly rates available.
Location: 7058 Maddox Boulevard, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-5511
Email: Click Here
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Boating

Boating is one of the more enjoyable pastimes on Chincoteague. If your interests are fishing, water-skiing, or just wanting to enjoy the water on a peaceful summers evening, the options are here for you to use your own boat or rent one. With the purchase of a City Boat Sticker, anyone wishing to put in their own boat will have access to 3 Town supported public boat ramps. Boat ramp stickers can be purchased at the Town Office, Police Station, and from the Harbormaster. Guided scenic/nature boat tours are also available.

Public Boat Ramps:

Curtis Merrit Harbor (Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive)

East Side Ramp (East Side Road)

Memorial Park (Memorial Park Drive)

Town Dock (Main Street)

Fir Landing (Deep Hole Road)


Boat Rentals

Click here for Chincoteague Island Boat Rentals


Boat Tours

A boat tour is a must do activity for your Chincoteague Island vacation! You will gain a perspective of the area that is not achievable any other way.

Most of the tour boat companies offer “Scenic Nature Cruises” that will allow you experience the abundant wildlife and unspoiled nature of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Wild Ponies, Dolphins, Bald Eagles, and Sunsets over the Bay are just a few of the highlights you'll have a chance to experience on a Scenic Nature Cruise.

A couple of the tour boat companies offer specialized tours, such as a Pirate Ship adventure and hands-on Marine Ecology tour. Click here for a complete list of Chincoteague Island Tour Boat Companies.

Chincoteague Island Tour Boat Companies

Chincoteague Island Charterboat Association


Crabbing

Crabbing on Assateague and Chincoteague Islands is one of the favorite pastimes for both the local residents and visitors alike. The preferred method for crabbing is with a net and baited line. All of the needed materials can be purchased at any local fishing shop, or hardware store. Most people like to use old pieces of raw chicken, tied to a line with a weight, sitting at the bottom of the water. The crabs will try to catch the bait and are lured into your waiting crab net. Cook the crabs by steaming them in a large crab pot with a generous amount of Old Bay Seasoning, and you can enjoy one of the Eastern Shores most famous delicacy. The size restrictions and limits in Virginia are enforced as a conservation measure. Crabs must measure 5" from back shell point-to-point.


Clamming

Clamming is another water pastime that is also plentiful on the Eastern Shore. The favored method is raking while wadding in generally shallow water. The best times being during the low tides. Another way is walking in the sand at low tide and 'signing' them. That means looking for the little keyhole indentations in the sand. By digging just under the surface of the sand, you will find the clams. Some of the Scenic Tour Boats offer clamming excursions.

Tide Information


Day Cruise to Tangier Island

Tangier Island Cruises
Chart a course back in time to the small, picturesque island of Tangier. Once visited by John Smith in 1608, the island has changed little since it was first settled by John Crockett in 1686. See the beautiful scenery of the Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound aboard a 90' luxury vessel, the Steven Thomas, while you listen to the history of Tangier and other islands namely Fox Island, Watts Island, and Port Isobel. Upon arrival at Tangier Island, enjoy your afternoon by exploring, dining, shopping and visiting with the local people, most of whom speak a unique English Restoration era dialect of American English. Bicycle and golf cart rentals are available upon arrival for a small fee or just walk. Sites of interest include the Tangier Museum, the Swain Memorial Methodist Church built in 1899 and the Connorton House once home to Sergeant Bud Connorton. Learn how the British forces used Tangier as a base during the War of 1812 and about Tangier's special role in the history of aviation. Day cruises are offered daily May 15th through October 15th at 12:30pm. A round trip ticket to Tangier Island is just $27.00. Special pricing for children and one-way tickets. Reservations are not required. You can buy tickets online or upon arrival in Crisfield. A visit to Tangier Island is unlike any place you’ve ever experienced. Come with us as we step back in time...
Location: 1001 West Main Street, Crisfield, MD 21817
Phone: 410-968-2338
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Dog Park

In 2019, the Town of Chincoteague Island opened a fabulous dog park! Click here for details.


Event Venues

The Chincoteague Center
Let world-famous Chincoteague Island be the backdrop for your next business or social event! This quaint seaside town retains the flavor of yesteryear while providing all the amenities of today. Whether you’re planning a convention, tradeshow, corporate event or conference, class, festival, wedding or reunion – the Chincoteague Center provides the perfect venue and meeting place. Our modern, spacious facility can accommodate up to 800 attendees in a 9,000 square foot area that includes sliding wall partitions for virtually unlimited space options. The island’s beautiful downtown district hosts a multitude of shops, seafood restaurants and art studios – and its close proximity to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, NOAA and the National Wildlife Refuge make it a very unique event destination. Add in wild ponies, boating, biking, fishing and rocket launches and you’ve got one unforgettable setting, all within 3.5 hours of the Washington DC / Baltimore area and within 2 hours of Norfolk International Airport. Make Chincoteague Center the venue for your next special event!
Location: 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-0614
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Farmers and Artisans Markets

Chincoteague Island Farmers and Artisans Market

Second Saturday Artful Flea


Festivals

Chincoteague Seafood Festival

Easter Decoy and Art Festival

Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival

Chincoteague Oyster Festival


Fishing

Some of the best fishing grounds on the Mid-Atlantic Coast are found in the local waters surrounding Chincoteague Island. There are several different ways you can go fishing while vacationing in Chincoteague, including fishing from the surf on Assateague Island, from a public pier on Chincoteague, launching your own boat at a public boat ramp, renting a boat, or on a Charterboat. You can purchase fishing supplies from a local Bait and Tackle Shop. On a Charterboat all your needed fishing supplies are typically included.

Click on the following links for more information:

Chincoteague Island Fishing

Chincoteague Island Charterboats

Chincoteague Island Bait and Tackle Shops

Chincoteague Island Boat Rentals


Fitness

Chincoteague Island Family YMCA


Horse Riding Lessons and Trail Rides

Queen Hive Farm
Queen Hive Farm is the Eastern Shore's Royal Place to ride. Located just minutes from Chincoteague, we offer trial rides and riding lessons for both local residents and visitors to the area. Book a riding lessson on one of our gentle, well trained lesson horses - fun for any age! The entire family will enjoy our Trail Rides. No experience necessary! We have a horse for everyone - even Dad. Our trails are very scenic, you might see wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, eastern bluebirds, and even white tailed deer. Visitors of all experience levels rate this 5 stars! We look forward to hosting you on our farm.
Phone: 757-990-0017
Website: Click Here


Kayak Rentals

Snug Harbor Kayak Rentals
Snug Harbor tours & rentals at Snug Harbor Marina on Chincoteague island is the biggest and highly recognized kayak outfitter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia offering premium kayak rentals as well as daily Kayak Eco Tours throughout Chincoteague and Assateague waterways. Our Kayak Rentals and Kayak Eco Tours take off from Snug Harbor Marina which is located conveniently right across the channel from Assateague Island and the Refuge.
Location: 7536 East Side Road, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-6176
Email: Click Here
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Kayak Tours

Assateague Explorer Kayak Tours
Escape to a nature's haven where wild ponies roam freely on a kayaking adventure with Assateague Explorer. Guided tours start right across the channel from Assateague Island, the wildlife refuge. Kayak from the scenic dock overlooking the Assateague Lighthouse and explore the boarders of Assateague's extensive calm western shoreline. Unique island opportunities to experience solitude, nature and wildlife viewing. Paddle through the warm back waters of barrier islands in our premium sea touring or sit on top ocean kayaks. Search for the famous wild ponies, eagles, shorebirds and other wildlife as you paddle through creeks, channels, coves or sometimes land on a remote beach at Assateague. No experience necessary. It is a fun way to see great parts of the island with your family & friends.
Location: Chincoteague VA, 23336
Phone: 1-866-PONY SWIM (toll free) or (757) 336-5956
Email: Click Here
Website: Click Here

Snug Harbor Kayak Tours & Rentals
Old Town Canoe & Kayak tours at Snug Harbor Marina on Chincoteague island is the biggest and highly recognized kayak outfitter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia offering premium kayak rentals as well as daily Kayak Eco Tours throughout Chincoteague and Assateague waterways. Our Kayak Rentals and Kayak Eco Tours take off from Snug Harbor Marina which is located conveniently right across the channel from Assateague Island and the Refuge.
Location: 7536 East Side Road, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-6176
Email: Click Here
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Mini-Golf and Amusements

Refuge Golf and Amusements
Toddlers to grownups all find fun and safe things to do at Refuge Golf and Amusements. Our youngest visitors enjoy the kiddie merry-go-round and other rides just their size. The arcade attracts all ages. Challenge your companions to a round of mini-golf or a go-kart race. The karts seat one or two. Or challenge yourself on the Rock Wall. To cool off on hot days you’ll appreciate the misters along the mini-golf course, water wars in the bumper boats and enjoy ice cream and funnel cakes in our air-conditioned arcade.
Location: 6528 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-5420
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Movies

The Island Theater


Museums and Visitor Centers

Delmarva Discovery Center
Visit the Shore's leading destination for hands-on discovery. Unleash your imagination- and your kids- in this exciting new museum including a 6,000 gallon aquarium, crawl-through beaver lodge, a Native American village, a larger-than-life steamship and many special events throughout the year! Visit our web site or call us at 410-957-9933 for more details.
Location: 2 Market Street, Pocomoke City MD
Phone: 410-957-9933
Email: Click Here
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Museum of Chincoteague Island

NASA Wallops Visitor Center

Herbert H. Bateman Visitor Center

Tom's Cove Visitor Center


Outdoor Waterpark

Maui Jack's
Maui Jack invites the whole family to catch a wave at his brand new waterpark right here on Chincoteague Island, VA. Enjoy sliding and splashing on brand new waterslides, floating on the lazy river, chilling in our tiki cabanas, refueling at our concession area and shopping for Maui Jack's souvenirs. Be sure to keep an eye out for our namesake, the legendary Maui Jack, an old-time surfer dude straight from the swells of the North Shore who loves the laid back vibe of Chincoteague. You're likely to catch a glimpse of Jack enjoying his summer afternoons slipping, splashing and sliding in the bodacious shark-free waters of Chincoteague's newest waterpark attraction. Passes are available online at www.mauijacks.com.
Location: 6742 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-1800
Website: Click Here
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Outdoor Parks

Chincoteague Island offers several beautiful parks for the enjoyment and recreation of residents and visitors. We highly reccomend taking advantage of these well maintained spaces while your on vacation.

Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park

Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park is located on Main Street in the heart of downtown. The park offers recreational opportunities and many festivals and events are held here. There are currently 10 boat slips available for rent to transient boats that are in excess of 26’to 50’ in length. The park is ADA accessible, inclusive of boat slips. For information about renting a boat slip call the Town Office at 757-336-6519. Be sure to bring your fishing pole and cast your line off the new fishing pier (no license required). Find on Google Maps

Veteran's Memorial Park

The Veteran's Memorial Park is located on Eastside Road. The park has tennis courts, basketball courts, playground equipment, fishing/crabbing pier, ball field, boat ramp, skate park, pavilion and restrooms. The pavilion may be reserved for groups through a permit issued by the Town for approval. It is recommended that you contact the Town Office, at 757-336-6519, to check availability. There is no fee for reserving the pavilion. The Commonwealth of Virginia enforces a recreational fishing license for the water surrounding Chincoteague. The Town of Chincoteague purchases a fishing license for the Veteran's Memorial Park fishing pier, so an individual license is not required. Find on Google Maps

Donald J. Leonard Park

The Donald J. Leonard Park is located across from the Chincoteague Combined School on North Main Street and protects an open view of Chincoteague Bay with approximately 600 feet of water frontage. Over 2.7 acres of waterfront land has been left in its natural state for the enjoyment of the citizens and visitors alike. Park facilities allow for off street parking up to 10 cars, picnic tables, and kayak access to the Virginia Seaside Water Trail. Find on Google Maps


Public Library

Chincoteague Island Library
The Chincoteague Island Library serves the residents of Chincoteague, our Eastern Shore neighbors, and many seasonal visitors. The library contains current and popular books, audio books, e-books, CDs, a basic reference collection, magazines, DVDs, videos, and newspapers. There are computers for e-mail, word processing, and surfing the net. The Library also offers 24-hour wireless internet connection. We offer a variety of Children's Programs, as well as Adult Programs. The Library Benefit Shop sells great used books for beach reading and much more. Check our web site for hours of operation and more details about the programs we offer.
Location: 4077 Main Street, Chincoteague VA
Phone: 757-336-3460
Email: Click Here
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Rocket Launches

NASA has been launching small rockets from Wallops Island (the Barrier Island to south of Chincoteague) since 1945. In recent years, however, Wallops has become better known for the large scale rocket launch taking place from the facility. Rockets like Northrup Grumman’s Antares, which routinely launches from Wallops Island, carrying supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

Upcoming Rocket Launches

Viewing Rocket Launches


Scenic Flights

Chesapeake Aviation, Inc.
Take a 30 minute or more sightseeing flight in our FAA approved 4-place aircraft, flown by our professional pilot. See Assateague Island, home of the wild ponies, Tangier Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay, Wallops Island, home of the NASA launch facilities, the Barrier Islands along the Atlantic Ocean just off of the small water front town of Wachapreague. You may want your trip to include a flight over the historic town of Onancock, your home, a friend’s home, or a property that you are interested in. Up to 3 people can come aboard for a 30 minute or more flight.
Location: Accomack County Airport, Melfa, VA
Phone: 757-787-2901 or 267-475-4772
Website: Click Here


Shopping

Local Shops


Surfing

Surfing on Assateague Island


Transportation

The Pony Express


Waterfowl Hunting

Local Waterfowl Hunting Guides

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3335 Main Street
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
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