Chincoteague’s Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat

If you’re planning a trip to Virginia’s Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, you’ve likely come across the Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat. This tour consistently earns a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of travelers, and for good reason. It promises a chance to see the legendary Chincoteague ponies in their natural habitat, along with a host of other wildlife like eagles, pelicans, and even dolphins.

What stands out the most about this experience is the personalized approach of the guides and the expertise of the captain who’s been sailing these waters for over 40 years. Plus, the small group size—a maximum of six travelers—means you’re not just another face in a crowd, but part of an intimate adventure.

However, a few considerations might influence your decision. The tour is about two hours long, which is a good chunk of time, but not a full-day adventure. Also, while most reviews highlight the value for money at $75 per person, some travelers might prefer longer or more extensive wildlife tours if they want to spend an entire day exploring.

All in all, this tour seems ideally suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and small groups seeking a relaxed, informative, and fun boat trip. If you’re hoping for a chance to spot ponies up close while enjoying a scenic waterway cruise, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 6 travelers, making it more personal and less crowded.
• Expert Local Guides: The captain has over 40 years of experience sailing these waters and is highly praised for his knowledge.
• Wildlife & Scenic Views: Expect to see ponies, eagles, pelicans, dolphins, and more, with opportunities to learn about the area’s natural environment.
• Accessible & Flexible: The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with sunrise and sunset options.
• Good Value: At $75 per person for roughly two hours, many find this offers a solid mix of entertainment and education.
• Weather-Dependent: Since the tour is outdoor and relies on good weather, cancellations are possible, but full refunds are available if that happens.

Exploring the Details: What You’ll Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at Up the Bay Pony Tours’ meeting point in Curtis Merritt Harbor. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable, well-maintained boat, which is praised for its condition and comfort—some reviews even mention that the boat has a top/cover, although on warm days, it might be open, so dressing appropriately is wise.

Your captain, Mike, who has grown up in the area and knows these waters intimately, will ask what you’re most interested in seeing. That personal touch is appreciated, as it helps tailor the experience to your preferences. Whether you’re eager to see as many ponies as possible or are curious about the island’s history, your guide will try to accommodate.

Assateague Island & the Pony Search

Most trips explore both northern and southern parts of Assateague Island. Expect to pass by notable landmarks like the Pony Swim and the Assateague Lighthouse. During the tour, your guide will navigate in small waterways and coves, getting you as close as possible to the ponies and wildlife.

Seeing the ponies in their natural environment is the main highlight. Some reviews mention guides knowing the names of individual ponies and working diligently to find as many herds as possible. One reviewer noted, “Mike knows all the ponies and works very hard to provide optimal viewing opportunities,” which really encapsulates the level of care and expertise on offer.

Wildlife Encounters

The tour isn’t just about ponies. You’ll also be on the lookout for bald eagles, ospreys, herons, pelicans, and possibly even dolphins. Several travelers have reported seeing dolphins leaping in the water, especially when the boat cruises out into the open ocean. Those moments of spotting wildlife up close make the experience feel authentic and exciting.

One reviewer shared, “We got to see Riptide and his band in the marsh up close! Very exciting!” highlighting how special it can be to witness the animals in their habitat.

Scenic & Educational Journey

Beyond the wildlife, the tour offers insights into the history of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Your guide, Mike, shares stories about the area’s past, the ponies’ origins, and the local ecosystem. This combination of scenic beauty and storytelling makes the two-hour ride both relaxing and enriching.

Why Travelers Keep Coming Back

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors mentioning that the tour exceeded their expectations. Comments like “Mike is an excellent captain and tour guide,” and “He ensures you see ponies on your tour,” show how dedicated the guides are.

People appreciate the personalized approach—Mike’s knowledge, humor, and local connections add a genuine touch that many find missing from larger commercial tours. Plus, travelers praise the boat’s comfort and the opportunity to see multiple herds of ponies during their trip.

The Value for Money

Considering the $75 price tag, many feel they received a worthwhile experience—especially given the small group size, expert guiding, and wildlife sightings. Some reviews suggest that the tour lasts longer than expected—up to three hours—which further bolsters the value.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The tour’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility means it’s open to a wide range of visitors. Plus, with options for sunrise and sunset tours, you can tailor your experience to your preferred time of day, whether you’re seeking the calm morning light or a sunset glow.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Book in advance: This tour is popular, with most bookings made about 37 days ahead.
• Dress appropriately: Since it’s an outdoor water tour, bring layers, sunscreen, and hats, especially during the summer.
• Weather matters: The tour is weather-dependent. If the weather turns poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Bring binoculars if you want an even better view of distant wildlife, although guides are good at getting you close.
• Expect small groups: With only 6 travelers max, it’s a cozy experience, but it means limited space if you’re traveling in a large party.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts who want a relaxed, informative, and personalized experience. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in seeing the famous ponies in their natural habitat, but also want to catch glimpses of eagles and dolphins.

It’s suited for travelers who appreciate good guide expertise and don’t mind a boat ride of about two hours. If you’re traveling with kids or family members with mobility issues, the accessibility features make this a feasible option.

Final Thoughts

If the idea of cruising through scenic waterways with a knowledgeable local guide and spotting wild ponies, dolphins, and eagles sounds appealing, Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour is a fantastic pick. It offers a well-balanced blend of wildlife viewing, storytelling, and scenic beauty—all wrapped in a small-group setting that feels personal and special.

While it’s not a full-day tour, the two-hour experience provides plenty of memorable moments and plenty of value for the price. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour offers a genuine glimpse into the natural beauty of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, with plenty of opportunities for great photos, fun stories, and wildlife encounters.

If you’re after a laid-back, educational, and wildlife-focused boat trip, this is definitely worth adding to your Virginia itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or those with strollers?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to explore and see wildlife without feeling rushed.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs around $75 per person, which many travelers find reasonable given the personalized experience and wildlife sightings.

Can I see dolphins on this tour?
Yes, some tours cruise out into the open ocean, where dolphins often leap out of the water, providing exciting viewing opportunities.

What kind of wildlife can I expect?
Expect to see wild ponies, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, pelicans, and possibly dolphins, depending on the day’s conditions.

Do I need to bring anything?
Dressing in layers, applying sunscreen, and bringing binoculars can enhance your experience, but most essentials are provided onboard.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour depends on good weather, it may be canceled if conditions are poor. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 37 days ahead, as the tour is quite popular and fills up quickly.

If you’re looking for a laid-back yet engaging way to see some of Virginia’s most iconic wildlife and the legendary ponies of Assateague, this boat tour ticks all the boxes. The friendly guides, scenic routes, and wildlife encounters make it a trip you’ll likely remember long after you’ve returned home.