Virginia birdwatching along Assateague Island
Assateague Island Visitor Services
Discover Assateague Ponies

Virginia Birdwatching Tours
See bald eagles & various wetland birds along Assateague & Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Virginia birding

Virginia birdwatching is at it's best here! Excitement is in the air when you join one of Assateague Explorer's bird watching tours in this special region of Virginia. See the most birds along Assateague Island National Seashore. We see bald eagles most every day. Migrating birds along Assateague Island National Seashore exist in areas of the refuge that visitors can only encounter with us by boat. Our bird watching cruises offer you the best way to experience many of the shore birds along the Refuge.

Surround yourself with a mixture of species in this sanctuary. The extensive mudflats here are the perfect place to see oystercatchers, plovers and more on your birding voyage along Assateague's calm waterway. It is a thrilling experience and the most efficient way to to see shore birds and other species of birds here. Our Chincoteague Island native captain knows where to take you birding in this part of Virginia. Many birds you will encounter with us are in secluded parts of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge. We have binoculars and a bird book for you to use while on the tour but feel free to bring yours also.

We take you to parts of Chincoteague NWR that provide an awe-inspiring experience. This area is exceptionally important for migrating birds. We see different species of migratory shore birds most every day on our tours (May thru October). You will go to areas where we encounter bald eagles on a daily basis.

Our birding trips travel the protected inner coastal waters along Assateague Island, Chincoteague and Wallops Island in Virginia. You'll experience the best scenery that Assateague and Chincoteague Island offer. Magnificent coves, creeks and salt marshes await you. We search for osprey, black skimmers, oyster catchers, peregrine falcons, terns, pelicans, godwits, curlews, plovers, dunlins and more. The birding tours take you to see the most beautiful and wildlife abundant areas of the refuge. You will treasure the wildlife and scenic wetlands you discover near the Assateague Lighthouse and many seldom visited pristine areas here. Migrating species stop here during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.

 

Birding trips depart from Chincoteague Island, Virginia (Be sure to call ahead for reservations). Driving Directions

 
We also recommend reserving a Sunset Cruise or one of our Pony Express tours, so you can experience a beautiful sunset with the birds & herds of wild ponies while on your vacation to Chincoteague & Assateague Island.
Time:
Departs daily at 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 7:00pm
Tour duration approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours
You can schedule an extra Pony Express Nature Tour or Sunset Tour and make the most of your visit.
The schedule is subject to change.
Price:
Adults
Children 11 and under receive a $10 discount
 
Reservations:
Call (757) 336-5956 or 1-866-PONY SWIM (toll free).
An advanced reservation is required.
Spring Call Center hours: 2pm-9pm

Birding tours depart from: Chincoteague Island, VA. at Curtis Merritt Harbor located on the south end of the island. The Assateague Explorer Captain and crew will meet you at boat slip #14 at your scheduled departure time (Be sure to call first for reservations). Driving Directions
 
• Private charters are also available.
 
Other Available Tours:
CALL toll free (757) 336-5956 or 1-866-PONY SWIM for reservations • EMAIL us for tour information & availability

Bird Facts: Pick a species from the drop down list below to see all the facts.
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Birding at Assateague

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