Journey through breathtaking and seldom seen areas on an informative boat excursion that boarders the calm back waters of Assateague, where wild ponies, incredible birding and fishing awaits. Discover unspoiled and uncrowded beaches when you go ashore for shelling and beachcombing along seldom traveled barrier islands for a fun family vacation experience. Be a part of the most recommended way to explore Assateague and enjoy the many aspects of this coastal environment.

Assateague visitors often drive to the island, but say "Where are the wild ponies?" The answer is the National Park Service has placed miles of fence line in many areas to keep the horses away from the roadways and back in their natural habitat. A boat excursion provides the best opportunity to observe herds of wild ponies that are scattered along Assateague's extensive coastline of calm back waters and back woods.

Your guide is a former Park Ranger for the National Park Service, has worked for the Park Service at Assateague Island and is a native of Chincoteague Island. His grandfather had a staring role in the movie "Misty" of Chincoteague. This Coast Guard licensed Captain will take you to the birds, ponies, fish and more... He will share his knowledge of over 27 years of coastal exploration in these areas, birding and fishing. Expeditions are fun and we strive to show our guests as much wildlife as possible in a relaxing atmosphere.

You'll be cruising aboard a new custom 24 foot Coast Guard approved passenger vessel (restroom equipped), the fastest and best equipped tour vessel serving the Chincoteague area. The boat is specifically designed to go where others can't, it is large and stable and it's shallow-draft and quick running capability are ideally suited for this environment. You'll be able to visit many pristine and seldom seen areas that Assateague has to offer.

Here people have the opportunity to see wild ponies, eagles, hidden peregrine falcon nesting areas, waterfowl, and much more among the incredible maze of inlets, islands, coves, bays and peninsulas. The western coastline of Assateague provides a tranquil and undiscovered alternative to the tourist crowds and highly commercialized setting of Ocean City and other east coast resorts. The season begins in early April and continues through December, but extraordinary birdwatching also occurs during the winter months and tours can be scheduled any time of the year. Miles of wetlands can be explored during the fall migration of waterfowl. Rates: $25 for birding and pony exploring, $35 for morning fishing charters & Circle Island Tour. Special custom trips and private charters are also available. If you have a large group, we can schedule several Pony Express Nature Tours, Birdwatching, Fishing or other tours of your interest for any particular day to accommodate larger groups if you tell us the date in advance.

The morning Flounder Fishing trips run from 6:30am. - 10:30am., Pony Express Nature Tours are from 11:00pm. - 1:00p.m., Circle (Chincoteague) Island Nature Tours are from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00p.m., Birdwatching Trips are from 4:30p.m. to 7:00p.m., and Evening Sunset / Lighthouse Champaign Cruises are from 7:30p.m. - 9:00p.m. Keep in mind that we can schedule several individual tours of your interest for any particular day if you contact us in advance. Check out the area map of our expeditions. Itinerary above is sometimes subject to change due to weather or tidal conditions. Advance reservations are recommended (contact us), and rates for groups and children are available. Advanced reservations require a nonrefundable 50% deposit. If you need to reschedule, please contact us at least one week in advance of your tour, and the deposit will be applied to new dates. The balance of the payment is payable within at least 48 hours of the date of the tour to prevent rescheduling.

Whether you're on the lookout for wild ponies and birds, would like to go fishing or enjoy a relaxing sunset champaign cruise by the lighthouse at night, a voyage aboard the Assateague Explorer this season will leave you with unforgettable memories. Savor the sights and sounds as you cruise the coastal waters to uninhabited barrier islands and or sandbars which are accessible only by boat. Don't forget your camera to capture the bountiful wildlife including the magnificent birds you will see along the way. You can also choose to walk beaches in solitude in search of whelks, conchs, scallops and many other varieties of shells that are commonly found here as well as a few that are less frequently spotted. So if you're someone who's interested in a one of a kind birding destination, a visitor who wants to find where the wild ponies are hiding, or the fisherman who really wants a nice catch, we welcome you to explore Assateague Island's unspoiled beauty and unique natural attractions.

Assateague Explorer is dedicated to the preservation of Assateague Island National Seashore and to providing educational and recreational access to these treasures.

US Code : Title 16, Section 459f Sec. 459f.

Assateague Island National Seashore; purposes; description of area:

For the purpose of protecting and developing Assateague Island in the States of Maryland and Virginia and certain adjacent waters and small marsh islands for public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment, the Assateague Island National Seashore (hereinafter referred to as the ''seashore'') shall be established and administered in accordance with the provisions of sections 459f to 459f-11 of this title.