The Assateague Nature Centre dock is the closest to Assateague with the best access to the many herds of wild horses and wildlife. It is the most convenient, safe and sheltered location by Assateague. Spend more time along Assateague and less time getting there.

Assateague Island has an array of remote areas where we consistently watch wild ponies. The Pony Express Nature Cruise makes seeing wild ponies easy. A fun family vacation in Virginia and most recommened way to explore Assateague. The Assateague boat tour operates May 18th - Oct. 6th; kayaking April - Oct.

The Assateague Nature Centre dock has the closest access to the "Northern" & "Southern" herds of wild horses in Virginia and is located beside Assateague's calm western shoreline. Enjoy birding and dolphin watching along Assateague's calm back waters. Travel to the best areas on the informative boat excursion. We also have kayaking tours & kayak rentals here at the Assateague Nature Centre, "the best location" with a great view of the Lighthouse.

Navigate your way to a fascinating vacation. Your boat captain 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 starring role in the movie "Misty" of Chincoteague and his parents were classmates of the two children that the book "Misty of Chincoteague" was written about. His grandfather's horse also played "The Phantom" in the movie "Misty". Captain Mark takes you to the remote areas of Assateague where his great-great grandparents once lived. Your Captain's family has been in this area for hundreds of years. He is the best at getting you into Assateague's secluded areas where wild ponies and other wildlife live. He started working as a boat captain here in 1986 and has taken more visitors to see Assateague's wild ponies and wildlife than anyone. His local knowledge includes over 30 years of coastal exploration along Assateague & Chincoteague Island - pony watching, birding and commercial fishing. Wild horses are wild with no guarantee schedule, but this is the best possible way to see the wild horses in these areas. Herds move around good anytime of day.

Wild ponies, bald eagles, falcons, osprey, shore birds, dolphins, sting rays and much more exist among the incredible maze of inlets, islands, coves, bays and peninsulas. Extraordinary bird watching occurs during each summer here in Virginia. Miles of pristine waterways exist to explore during your vacation and Assateague Explorer gets you there.

Cruise on one of our Coast Guard inspected passenger vessels, equipped with restroom and certified for enough capacity so families stay together. Jump in our premium kayaks here at the Assateague Nature Centre. Our dock on Chincoteague's east side is the closest to Assateague Island on its sheltered waterway. We do not have to sail from the other side of the island to get here, we spend our time along Assateague's refuge. Assateague Explorer's newest tour boat is 40ft with twin engines, ideally suited for Chincoteague and Assateague's environment. Since 2001, visitors have enjoyed our thrilling adventure. It's the way to fully appreciate the beauty of Assateague.

Join us as we search for wild horses and other wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with the ponies and dolphins. The Assateague Nature Centre's senic location on Chincoteague Island opens the door to navigate along Assateague. The lighthouse is in front of our dock. Explore Assateague Island's unspoiled beauty, solitude and natural attractions aboard Assateague Explorer's "Misty" or by kayaking. Enjoy an awesome family travel destination in Virginia.

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