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Pony Express Nature Cruises |
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| Cruise
along Assateague where wild ponies live |
When you are on Assateague Explorer's Pony Express
Nature Cruises, you visit the areas where you have the greatest
chance of seeing wild ponies on your vacation. You will explore many
secluded areas of Assateague Island's wildlife refuge where wild ponies
live. Assateague Ponies are a unique breed and have lived here in
solitude for about 400 years. Different bands or herds are dispersed
along this extensive island. Our native captain knows where to travel
to see many herds along the island each day. You will encounter a
large variety of birds, wildlife and sometimes dolphins along
the way. We
see bald eagles in these areas almost every day.
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Over 300 wild ponies live on over 40,000
acres of Assateague Island and it is estimated that less than 3% of
these wild ponies can be seen from the road by visitors on vacation.
Assateague Island is an unspoiled vast ecosystem of forests, wetlands,
beaches and calm waterways. Assateague has only one street and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has placed miles of fence along it to keep
the wild ponies far back in their natural habitat. These pony watching
trips will take you to Assateague's most beautiful areas where over
150 wild ponies live. Please look at some of the tour
photos |
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Assateague wild ponies thrive along Assateague's extensive 37 mile tranquil Western shoreline of bays, secluded creeks and pine forests. Assateague ponies are found feeding on salt marsh cordgrass and this grass attracts them to many shoreline areas along Assateague Island where we find the ponies everyday. We spend each day observing wild ponies in different herds of about 5-30 ponies in various secluded areas along Assateague's shoreline. Your captain is a Chincoteague Island native and former Park Ranger who has an extensive knowledge of the area and Assateague's Wild Ponies. He has taken thousands of visitors to Assateague Island's remote places to experience what people were not able to see before. Visitors in the past could not reach these secluded regions which encompass most of Assateague. Wild ponies and other forms of wildlife are encountered here. The ponies and their young are seen close up on a daily basis. Visitors say it's the highlight of their vacation. |
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Pony Express Nature Cruises
depart from Chincoteague
Island (be sure to call ahead for reservations). You will visit many
areas along Assateague including the scenic area near the Assateague
Lighthouse, which is among one of many places wild ponies are found.
We encounter a large variety of shore birds along the way and usually
bald eagles. Dolphin are seen up close during various times of the
year. Assateague wild ponies have roamed these hidden areas of this
37 mile island since the 1600's and you will enjoy the experience
of being a part of this unique environment. See a map
of the tour area. |
| 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 Cruise or Sunset Cruise and make the most of your visit. |
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Daily
tours to see wild ponies & wildlife operate 7 days a week
May 16th - October 11th
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The schedule is subject to change.
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| Price: |
Adults
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| 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. |
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• Cruises 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 |
| Other Available Tours: |
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Bird
Watching Cruises
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Sunset
/ Lighthouse / Dolphin Cruises
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Kayak
Tours
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•
CALL
toll
free
(757)
336-5956 or
1-866-PONY SWIM
for reservations
•
EMAIL
us for tour information & availability
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