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

If you’re planning a visit to the Virginia coast and want to see its iconic wild ponies along with plenty of local wildlife, the Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat is a standout choice. This experience promises more than just spotting ponies — it offers a chance to explore the waterways around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands with a knowledgeable captain who’s been sailing these waters for over four decades.

What we love about this tour is the intimate setting provided by small-group size, usually capped at six travelers, which means more personal attention and a better chance to interact with the guide. The second highlight is the tour’s versatility—you can tailor your experience based on what you’re hoping to see, thanks to the guide’s willingness to ask questions and accommodate expectations.

One consideration worth noting is the boat’s coverage. As some reviews have pointed out, adding a top or cover could make the ride more comfortable during very sunny days—something worth requesting if you’re sensitive to heat.

This tour is a perfect fit for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager to experience the natural beauty of Virginia’s coastal waters in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Key Points

• Small, intimate group size enhances interaction and wildlife viewing chances
• Guides are extremely knowledgeable, sharing local stories and insights
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers
• It combines wildlife sightings with cultural and historical tidbits about the islands
• The tour lasts around 2 hours, balancing a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed
• Rain or poor weather might lead to rescheduling or refunds, ensuring safety and comfort

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins at the Up the Bay Pony Tours meeting point at Curtis Merritt Harbor in Chincoteague. From this starting point, you’ll hop aboard a small boat designed for close encounters with the area’s aquatic life. The captain, Mike, with over 40 years of local experience, will set the tone by asking about your expectations, helping to tailor the trip to your interests. Expect a warm, friendly approach that makes the entire experience feel personal.

The first major stop is Assateague Island, where you’ll traverse both the northern and southern parts on the Virginia side. This is where you’ll get your best chances to see the famous Chincoteague Ponies. As you glide through narrow guts and waterways, you’ll be close enough to observe these legendary animals in their natural habitat. The boat often passes the Pony Swim and the Assateague Lighthouse, landmarks that add historical and scenic value to your trip.

One of the highlights, as echoed repeatedly in reviews, is the opportunity to see not only ponies but also an array of birds, including eagles and pelicans. Sometimes, the captain ventures out into the open ocean in search of dolphins, adding a splash of excitement to the journey.

Most tours aim to circumnavigate the entire island, giving you a comprehensive view of the area’s wildlife and landscape. The captain’s local expertise ensures that you’re not just riding along but actively spotting animals, with many guests reporting successful sightings of pony bands and even dolphins.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The personalized approach is key. Unlike large, impersonal boat tours, this experience feels more like a friendly cruise with a knowledgeable friend. As one reviewer put it, “Mike knows the area like the back of his hand and has tons of great stories to share.” This level of local insight helps turn a simple wildlife viewing trip into an engaging storybook adventure.

The flexibility of the tour also stands out. Whether you’re interested primarily in ponies, birdwatching, or just soaking in the scenery, the guide is eager to accommodate your interests. For example, some travelers highlight how the tour ends up being longer than expected — nearly three hours in one case — because the guide is so generous with sightings and stories.

Accessibility is another major plus. The tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it inclusive for families with young children or travelers with mobility needs. Plus, with a cost of $75 per person, the tour offers a decent value for the experience, especially considering the small group size and expert guidance.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Meeting Point and Departure

Starting at Curtis Merritt Harbor, your adventure begins with a quick check-in where you’ll receive your mobile ticket. The boat itself is well-maintained and comfortable, with some reviews noting the importance of a top or cover for sunnier days. The small group size (max six) ensures you won’t feel lost among strangers, fostering a congenial atmosphere from the start.

Assateague Island Exploration

As you cruise into the waterways, the guide will introduce you to the unique ecology of the area. Traversing both the northern and southern sections of Assateague, you’ll have the best chance to see the famously free-roaming ponies. The tour is designed to get you as close as possible to these animals without disturbing their natural routine. Several reviews mentioned how reliably the guide ensures pony sightings, with one reviewer noting, “Mike absolutely ensures you see ponies on your tour.”

Along the way, you’ll pass notable landmarks such as the Pony Swim area and the lighthouse, adding cultural context to your wildlife adventure. These landmarks also serve as natural stopping points or photo opportunities.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views

Birdwatchers will appreciate the frequent sightings of eagles, pelicans, and other waterfowl. Some tours venture into the open ocean, offering hopes of spotting dolphins, which many guests find to be a delightful surprise. The diversity of wildlife makes each trip different, and the guide’s local knowledge means you’re more likely to see elusive animals.

Customization and Interaction

The guide starts by asking your preferences, whether you’re eager to focus on ponies, birdlife, or simply enjoy the scenery. This personal touch enhances the experience, making it feel less like a standard tour and more like a personalized adventure.

Duration and Group Size

At around two hours, the tour hits a sweet spot—long enough to see a good amount of wildlife without fatigue. The small group setting allows for a more relaxed, engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos. Guests mention that the tour can extend beyond the scheduled time if sightings are plentiful, which is a real bonus.

Authentic Experiences Through Guest Reviews

The consistent praise for the guide, Mike, is worth highlighting. Multiple reviews mention his enthusiasm, humor, and extensive local knowledge. One guest said, “Mike was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor,” turning a wildlife tour into a memorable storytelling session.

Guests also love the chance to see multiple pony bands, with one noting, “We saw lots of ponies…many from a bit of a distance but worth every minute.” Dolphins also make surprise appearances, adding extra excitement to some trips.

In terms of comfort, travelers appreciate the well-maintained boat, though some have suggested that a cover would help on very sunny days. The honest feedback shows that the tour staff are attentive to guest needs and willing to adapt when possible.

The Value and Who Should Book This Tour

For $75, this tour offers a meaningful look at one of Virginia’s most iconic natural features. With a knowledgeable captain, flexible itinerary, and the chance to see ponies, dolphins, and a variety of bird species, it provides good bang for your buck. The small group size enhances the experience, making it both educational and personal.

This tour is ideal for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone who enjoys being out on the water with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re a photographer wanting close-up wildlife shots or a traveler eager to learn local stories, this experience hits the right notes. Those looking for a relaxing, scenic cruise that combines nature and culture will find it especially rewarding.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book at least a few weeks in advance, as this tour is popular and booked on average 36 days ahead.
• Consider the weather; if it’s very sunny, request a top or cover for extra comfort.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to allow time for a relaxed start.
• Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them — the wildlife sightings are prime photo opportunities.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it inclusive for most travelers.
• Expect the tour to be about 2 hours, a perfect length for a fun, informative outing.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or strollers?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for families with young children.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a balanced experience of wildlife viewing and scenic cruising.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is six travelers, which helps ensure a personalized and less crowded experience.

Can I see wildlife other than ponies?
Absolutely. Expect to see eagles, pelicans, dolphins, and other local birds and marine animals.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather-dependent, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll typically get a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

Is the boat covered?
Some reviews suggest adding a top or cover would improve comfort on sunny days, so it might be worth requesting or bringing sun protection.

How do I book?
Booking is recommended about 36 days in advance on sites like Viator, which also provides mobile tickets for easy access.

What is the cost?
The tour costs $75 per person, offering a guided, intimate experience that many find well worth the price.

In the end, the Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour offers a genuine look at the natural beauty and wildlife of Virginia’s coast. It’s an experience that combines expert guidance, scenic waterways, and the thrill of wildlife sightings—all in a cozy, friendly setting. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an engaging outing, or a photographer eager for close-up shots, this tour has something memorable to offer.