CHINCOTEAGUE TO ASSATEAGUE CRUISES & KAYAK TOURS with ASSATEAGUE EXPLORER
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the best time of day to go?
- Should I make a reservation in advance?
- What month is best to see ponies?
- Do we get off the boat?
- Gratuity/Tipping? Should we tip the boat crew or kayak guides?
- Do you guarantee sightings?
- What happens if it rains?
- Is there a bathroom on the boat?
- Will I get Sea Sick?
- Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
- What is the boat like?
- How early should I arrive before my trip?
- Where does the boat and kayak trips leave from?
- Is there shade on the boat?
- Are gift certificates available?
- How far is Chincoteague Island, Virginia from Ocean City, Maryland?
- What is the best time of day to go?
Anytime. The ponies are not like deer. Ponies graze all day and anytime is as good as the next. We see different herds of ponies and various species of wildlife at different times throughout the day. Every cruise or kayak trip we do throughout the day is different. No two trips are ever alike. The ponies are always grazing, resting or socializing. Wild ponies like to walk, graze and sometimes even run along the lush marshlands, edge of the woodlands and remote beaches we travel to all the time. Ponies, Eagles, Shorebirds and Dolphins can be seen just as good at anytime of day. Anytime you go out with us, you will have a good chance at seeing the ponies. The ponies move around all day and we usually see them throughout the day on most days. - Should I make a reservation in advance?
Advance reservations are the normal thing most people do and are strongly recommended. Trips can book up quickly. Maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer by calling us now since seats are limited. If you have to change or cancel your reservation, you can do so as long as you give us at least a 48-hour notice (you don’t loose anything then). - What month is best to see ponies?
Anytime from about mid May through mid October. Summer is a great time to see the foals. The weather is best at this time of year. - Do we get off the boat?
It depends. Most of the time we stay on the boat so we can cover a lot of the pristine areas in search for more wild ponies and wildlife. However, sometimes we do decide to land on a beautiful remote sandbar and search for shells if we have seen plenty of ponies and we are in that vicinity. The kayak trips sometimes land on an awesome remote beach, but it depends where our guides decide to take you, where the wild ponies are hanging out, etc... - Gratuity/Tipping? Should we tip the boat crew or kayak guides?
It is industry standard to leave a tip for the boat crew or kayak guides if you had an enjoyable trip. Our crew works really hard to provide the best experience possible for you. They work here because they love being outdoors, helping others, and meeting people like you. Gratuity is always helpful and appreciated. - Do you guarantee sightings?
We have a very high success rate in seeing the wild ponies (this is as good as it gets and most people agree, the best way to see the ponies). We also see bald eagles and dolphins very frequently. However, we cannot guarantee that we'll see these wild creatures up close on every tour that we go on, all Summer long. The wildlife around Assateague and Chincoteague is “wild”, this is not a petting zoo and nature is unpredictable. There is a variety of scenery, wildlife and marine life to be seen here, in the wild outdoors that makes it so special. - What happens if it rains?
Our boat and kayak trips leave from the best location possible, in the most sheltered area around here, right near where the wild ponies and wildlife are on the refuge. The weather is usually pretty good to us here at Chincoteague and Assateague, thank God. We have cooler weather than the mainland during the Summer. If it is a light shower, that means nice cool weather also. We usually still go. The rain does not bother us or the wild ponies and wildlife. In fact, some of our best pony watching can be on a rainy day and we always welcome some cool weather. We have nice rain parkas for you (like going out on the “Maid of the Mist”) but you are welcome to bring your own. The boat is 40ft. long and very wide with a nice large top. We monitor wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. In the case of severe weather, such as strong winds, we may cancel but you are not under any obligation. - Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes, there is a restroom on the boat. - Will I get Sea Sick?
We have never had anyone get sea sick. We operate in between Chincoteague and Assateague Island where the waters are calm and our Coast Guard Certified boat is very stable. We leave from the most sheltered location, where the water is calm. Sea sickness is probably out of the question. - Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
There are floating dock ramps that we frequently use nearby. We will do all that we can to accommodate customers with disabilities, but everyone is different and although most can get on and off, we can try but cannot guarantee. We'll gladly do our best. - What is the boat like?
Our 40ft. U.S. Coast Guard Certified passenger vessel is awesome and we leave from the best location on Chincoteague Island. Our Certified boat requires an annual inspection each year. It has undergone a U.S. Coast Guard stability test and the Cost Guard performs hull inspections. Coast Guard Certified boats such as ours, must meet plan approval, passenger weight regulations and construction phase observation up close and in person in order to be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Our newest vessel was designed and built as a high speed catamaran, to be more sea worthy and has twin engines for speed and reliability. In addition to modern safety equipment, our vessel must be operated by a licensed “Master” captain. U.S. Coat Guard Certification also requires crew members. The vessel must be hauled out periodically, for complete U.S. Coast Guard hull inspection. Certified vessels are held to a higher standard for passenger safety. Our captain has also worked on these waters as a boat captain starting way back in the mid 80’s, has operated boats in the Pacific and is the unquestionable pioneer of Pony Watching in these areas by boat. This newest vessel of ours is wide and provides a smooth ride. It is very spacious and the boat sits up higher off the water which allows great views of wildlife and scenic vistas. Bring the family and experience Assateague and the splendor of one of nature’s great wonders. - How early should I arrive before my trip?
Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your trip. Look for our sign that says Assateague Explorer. - Where does the boat and kayak trips leave from?
Location. Location. Location. We depart from Chincoteague Island, Virginia at the best spot possible to leave from. We are virtually right across from the Assateague Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. This means we do not have to sail from the other side of the island and any potentially rough seas to get here to these sheltered waters along the refuge, where the wild ponies and other wildlife are found. Visit and print the driving directions page. - Is there shade on the boat?
Yes. Our boat is plenty wide, with a nice top that offers abundant shade. - Are gift certificates available?
Yes! Gift certificates are available. Click here to purchase one for your family & friends. - How far is Chincoteague Island, Virginia from Ocean City, Maryland?
Chincoteague is located just one hour drive south of Ocean City. A relaxing scenic drive and perfect day trip to compliment your Ocean City vacation.
View our photos of Assateague, the famous Chincoteague wild ponies, wildlife & scenery. |
View videos of our cruises & kayak tours along Assateague & Chincoteague. |
Explore and experience that feeling of discovery, where your outdoor adventure begins. |
Assateague Explorer recently featured twice on the ABC Good Morning America Show. |
Kayaking: April 7 - Oct. 28, 2012
Cruises: May 19 - Oct. 7, 2012
(7 days a week)
Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
