Captain Dan's Around The Island Tours — Local services in Chincoteague

A Magical Experience Around Chincoteague Island with Captain Dan!

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in Chincoteague, Captain Dan's Around the Island Tour is an absolute must! From the moment my husband and I stepped aboard, Captain Dan made us feel welcome and excited about the two-hour journey ahead. He took time to explain the route, offering fascinating insights into the area's rich history and giving us a heads-up on the best spots to see the famous wild ponies.

The entire experience was incredible. We were treated to sightings of dolphins, osprey, bald eagles, blue heron, and the thriving oyster beds—all while learning about the unique ecosystem. One of the most interesting things we discovered was the colorful marsh plant called salicornia, which turns brilliant shades of pink and red in the fall. Captain Dan’s deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna added so much to the trip, making it both educational and awe-inspiring.

The highlight, of course, was when Captain Dan expertly guided the boat close to the shore, where we had an amazing view of the wild ponies from the northern herd. It was thrilling to hear Captain Dan call out the official names of each pony, giving us a sense of connection to these beautiful creatures. I was beyond excited to capture a 2-minute video of a chestnut pinto named “Little Duckie” grazing peacefully on the marsh grasses. This experience truly made my day!

Captain Dan's tour is perfect for nature lovers and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chincoteague and Assateague. I highly recommend it for families, couples, or solo travelers—this is one boat trip you won’t want to miss! Five Stars All...

My family (wife and two college age kids) went on a 5 pm cruise with Captain Dan. It was amazing! Of course the scenery was beautiful and seeing the horses and other wildlife was great, but Dan made the trip very special. He is a a fantastic storyteller and historian, sharing the stories he has learned and experienced living most of his life in the area. From information about the space center to stories of the ponies, Dan was super knowledgeable and shared this knowledge in an incredibly enjoyable way. Facts mixed with humor, including tales of the people who have lived in the area for years, punctuated his tour.

The boat itself is very comfortable and provides 360 degree views. We were on his larger boat which accommodates 16 but he likes to take out less people. We shared the boat with a family of 8. That also meant there were plenty of binoculars and monocular to go around. However, the boat is small enough that we could get up close to the horses on the shore. One note: there is no regular bathroom onboard, just a chemical toilet and a privacy screen, so make sure to “go” before you go.

My son said that Dan was the best tour guide we have ever had and that includes tours all over North America. I agree that Dan is one of the best.

Thank you, Dan! We cannot wait...

Our outing with my wifw on June 29, 2024 was captained by Doug on the 10-passenger pontoon boat. Brand new for 2024 i.e. boat. Truly an amazing trip as Captain Doug was an owner of a commercial boat on the East coast for 30 years. Captain Doug really adds such a great touch to the trip. Very knowledgeable, easy going, well versed to Chincoteague and Assateague Island. The stops were so educational and beyond our expectations! Captain Doug took under consideration the wants of the passengers in the decisions on what to see. So knowledgeable of the annual horse crossing. Boat was very, very comfortable to include a permanent roof, preventing any sun one maybe worried about while they limited the number of passengers rather than cramming more people made the trip so much more enjoyable. My wife and I will surely return and be sure to talk to others we meet for years to come. Yes, we were fortunate to watch dolphins up close (20 feet away) and herds of horses further in the distance gathered on the island during our 11am excursion. Owner Captain Dan piloted the larger 16 passenger boat the same day/time but you won't be disappointed with Captain...