From the scenic York River to historic Mount Vernon, Virginia’s waterways offer excellent boating experiences worth your time and money. The best tours combine nature and history: watching Chincoteague’s wild ponies from the water, learning basic sailing skills on York River’s protected waters, and taking peaceful sunset cruises around the barrier islands.
We especially love the Mount Vernon bike-and-boat combination – it’s a smart way to avoid traffic while experiencing George Washington’s estate from both land and water. The small-group wildlife tours around Chincoteague deserve special mention for their intimate atmosphere and expert naturalist guides.
Let’s explore the top boat tours Virginia has to offer.
Key Points
- Chincoteague Tours offer a variety of highly-rated boat tours, including encounters with wildlife, scenic sunset cruises, and opportunities to see the Chincoteague ponies.
- Sailing experiences along the York River and Virginia coastline provide scenic views, hands-on sailing instruction, and accessibility for families and individuals with disabilities.
- Wildlife viewing tours, such as the Birdwatching Boat Tour, offer close-up encounters with diverse fauna, including dolphins, bald eagles, and wild ponies.
- Historical tours, like the self-guided bike tour of Mount Vernon, combine outdoor exploration with educational insights into the region’s significant events and landmarks.
- Tour operators across Virginia prioritize customer feedback, ensuring continuous improvement in pricing, accessibility, and overall quality of the boat tour experiences.
Chincoteagues Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat
Embarking on the Chincoteagues Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Assateague Islands and witness the captivating wild horse herds that roam the area.
This 3-hour tour, which has an impressive 5-star rating from 466 reviews, provides close-up encounters with dolphins, eagles, ospreys, and herons in addition to the famous Chincoteague ponies.
Guided by the knowledgeable local Captain Mike, the tour includes personal stories and insights about the individual ponies.
With maximum group sizes of 6, private transportation, and wheelchair accessibility, this tour is ideal for nature lovers of all ages seeking an educational and enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: Chincoteagues Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat Review
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Lets Go Sail the York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia
Those seeking a unique and captivating boating experience along the stunning York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia should consider the “Lets Go Sail the York River” tour.
With a 99% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 20-minute sailing experience allows participants to learn the basics and take the helm. Priced from $96.42 with free cancellation, the tour accommodates up to 6 travelers, including friendly dogs.
Wheelchair-accessible and suitable for infants, the tour offers the chance to swim and enjoy the river’s beauty.
Positive reviews praise the captain’s knowledge, skill, and calming presence, making this an enjoyable outing for all.
Read our full review: Lets Go Sail the York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia Review
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Grand Boat Tour Around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
For those seeking an immersive journey through the captivating waters surrounding Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, the Grand Boat Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity.
Offering a highly-rated 4.8-star experience, this tour showcases the region’s diverse wildlife, including ponies, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.
Led by the knowledgeable Captain John, passengers can expect close-up views and engaging commentary about the islands’ natural wonders.
While pony sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour’s intimate setting and focus on exploring nature make it an ideal choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
With a maximum capacity of 6 travelers, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides a personalized and memorable exploration of Virginia’s coastal gems.
Read our full review: Grand Boat Tour Around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands Review
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Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-Guided Ride With Optional Boat Cruise Return
Visitors seeking a unique exploration of George Washington’s historic estate can embark on the self-guided “Visit Mount Vernon by Bike” tour.
Starting from Alexandria, cyclists follow a provided map to the Mount Vernon estate, where they’ll spend 3 hours exploring the grounds, including the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Washington’s tomb.
An optional Potomac River cruise offers a relaxing return journey. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, trailer carriages are available for younger children.
Moderate fitness is required, and service animals are welcome.
Recent feedback suggests the tour offers a scenic and historically significant experience, though some improvements could be made to bike maintenance and return instructions.
Read our full review: Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-Guided Ride With Optional Boat Cruise Return Review
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Small-Group Sunset Boat Tour Around Chincoteague & Assateague Islands
Travelers seeking a captivating sunset experience can embark on the Small-Group Sunset Boat Tour around Chincoteague & Assateague Islands.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars and recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour offers breathtaking views of the islands at the golden hour. Priced from $89 per person, the tour accommodates up to 6 passengers and departs from Chincoteague, Virginia.
While the boat isn’t wheelchair accessible, it welcomes strollers and service animals. Although the operator has addressed feedback about boarding assistance, they continue to work on enhancing the customer experience.
Read our full review: Small-Group Sunset Boat Tour Around Chincoteague & Assateague Islands Review
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Chincoteague and Assateague Birdwatching Boat Tour
Birdwatchers can enjoy the natural splendor of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands on the Chincoteague and Assateague Birdwatching Boat Tour.
This 5-star rated tour provides an up-close look at the diverse avian life in this stunning coastal region. At $150 per person, the private tour departs from Pier #2 in Chincoteague, Virginia.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes strollers and service animals. Infants must sit on laps.
Participants should note the tour is non-refundable if cancelled. In the event of adverse weather, the tour may be cancelled for safety reasons, as customer feedback indicates.
Read our full review: Chincoteague and Assateague Birdwatching Boat Tour Review
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Sunset Wildlife Cruise Along Assateague & Chincoteague Island
One exceptional way to experience the natural beauty of Assateague Island and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is the Sunset Wildlife Cruise.
This 86-review cruise offers expert narration and the chance to spot wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Departing from Chincoteague, the tour navigates inland waterways during the golden hour, providing stunning sunset views.
With a maximum of 40 travelers, the cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Priced from $59 per person, the Sunset Wildlife Cruise receives a 4.5-star overall rating, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and relaxing atmosphere.
While wildlife sightings may vary, travelers consistently report memorable experiences on this scenic coastal adventure.
Read our full review: Sunset Wildlife Cruise Along Assateague & Chincoteague Island Review
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Lets Go Sail Virginia
Let’s Go Sail Virginia offers an exhilarating sailing experience in the historic Williamsburg area.
With a 93% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides participants the opportunity to learn sailing basics, boat safety, and enjoy a relaxing ride.
Participants will have the chance to run the helm and adjust sails while tacking. The tour also includes historical context, such as learning about the battles that ended the Revolutionary War and seeing US Navy ships transiting to Yorktown.
Priced from $96.42 per person with free cancellation and rescheduling, this highly-rated activity is wheelchair accessible and open from 10/28/2019 to 12/13/2025.
Read our full review: Lets Go Sail Virginia Review
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Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour From Chincoteague to Assateague
For those seeking a unique wildlife viewing experience, the Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour from Chincoteague to Assateague provides the opportunity to observe the famous Chincoteague ponies in their natural habitat.
Departing from Chincoteague, Virginia, this 3.9-star rated tour takes visitors across the water to Assateague Island, where they can spot the wild ponies as well as other wildlife like dolphins and eagles.
However, reviews note that pony sightings aren’t guaranteed, and some passengers have experienced issues with boat comfort and accessibility.
At €57.13 per person for a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour offers a scenic experience, though improvements to booking information and vessel conditions could enhance the overall experience.
Read our full review: Wild Pony Watching Boat Tour From Chincoteague to Assateague Review
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Recap
Virginia offers a variety of captivating boat tours and cruises for visitors to enjoy. From wildlife-watching excursions around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands to sailing adventures on the York River, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in spotting wild ponies, birdwatching, or taking in stunning sunsets, these experiences provide a unique perspective on Virginia’s coastal landscapes and natural wonders.