Witness newborn wild ponies in their first days on Assateague Island with the Early Bird Spring Foal Tour. This small-group boat trip offers intimate, narrated encounters with newborn foals across up to 25 miles of scenic coastline.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion except stepping in/out of boat
Wildlife
History
Assateague’s wild ponies descend from horses believed to have arrived via shipwrecks centuries ago, with the island designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1965.
Conservation
The tour operates with minimal impact, following guidelines to protect the ponies and preserve the island’s fragile saltwater ecosystem.
Cowboy Cruise Company
Witness newborn wild ponies in their first days on Assateague Island with the Early Bird Spring Foal Tour. This small-group boat trip offers intimate, narrated encounters with newborn foals across up to 25 miles of scenic coastline.
Cowboy Cruise Company is a Chincoteague-based marine tour operator specializing in small-group wildlife and shellfish experiences around Chincoteague Island and Assateague. Led by guide Hunter Leonard — a Saltwater Cowboy and trained marine biologist — the company operates six unique tours aboard a cozy six-passenger boat that prioritizes close encounters, personalized storytelling, and responsible wildlife viewing. Signature offerings include the Guaranteed Pony Tour, which promises pony sightings or a partial refund; the standard Pony Tour led by Hunter Leonard; the Teaguer Tour exploring island history and habitats; the Early Bird Spring Foal Tour focused on newborn foals and photographic opportunities; the Private Scenic Sunset Tour for up to six guests that highlights sunsets, dolphins, and relaxed cruising; and the interactive Shellfish Tour where guests dig for clams and learn to shuck oysters and bring home their catch. Safety, stewardship, and local knowledge guide every outing: trips follow responsible viewing distances, follow island regulations, and teach humane handling of shellfish. Equipment is maintained for comfort and safety, and pre-trip briefings cover what to expect and what to bring. Tour pacing ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours to suit photographers, families, and adult explorers. Reservations, private bookings, and seasonal specialty departures like spring foal and summer morning tours are available. Visitors seeking authentic Chincoteague experiences, hands-on seafood learning, or close pony encounters value Cowboy Cruise Company for its expert-led, small-boat approach and transparent refund guarantee for guaranteed-sighting departures. Local conservation partnerships and clear safety protocols further reinforce credibility for visitors and families.
Tours Offered
6 tours
Pony, shellfish, sunset, more
Boat Capacity
6 passengers
Cozy, personalized attention
Lead Guide
Hunter Leonard
Saltwater Cowboy & marine biologist
Trip Lengths
1.5–4 hours
Short to multi-hour tours
Limited seats on the six-passenger boat — book guaranteed pony, spring foal, shellfish, or private sunset departures now.
Dress for Windy Conditions
Wear layers and wind-resistant clothing as the tour can reach speeds up to 25 mph with exposure on the boat.
Bring Your Camera
Capture the rare sight of newborn foals—binoculars can help spot distant herds.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure at Floating Dock Number 2 to ensure a timely start.
Check Weather Ahead
Tours depend on weather; confirm conditions to avoid cancellations and maximize comfort.
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against strong coastal winds on the boat.
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Binoculars
Enhances viewing of ponies on distant shorelines.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Ideal for capturing detailed images of foals and ponies.
Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures fluctuate during early mornings.
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