Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
5
Boat ToursPrivate ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Specializing in Wild Ponies since 2006! Ask about our Afternoon Pony Tour, available daily. Family friendly nature tours of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Our trip combines a sight-seeing and guided tour together. We search for wild ponies, dolphin, bald eagles, sea turtles, sting rays, all manner of wild fowl, and local creatures. Our signature “Around the Island Tour” covers over 25 miles of coastline, in 2-2.5 hours, never passing the same spot twice. We specialize in taking small groups, on extended trips, into isolated areas. Most trips take 6 guests max. In 2016 we added a 35’, 18 passenger boat to our fleet. We run our 35' boat on our afternoon pony tour, and by request for larger groups. Eight generations of our family have lived on Chincoteague Island. We are a real, small, local family owned and operated business by Capt. Dan, his wife Miss Abby, Dan’s father his father Capt. Ray, and now Dan and Abby’s son Capt. Gavin, a 3rd generation charter captain
Chincoteague Island, United States
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours
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(58 reviews)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
829 reviews
Excellent
816
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Cheryle F
6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Captain Dan always provides a Fabulous Adventure to see the ponies and the beauty of the area!
He grew up here and is very knowledgeable and entertaining!
Sometimes the ponies are elusive, it’s like you roll the dice, sometimes ponies are everywhere and sometimes not!
But Captain Dan will find them if their there and any time spent on the boat
Enjoying the beauty of the area is Perfect! Went on 4 Boat Tours this visit and they were all Spectacular!
He grew up here and is very knowledgeable and entertaining!
Sometimes the ponies are elusive, it’s like you roll the dice, sometimes ponies are everywhere and sometimes not!
But Captain Dan will find them if their there and any time spent on the boat
Enjoying the beauty of the area is Perfect! Went on 4 Boat Tours this visit and they were all Spectacular!
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
don h
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Captain Dan is a very dedicated and informed guide. He was extremely courteous and answered everyone's questions in an interesting and timely manner. He was involved in our learning process and had the ability to communicate with the younger children as well as us old adults.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisajdnj
Brooklyn, NY2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Captain Dan was a wonderful guide - so knowledgeable and friendly! He told us stories of the ponies by name, and also about the local area and geography. We would definitely take another tour with him!
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bart D
Millsboro, DE1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
It was a great time. Very informative, Captain answered everyone's questions, great view of the sunset and a pleasant outing.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene B
Mifflinburg, PA24 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Capt. Dan is an extremely knowledgeable local guide and truly enhanced the ride with many insights into island life. What a treat to see the ponies and learn about them.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoasterNerdett
Belfast, UK350 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We got the bigger boat, honestly an amazing tour. Captain Dan is full of knowledge and a great tour guide.
We booked this as we were staying nearby, very glad we did.
Got very close to the Flamingo that has found itself here and the Chincoteague Ponies.
I wish we had more time to spend in the area but you should definitely do this tour if you have time.
We booked this as we were staying nearby, very glad we did.
Got very close to the Flamingo that has found itself here and the Chincoteague Ponies.
I wish we had more time to spend in the area but you should definitely do this tour if you have time.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimkD2662QE
Varysburg, NY7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My wife had been given a Chincoteague pony when she was young and had always wanted to go there. Well, we had our chance this past weekend and drove down. We stayed at the Comfort Inn. Just down the street were nice restaurants and Captain Dan's boat tour. We picked his tour because it was walking distance but we really lucked out. We saw a young bald eagle, the lonesome Flamingo that was making a stop at Chincoteague and a lot of Chincoteague ponies up very close and personal. Captain Dan was great... We had a wonderful stay and Captain Dan's boat trip was the highlight of it.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim Crowell
Rutherfordton, NC2 contributions
Oct 2023
This was a great tour from start to finish. Captain Dan knows where to look for what and is able to anticipate questions even before we could ask them. The Pink Flamingo blown in on the recent hurricane was a real bonus. The Captain was also very attentive to our safety (all Seniors) and comfort throughout the trip. His clear and pleasant speaking voice was welcomed by us all.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHERYLE F
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Went on several Fabulous Tours with Captain Dan during my visit this week!
He has amazing Pony Radar and the tours are always a great adventure for all.
We saw Ponies, Eagles and learned a lot about the area.
Best of all was seeing the Flamingo that is visiting Chincoteague!
Highly recommend!!!!
He has amazing Pony Radar and the tours are always a great adventure for all.
We saw Ponies, Eagles and learned a lot about the area.
Best of all was seeing the Flamingo that is visiting Chincoteague!
Highly recommend!!!!
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle V
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wow - it was a lifelong dream to see the Chincoteague ponies and this tour did not disappoint! Captain Dan is the best - he knows all about the different herds and the ponies’ names and even has a book with pictures of the ponies and their names. He is very personable and makes everyone feel at home on his boat. We highly, highly recommend Captain Dan and his tour!
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! I was wondering if you can wear flip flops along board?
adventureseeker321
Gaithersburg, MD34 contributions
I think so
Mark_Madison
RICHMOND13 contributions
Do you have an openings for an afternoon tour today? I don’t see a phone number. 2 adults.
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
Hey Mark,
We do not have any openings for today. Our number is 757-894-0103. It’s always best to call (when possible), as we only take reservations over the phone, and things can book up in a short period of time.
How long is the afternoon pony tour
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
The “Afternoon Pony Tour” is typically 2 to 2.5 hours, but it can sometimes run long. We have had a few that were 3 hours. It all depends on where we find ponies, and how far we have to go looking for them.
Hi Capt Dan
We are a group of 10 adults and 9 kids. We will be visiting there on 19th April. What is the charge for the afternoon tour?? And also sunset tour??
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
Hey guys, at this time the only way I can accommodate 19 passengers would be to put some folks on my larger boat (16 passengers max), and some on my smaller boat (6 passengers max). I don’t have that availableity on the 19th but would on the 20th or 21st. Give us a call to iron out the details, and I’ll make sure Capt. Ray can work with me that weekend. 757-894-0103
Ian F
Edinburgh, UK3 contributions
Hi - will be visiting from Scotland on 21 May and staying at the BW Plus Hotel on the Island. Will you be doing a sunset cruise that day and if so at what time? Thanks Ian
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
Hey Ian,
I just checked the schedule and we are running sunset tours that week. During that week they depart at 6pm, and return around 8pm, or a little later. Please keep in mind it's a little cooler on the water, and I would recommend long pants, and a windbreaker. Maybe even hats and gloves if it's expected to be below 60 degrees.
If you'd like to reserve a seat, please give us a call 757-894-0103. If out of country calling is difficult, check our website for email address.
Our season runs April 1st to December 1st, and our reservation book should be ready by March 20th.
I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have, and I hope to see you on the water.
-Capt. Dan
TrailBlazer358330
Shelbyville, IN
Can you still see sightings of dolphins and the pony herds in October?
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
In short, yes.
The Ponies...certainly...they live on the Island year round. Dolphin will start to move out when the temperatures dip...this year it’s warm for the first couple weeks of October. Towards the tail end of the month, dolphin sightings may decline as they follow the fish south.
Leslie S
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States119 contributions
Are the cruises still happening through September or do you stop after the summer season?
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
Hey Leslie,
I actually run right up until December 1st. It can get chilly on the water Oct-Dec and at the season start Apr-early June. But I’m here! April 1st to December 1st, weather permitting.
-Capt. Dan
CML754
Freehold, NJ21 contributions
Hi there!
Two quick questions. We will be coming down in August. How far in advance would you suggest booking? Also, are there bathrooms on board or bathroom stops? Thanks!
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
I would say book at least a week in advance (maybe 2). If you have a specific time of day you want to go, or a larger group (any more than 2 people), maybe book even earlier.
We do have a “portable chemical potty with privacy curtain” aboard each boat. Our 16 passenger boat has a larger potty enclosure (about 3’ x 3’), and may be more convenient for someone who is expecting to have to use it. We run our larger boat for our “Afternoon Pony Tour”, by request for larger groups, and if our 6 passenger boat is down for maintainince. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us 757-894-0103.
johnsA8192XD
Hamilton Square, NJ30 contributions
Do you offer any discounts ,senior or military?
Capt-Dan-Chinco
Chincoteague Island, VA7 contributions
We only offer discounts for children under 12 and cash payments. Costs are $40 per adult, $35 per child under 12, and a $5 per person discount for cash payments. A credit card is required to hold the reservation, but you can opt to pay by cash instead at the end of the trip. Feel free to call us if you have any other questions 757-894-0103.