By far the most famous inhabitants of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands are the wild ponies that have lived here for generations. People come from all over the world to gaze upon them. It is a truly remarkable experience to see them grazing, frolicking, and running together. They are wild, and they are thriving.
Come see the Assateague wild ponies.
Many guests of our Chincoteague Bed and Breakfasts come here specifically to see the ponies. Many have read Misty of Chincoteague, and remember the touching story of Paul, Maureen, and Misty. They want to see the land and horses that inspired Marguerite Henry’s 1947 book.
Marguerite Henry stayed at Miss Molly’s Inn, our Chincoteague Bed and Breakfast, when she came here to meet the real Misty. Today, guests may stay in our Marguerite Henry room, where the author once slept. For fans of the book, this can be quite moving.
Boat and kayak tours are perhaps the best way to see the wild ponies; they enable visitors to get close to the ponies without disturbing them. Boat tours of the Chincoteague wild ponies run daily (many companies close for the winter some time between October and December).
We recommend the following companies for cruises around Assateage Island:
- Spider’s Explorer
- Daisey’s Dockside Nature Cruises
- Island Cruises
Feel free to ask our innkeeper about sightseeing cruises and wild pony tours. She will happily book the cruise for you.
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Assateague and Chincoteague. Summer crowds have dissipated, but the weather is still lovely. Please visit Miss Molly’s Chincoteague Bed and Breakfast to make a reservation.