Maryland

A Comparison of Kayak Tours on Assateague Island

by Paul Joseph  |  Published March 21, 2022

The 37-mile long barrier island of Assateague off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean is a haven for kayakers throughout the year.

(Photo: Assateague Tours / Courtesy Viator)

Assateague Island offers kayak enthusiasts miles and miles of fantastic paddling opportunities through the open waters, small coves, and salt marshes of Sinepuxtent and Chincoteague Bays. If you’re keen to hit the area’s waters in a kayak and would like to do so as part of an organised guided tour, there are a huge number available. We’ve compared three of them below.

Kayak Tour around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

This action-packed kayaking adventure takes you to the most remote areas of Assateague Island, as well as nearby Chincoteague Island. Departing early morning, you’ll be shown to some of the area’s best locations for wildlife spotting, and there’ll also be photo opportunities at the Assateague Lighthouse, one of the oldest running lighthouses in the US. Regular highlights include encountering wild Chincoteague ponies as they graze along the marshlands, and spotting rare birds as they migrate through the region. From $87 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Wildlife Discovery Tour

(Photo: Assateague Outfitters)

Adventure-seekers can explore Assateague’s fascinating ecosystem, and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history, while paddling in your own kayak on this 2.5-hour tour. With the help of expert guides, you’ll get to meet some of the amazing creatures that inhabit Assateague Island,  with a particular focus on wild horse-spotting, along with hundreds of other captivating native species. Both solo and tandem kayaks are available. From $50 per person.

Book at Assateagueoutfitters.com

 Assateague kayak tour

(Photo: Assateague Explorer)

See wild ponies and the magnificent natural surroundings of Assateague on this fun-filled kayaking tour. During the 2.5-hour trip you’ll explore hidden areas of the National Seashore and Wildlife Reguge, including remote beaches and dense pine forests. Atop a kayak you’ll paddle through the warm back waters of these barrier islands, navigating creeks, channels and coves. Tours can be tailored to all ages and skill levels. From $59 per person.

Book at Assateagueexplorer.com