Guided Kayak Eco-Tour
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore
Where wild ponies roam, shipwreck tales linger, and the island itself is always on the move.
Assateague Island Kayak Tour: Wild Horses & Coastal Adventure
Looking for the ultimate alternative to the crowded Ocean City beach and boardwalk? Our Assateague Island Kayak Tour takes you into one of the most famous coastal ecosystems in the country. Located just minutes from the resort, it's the perfect day trip to experience raw, untouched nature.
On this guided tour, we dive deep into the rich history and unique landscape of the barrier island, highlighting everything that makes this National Seashore legendary.
Tour Highlights: Wild Horses & Untamed Landscapes
Paddle alongside a stunning backdrop where the land meets the sea. As we explore, you’ll experience:
The Famous Wild Horses: Keep your eyes out for the legendary Assateague wild horses roaming the shores and marsh edges.
World-Class Birding: Spot majestic herons, egrets, osprey, and seasonal migratory shorebirds.
Breathtaking Vistas: Take in the massive, wide-open coastal landscapes that feel a world away from the busy beaches.
Local History: Learn how this dynamic barrier island was formed, its history of shipwrecks, and how it survives today.
Sheltered Paddling in the Salt Marsh
While the open bayside waters of Assateague can get notoriously windy, we design our route with your comfort in mind. We keep exposure to the elements to an absolute minimum by focusing our paddle inside the winding salt marshes. By avoiding prolonged time in the wide-open, exposed water, we ensure a much calmer, stable, and scenic experience for paddlers of all skill levels.
Make It a Full Beach Day!
Because of its close proximity to Ocean City, we highly recommend making a full day out of your trip to the island. Before or after your kayak tour, take advantage of everything the park has to offer. Relax on the beautiful natural beaches, swim in the lifeguarded areas, or explore the walking trails.
Pro-Tip for Your Park Pass:
Admission to the National Seashore is not included in the tour price. Park admission costs $25 per vehicle and is valid for 7 consecutive days. Since our kayak tours run on Thursdays, we highly recommend purchasing your park pass early in your vacation week! That way, you can visit the island multiple times and get the absolute most value out of your admission.
Ready to see the wild horses from a whole new perspective? Space fills up fast book your Assateague Island tour today!
This business is one of a number of private businesses authorized within Assateague Island National Seashore by written agreement with the National Park Service to provide appropriate recreational services to Seashore visitors. Assateague Island National Seashore does not endorse this business over any other authorized providers. Please direct all inquiries and comments related to the quality of these services within the Seashore to the Superintendent, Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.
Wildlife you may see:
Gallery
On the Water
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Our tours are beginner-friendly and led by an ACA-certified instructor who gives a short paddling lesson before you launch. If you can sit in a kayak, you can join us.
Everything you need on the water — kayak, paddle, and a Coast Guard–approved life jacket (PFD), plus your guide. Just bring yourself and a sense of adventure.
Wear quick-dry clothing and water-friendly shoes or sandals. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, drinking water, and a change of clothes. You may get a little wet!
Most tours are 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace on calm, protected waters, with plenty of stops to watch wildlife. They suit most fitness levels — let us know if you have any concerns and we'll help you plan.
No minimum age, however we do have a minimum weight of 30 lbs. USCG approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are rated by weight. An adult PFD is rated for 90 lbs and up. A youth PFD is rated for 50-90 lbs. A child PFD is rated for 30-50 lbs.
We keep groups small. Our tours are limited to a maximum of 8 people. The smaller group size allows for a more personal, unhurried experience and the best chance to spot wildlife.
Each tour has its own launch point, listed on your booking confirmation. Please arrive 15 minutes early to get fitted for gear and hear the safety briefing.
Your safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe we'll contact you to reschedule or issue a credit. Light rain usually isn't a problem we'll keep you posted. Its also not at all uncommon for the weather to be localized, it might be storming in Ocean City, but just across the Bay the sun will be out. We will often make the go or no go call around weather at the launch site. Unless you are contacted ahead of time please head to the launch site for your tour.
See our Cancellation Policy for full details. Morning tours close for booking the night before, while sunset and full-moon tours can be booked up to the day of.
If life happens and you get behind, just send a text with your ETA. There is no need to rush, even though we're not in Delaware the lower slower mentality extends across the state line. We can wait up to 15 minutes after the scheduled launch time. If you can't make that than please reach out and we can reschedule your tour.
Groups & Corporate
Planning a Group Adventure?
Whether it's a corporate outing, family reunion, birthday paddle, or team-building retreat — we'll customize every detail for your group. Private tours available for groups up to 8 with flexible scheduling.
Private guided tour — just your group
Flexible route, date, and start time
Perfect for corporate team building
Celebrations, reunions, bachelorette parties