Chincoteague Island, located in Virginia’s Eastern Shore, offers a variety of kayaking and canoeing activities to explore its stunning natural beauty. Kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, and guided tours are available to help visitors discover the wildlife and scenery of the island. Top picks for kayaking include Assateague Island, Kayak Camp at Janes Island State Park, Kayak Trap Ponds Terrapin Branch Water Trail, and Camp at Trap Pond.
Assateague Adventures is the largest and most recognized kayak outfitter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, offering premium kayak rentals and daily trips. The guided kayak tours offer an opportunity to see birds, ponies, dolphins, and more, making it an ideal choice for families. Assateague Tours is the largest and most recognized kayak outfitter on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, offering premium rentals and daily trips.
One of the best ways to experience the breathtaking views of Chincoteague Island is by exploring its waters in a kayak or SUP. The tour covers various water features, from ocean to dune, interdune, shrub zone, woods, shrub zone, marsh, and shallow bay. Kayak rentals at Assateague Island provide a tranquil journey through the waters of Sinepuxent Bay, offering access to wild ponies and the magnificent natural surroundings of the refuge.
Chincoteague Island Outfitters offers hourly, daily, and weekly rentals, ensuring that visitors can explore the islands at their own pace.
📹 Kayaking in Chincoteague
I went kayaking in Chincoteague with my son and we shot some video. Filmed July 14, 2020. Shot with GoPro Hero7 Silver and …
Where can I launch my kayak in Norfolk?
Barton Broad Area Launching is possible from a number of locations with Barton Turf being most central. Free parking and easy access to the water close by makes this an ideal starting point. Neatishead and Gays Staithe can be launched from and make a good place to begin the longer trip to Sutton Staithe.
Two beautiful, and a couple of the largest of the Norfolk Broads. Wide expanses of open water leading out onto the River Bure. Plenty of free parking, although if you’re going in high season it is best to get there early. Malthouse Broad can be very busy high season. Good Pike fishing can be had here in the colder months.
A number of places to launch and explore in this area including Ludham Bridge, Ludham Staithe (AKA Womack Staithe), Potter Heigham Bridge, Thurne and Repps With Bastwick.
Horstead Mill provides two great opportunities. It serves as a fantastic location from which to start a day paddling and exploring the upper reaches of the Bure towards Wroxham without the traffic. Also it has just about the only inland White Water experience in Norfolk! The old mill wheel sluices channel water through rapidly and can be great fun. Limited free parking and can be busy in Summer months.
Where are you most likely to see dolphins?
The Best Places to See DolphinsAzores, Portugal. Located 900 miles to the west of Portugal, this Atlantic archipelago of nine islands is home to over 11 cetacean species, with pods comprising as many as 1,000 dolphins. … Hawaii, USA. … California, USA. … New Zealand. … South Africa. … Taranto, Italy.
Dolphins are some of the most intelligent, social and fascinating marine mammals on the planet, with over 40 known species inhabiting the underwater world. Famed for their friendliness towards humans, they’re also integral to the survival of the whole marine ecosystem, and their playful nature places them high on many people’s wildlife watching bucket lists. Bottlenose dolphins are the most common, however in more remote corners of the world you’ll find an array of other intriguing species, including pink dolphins deep in the Amazon and hourglass dolphins in Antarctica’s Southern Ocean. Catching sight of a pod leaping through the waves is a holiday memory you’ll never forget, so we’ve compiled a list of the best places to see dolphins if you’re hoping to spot these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.
Azores, Portugal. Located 900 miles to the west of Portugal, this Atlantic archipelago of nine islands is home to over 11 cetacean species, with pods comprising as many as 1,000 dolphins. Thanks to the dense population of dolphins inhabiting the Azores’ deep blue waters, this is one of the best places to see dolphins in the world, and with the region’s mild climate, you can visit at most times of the year. Bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins are endemic to the islands, while Atlantic spotted and striped dolphins migrate to the region during the warmest months. The diving here is also renowned for being some of the best in Europe in case you fancied getting even closer to these fabulous creatures.
Hawaii, USA. Further afield, but certainly worth the travel time, large pods of dolphins are also found in Hawaii (it’s common to witness hundreds gliding through the ocean in perfect harmony). Comprised of eight main islands and a handful of smaller ones, Hawaii’s warm, clear waters are home to the fascinating species of spinner dolphins, so-called for their tendency to perform acrobatic displays. While there are now rules in place to protect this population of wild dolphins, there are still opportunities to view them safely from most of the main islands. Other marine mammals inhabiting the Pacific Ocean include pantropical spotted dolphins, melon headed whales and short finned pilot whales, and the archipelago’s colourful coral reefs are ideal for diving and snorkelling.
Are there sharks where are dolphins?
It’s a common piece of surfing wisdom that where dolphins swim, there are never sharks. But for ocean-goers who take comfort in a pod of dolphins swimming by, shark experts have bad news.
“This is a myth,” Andrew Nosal, a shark expert at the University of San Diego, told Live Science in an email.
And this myth couldn’t be farther from the truth, Stephen Kajiura, a shark expert at Florida Atlantic University, said. “If anything, it’s the opposite,” he told Live Science, “If you see dolphins, more often than not, there might be sharks in that same area.” (Why Do Sharks and Whales Swim So Differently?)
That’s because sharks and dolphins — both of whom are carnivores — go to the same spots to hunt.
Is Chincoteague worth visiting?
Are you ready for a change from the big city beach resorts?. In Chincoteague there are no high rises, board walks, or traffic jams.Chincoteague Islandis a serene, yet fun filled, tourist destination. Chincoteague Island is Virginia’s only resort Island. Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is within easy reach from all major cities on the mid-Atlantic seaboard. Chincoteague is the gateway to the Virginia portion ofAssateague Islandand theChincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, home of the famousChincoteague Wild Ponies. Chincoteague offers a relaxed atmosphere and the beauty of unspoiled nature. From relaxing on the beach to viewing aspectacular sunsetover the Chincoteague Bay, there is never a shortage ofthings to do in Chincoteague. We hope that you will fall in love with our Island, the way so many others already have.
Chincoteague Island soared to fame in 1961 with Twentieth Century Fox’s “Misty of Chincoteague,” based on Marguerite Henry’s beloved children’s book. This cultural phenomenon transformed the island from a fishing village into a renowned tourist destination.
Events. Discover the enchanting island of Chincoteague, where wild ponies roam, and coastal charm thrives. Explore our events calendar for local festivals, seafood fests, and outdoor adventures.
Do you need a launch permit for a kayak in Virginia?
If I am age 17 or older and launching a boat, such as a kayak or canoe that is not a registered boat in Virginia, from a WMA location other than a DWR boat ramp do I need an Access Permit? Yes. The Access Permit allows you to legally access the property to launch your boat.
- Why was an Access Permit created?
- Who has to purchase an Access Permit?
- How much does the Access Permit cost?
- Why wouldn’t I just buy a freshwater fishing or hunting license?
- Does the Access Permit cost the same for residents of Virginia as non-residents?
- Does the $23 Annual Permit allow access to all WMAs statewide?
- Does the $4 Daily Permit allow access to all WMAs statewide?
- If I am planning on visiting a public lake, how do I know if a lake is owned by DWR?
- Is the Annual Access Permit good for the calendar year or a year from date of purchase?
- Can I set the date on the Daily Access Permit?
- If I purchase more than one Daily Access Permit do they have to be for consecutive days?
- Where can I buy an Access Permit?
- If I purchase a Daily Permit and do not use it will refunds be available?
- Do my children need to have an Access Permit to accompany me on a WMA or fishing lake if I have a hunting or fishing license?
- Why does the child exemption end after age 16?
- I belong to a group that would like to visit DWR’s WMAs or public fishing lakes, is there a Daily Group Access Permit available?
- Is there a Lifetime Access Permit available?
- Is there a discounted 65 or older annual Access Permit like the fishing/hunting license?
- If I am participating in a field dog trail do I need an Access Permit?
- If I am exempt from purchasing a license (for example landowners do not need a license to hunt on their own property) do I still need to purchase an Access Permit to visit a WMA or public fishing lake within my county or city of residence?
- Do I have to purchase an Access Permit if I am not hunting or fishing but am aiding a disabled person with a disabled license to hunt or fish on a WMA or DWR-owned public fishing lake?; Will having a Virginia saltwater license be sufficient to allow access to WMAs? What about WMA’s with saltwater frontage (such as Saxis WMA or Mockhorn WMA)?; I have a fishing license; do I need to purchase an Access Permit to go bird watching on a WMA?; I purchased a conservation license plate for my car; do I still need to purchase an Access Permit to go on a WMA?; I will be accessing a family grave site on a Wildlife Management Area; do I need an Access Permit?; I will be driving through a WMA to reach a DWR boat ramp, my residence, or property I own inside the boundaries of a WMA; do I need an Access Permit?; Do I need an Access Permit to park my vehicle or my horse trailer on a WMA parking lot even if I am not entering the WMA but riding on a trail or visiting an adjacent property?; If I am from out-of-state and have purchased a Non-Resident 3-Day Hunting License or 5-Day Freshwater Fishing License; do I still need to purchase an Access Permit to hunt on a WMA or fish at a public fishing lake?; Will I need to carry an actual copy of the permit, license or boat registration on my person at the property?; What happens if I purchase an Access Permit and lose it?; How will this be enforced?; If I am age 17 or older and do not possess a valid Virginia license (hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping)valid Virginia, boat registration, or are otherwise waived from this requirement and only want to accompany someone who will be hunting, fishing, trapping but not participating in the activity myself, do I need an Access Permit?; If I am age 17 or older and launching a boat, such as a kayak or canoe that is not a registered boat in Virginia, from a WMA location other than a DWR boat ramp do I need an Access Permit?; If I am going tubing and departing from a boat ramp at a WMA do I need an Access Permit?; Do I need an Access Permit to go swimming at a DWR-owned public fishing lake?; Do I need an Access Permit to launch a kayak or canoe that is not a registered boat at one of DWR’s public fishing lakes?; Do I need an Access Permit if I am canoeing, kayaking, or tubing through a Wildlife Management Area on public water?; How much revenue do you project the Access Permit will generate?; Is there a list of WMAs and DWR-owned lakes available?; How did you arrive that the cost of the Access Permit? What is it based on?
Why was an Access Permit created?. The Board of Wildlife Resources was given authority by the Virginia General Assembly to charge a facility use fee in 2003. At their May 3, 2011 meeting, after an extensive regulatory process that included considerable public input, the Board passed the regulation establishing an access permit to go into effect January 1, 2012. The regulation applies to Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and DWR-owned public fishing lakes. Lists of WMAs and DWR-owned lakes can be found on the agency website. The purpose of this new fee is to diversify the funding base for maintaining our properties by involving all those who directly benefit from using our properties. DWR had the legal authority to institute such a fee since 2003 and felt that the move was justified now since the Board decided to raise selected hunting, fishing, and trapping license fees effective July 1, 2011. Rather than loading even more of a financial burden on hunters, anglers, and trappers the Board wanted to broaden the financial support.
Who has to purchase an Access Permit?. Anyone age 17 and older who wants to access a Wildlife Management Area or DWR-owned public fishing lake must purchase an Access Permit unless they possess a valid Virginia license (hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping), valid Virginia boat registration, or are otherwise waived from the requirement.
Does Chincoteague have a beach for swimming?
This is a great place for swimming, beach combing, hiking, bird watching, bicycle riding and other outdoor activities. Chincoteague and Assateague offer family fun and great recreational opportunities for everyone!
The beach at Assateague is always changing due to the consistent storms that influence this windswept barrier island. Many visitors travel here for the cool sea breezes and some to find solitude at Assateague’s remote beach areas. Lifeguarded beaches are available at each end of Assateague during the summer months. Sea shell collecting is fantastic here but be sure to take only what you need. Surf-fishing, wildlife viewing, crabbing, beach four-wheel driving, sunbathing, and swimming in the cool ocean waves are just a few things you will find to do here.
This wildlife cruise along Assateague and Chincoteague Island is offered by Assateague Explorer, departing from Chincoteague Island. See the different herds of wild ponies that roam freely all over Assataegue, search for dolphins in summer & fall, encounter the many species of birds including bald eagles, and discover hidden Assateague and Chincoteague. The tour is given by a former park ranger and a native of Chincoteague. Call 336-5956 for more information and reservations.
Kayaking is a fun, adventurous activitiy for the entire family and it is a great way to connect with nature. Guided Kayak Tours along Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offer you a unique experience. See the famous Assateague Lighthouse and have a chance to paddle alongside wild ponies, eagles, dolphins and a variety of wildlife. Explore these protected barrier islands as you venture into calm creeks, coves and a vast array of pristine inland waterways. Free instructions are included during the tours.
Is it better to visit Assateague or Chincoteague?
There is no simple answer to this question. Both Assateague and Chincoteague offer a unique experience.
The town of Chincoteague is well known for its fresh seafood, quaint shops, and comfortable accommodations. Assateague, on the other hand, is best known for its wild horses and natural beauty. So which is better to visit? That depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in a relaxing vacation with plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, Chincoteague is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more rustic experience where you can commune with nature, Assateague is the perfect destination.
Chincoteague and Assateague are two barrier islands off the coast of Virginia. Chincoteague is a town located on the island of the same name, while Assateague has the Assateague National Seashore and State Park. Chincoteague is a popular tourist destination, with beaches, restaurants, and shops, while Assateague is known for its wilderness and wildlife.
Is it better to go to Assateague or Chincoteague?
There is no simple answer to this question. Both Assateague and Chincoteague offer a unique experience.
The town of Chincoteague is well known for its fresh seafood, quaint shops, and comfortable accommodations. Assateague, on the other hand, is best known for its wild horses and natural beauty. So which is better to visit? That depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in a relaxing vacation with plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining, Chincoteague is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more rustic experience where you can commune with nature, Assateague is the perfect destination.
Chincoteague and Assateague are two barrier islands off the coast of Virginia. Chincoteague is a town located on the island of the same name, while Assateague has the Assateague National Seashore and State Park. Chincoteague is a popular tourist destination, with beaches, restaurants, and shops, while Assateague is known for its wilderness and wildlife.
How warm is the water in Chincoteague?
Chincoteague water temperatures peak in the range 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F) on around the 9th of August and are at their minimum on about the 1st of March, in the range 4 to 9°C (39 to 48°F). Chincoteague water temperatures are always warm reach their highest in early to mid August. You’ll need a 2mm neoprene top or a shorty at dawn/dusk or if it’s windy. The minimum water temperatures at Chincoteague mean that you will need a flexible 6/5/4mm wetsuit or a well fitting 5/4mm wetsuit with gloves and 5mm neoprene booties and a hood to surf here at the beginning of March.
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Chincoteague can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Chincoteague. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.
Where can I launch my kayak in Chincoteague?
Many kayakers recommend Donald Leonard Park. It is located across from the high school. The boat launch on Eastside Drive is also a good place to start, but kayakers should remember to be courteous to people launching boats from that area. Veteran’s Memorial Park, 7427 Memorial Park Drive, and the Queens Sound Boat Ramp, located on the Route 175 causeway, are also great places to begin your adventure. Curtis Merritt Harbor at the southern tip of the island and the Town Dock on Main Street, also offer launch areas but the current is strong in these areas and are not recommended for kayak launching.
If you choose to launch from any of the Town facilities, you will need to purchase aboat ramp/launch permitfrom the Town Office. An annual permit is $20 and is valid from April 15 of the current year to April 14 of the following year. A temporary pass valid for seven consecutive days from purchase is also available for $5. The permit can be purchased from the Town Office, 6150 Community Drive, or the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge, 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive. The Chincoteague Police Department, also located at 6150 Community Drive, sells the permits when the other locations are closed on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Queens Sound Boat Ramp does not require a permit.
Locals also enjoy paddling in Fowling Gut which runs through the center of the island. If you are staying in a property located on the gut, you can launch from there. Otherwise, you must own or have permission from the property owners to put in or take out.
What is the best time of year for Chincoteague?
Chincoteague is a year-round wildlife-viewing destination. The best viewing opportunities to see the myriad of geese, ducks, and swans are in the fall and winter months. Fall is also the optimal time to view the array of raptors that pass over on their migration south. In spring, the vast number of eggs laid by spawning horseshoe crabs attracts migrating shorebirds, supplying them with a crucial food source to fuel their journey north. This makes Chincoteague second only to Delaware Bay as a feeding area for ruddy turnstone, red knot, dunlin, semipalmated sandpiper, and sanderling. Chincoteague is also home to threatened and endangered wildlife, including Delmarva fox squirrel, piping plover, bald eagle, and Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle.
Directions. Physical Address: 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.
From US-13 in Oak Hall, take Route 175. Travel east on Rt 175/ Chincoteague Rd to Chincoteague Island, go straight at the light at the foot of the drawbridge onto Maddox Blvd.and follow the signs to Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Are there dolphins in Chincoteague?
Chincoteague Island Dolphin Boat Tours Come out and search for dolphins on this exciting adventure! Dolphins are fun, inquisitive, and beautiful, and there is nothing like seeing them in the wild. Rather than a scenic nature tour, this is a fast, fun adventure tour.
Come out and search for dolphins on this exciting adventure! Dolphins are fun, inquisitive, and beautiful, and there is nothing like seeing them in the wild. Rather than a scenic nature tour, this is a fast, fun adventure tour. Jump waves, get wet, go out to the ocean, and have a blast on the water!
Limited to six passengers, this experience gives you a front-row seat to watch dolphins playing in their natural habitat! Keep your eyes peeled as we ride around the islands looking for our marine friends. They often swim near the boat and treat us to a show as they swim and play.
Dolphin tours are approximately one and a half hours long. Times may run over based on wildlife cooperation. Your captain does their best to locate the dolphins during your tour, but dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. What is guaranteed is a fun time out on the water. Don’t miss it!
📹 Kayaking Chincoteague & Assateague
Kayaking Chincoteague & Assateague July 2010 shot with a Sony HDR CX550v. Including some Chincoteague Ponies.
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