2018 Chincoteague Island Pony Swim

Wednesday July 25, 2018 will mark the 93rd year of Chincoteague’s annual Pony Swim. The Chincoteague Pony Swim was made famous by Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague“. Tens of thousands of spectators from around the world gather on Chincoteague Island each year to watch this annual tradition. S

The Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival (with rides, games, raffles, and lots of good food) will be open each night (Mon – Sat) during pony penning week beginning at 7pm. Misty of Chincoteague will be showing, at 11:00 am daily, at the Island Theater during pony penning week (Mon – Fri). Admission is free and is first come, first served.

On Wednesday, the Saltwater Cowboys will swim the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island from 8am to 10am.

The main public viewing area is Veterans Memorial Park (7427 Memorial Park Dr, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336). A large screen will be located in Veterans Memorial Park with a live feed of the swim. You will be able to see the swim on the screen. No seating is provided.

The Town of Chincoteague provides a free Pony Shuttle service, beginning at 4:00 am. The Pony Shuttle runs between various locations on Chincoteague Island and Veterans Memorial Park. This is the best way to get to and from the Pony Swim.

All visitors coming in just for the day are encouraged to go to Chincoteague Municipal Center (6155 Community Dr, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336) and catch the free Pony Shuttle. Special needs parking is available at the Chincoteague Municipal Center ONLY.

Note that Veterans Memorial Park is not where the Ponies come ashore. The Ponies come ashore at Pony Swim Lane, just south of Veterans Memorial Park. If you wish to watch the Ponies come ashore at Pony Swim Lane, please be aware that you will be standing in marshland and space is very limited. No seating is provided.