Everything you need to know: Chincoteague Pony Swim 2025
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – It’s that time of year again when the community gathers for the pony swim in Chincoteague. WMDT has your guide if you plan to attend.
The world’s most famous pony swim is back again on July 30 for Chincoteague Island, marking 100 years since the start of the phenomenon.
Hunter Leonard works for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the group that organizes the races. He said this is one of the biggest traditions for the community.
“If you travel anywhere, and you say, ‘Oh, you’re from Chincoteague,’ well, people would say, ‘Isn’t that where they do the pony swim?’ It’s a big source of pride for us here.”
Here are some things you should know before you make the trip: There are new regulations the town wants you to follow.
“The ability to bring coolers and umbrellas has been restricted. Small water bottles are not recommended. We always recommend clear bags,” Leonard said.
These clear bags can be Ziplocs or small clutch purses. They must be no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches.
According to Leonard, there will be a large crowd — more than anyone ever imagined.
“People have estimated anywhere between 50,000 and 80,000, with 80,000 being something we’ve never seen,” Leonard said.
The slack tide is scheduled between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Leonard recommends you get there early — during the swim, the saltwater cowboys will swim the ponies from Assateague Island to the east side of Chincoteague Island.
“The swim time is projected between 7 and 9 a.m. It will probably occur later in that window, and I would not wait at all. I would be out here as early as you can,” Leonard said.
On Thursday, the pony auction takes place. It serves two purposes: keeping control of the overall size of the herd and raising funds for the hardworking Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
After the swim Wednesday, the ponies will parade down Main Street in Chincoteague.
There will be a fireman’s carnival Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. On Friday, the adult ponies will make the return swim back to live in the wild for another year.
