In Memory of Bill Melvin "Barnacle Bill"
January 24, 1940- January 21, 2024 (Age 83)
Popular Requests:
Shaded Tour,
Comfortable Seating,
Bathroom on the Boat!
MOST POPULAR
Hear tales of our World Famous Pony Swim!
Need an adventure? -
A breath of fresh air?
Want to learn some local history?
Tour the island with your Captain. Witness what our island has to offer! Wild Ponies, Rockets, Birds, Shellfish, and more hidden treasures!
What sets your Captain apart from the rest is that he can tell you the meaning and history of Chincoteague & Assateague Islands and a few comical stories from a true "Teaguer"!
Ride along with your Captain as he tells you all about the famous Misty of Chincoteague!
Who was
Bill Melvin, "Barnacle Bill"
January 19, 1940- January 21, 2024 (Age 83)
Barnacle Bill was born and raised on Chincoteague Island. He & his family were famous around town for owning and operating "Barnacle Bill's Bait & Tackle Shop" on Main Street.
Bill was known by all the locals as one of the best story-tellers there is around- he was comical and always kept a smile on your face. He was extremely knowledgeable in local history, ponies, wildlife, and anything to do with the water.
Taking a boat tour with Barnacle Bill was a special experience because unlike the rest, he captivated your attention and imagination. The stories he told included some things from his past experiences. His experience as a Saltwater Cowboy, as a waterman, and of growing up on this beautiful island of Chincoteague that he called home.
Bill also lived in the time of the infamous Flood of '62 and during the time of the true story, "Misty of Chincoteague".
Barnacle Bill with his beloved Palomino Horse named Prince.
Age 20, taken around 1960.
WHAT GUESTS SAY...
"Of all the boat tours to pick from, we're so glad we went with Barnacle Bill! While the other tour boats quickly passed us by, Bill was busy tracking down dolphins he had spotted... if you want a tour of the area by a born and raised Chincoteague resident who really knows his stuff, then you will be very pleased with Barnacle Bill!"
— Robin