Hop Aboard! It’s Time to See a Different Side of Maine
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Considering that Maine has nearly 3,500 miles of shoreline, 6,000+ lakes, rivers covering more than 37,000 miles, and more than 4,600 islands off the coast, it’s no wonder water tours are so popular.
Add in some pretty puffins, wayward whales, scenery through several seasons, and a storied history of shipbuilding, and the water is the way to go when looking for things to do on a Maine vacation.
We’ve rounded up the top trips that take you from the wilds of the Highlands to the outer reaches of Maine’s watery boundary.
Windjammer & Schooner Tours
Schooner and windjammer tours both get you out on the water in those big, old-school sailboats with towering masts and canvas sails. The main difference?
Schooners usually do short daytime sails, while windjammer trips are multi-day getaways with cabins, meals, and a lot more time under the stars.
Let’s start with the best place to look for your preferred windjammer experience, with ports up and down the Maine coastline.
Schooner Lewis R. French
Camden | 207-542-1241
The Lewis R. French is a two‑masted topsail schooner launched in 1871 and now running three to six‑night cruises from Camden between late May and early October.
As America’s oldest commercial sailing vessel and a National Historic Landmark, it carries up to 20 guests in comfy cabins, serves wood‑stove meals, and includes sail‑handling, beach lobster bakes, and optional hikes.
Schooner Appledore
Camden | 207-236-8353
The Schooner Appledore II is a hand-built, two-masted wooden schooner that sails daily from Camden on two‑hour day and sunset trips between May and October.
Built in 1978 by Harvey Gamage Shipyard, it carries up to 49 guests for eco‑adventures, live‑music sails, and private charters. It’s old‑school sailing meets laid‑back Maine style.
Schooner Eastwind – Applejack
Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-6598
Choose from one of two schooners, with the Schooner Applejack being the oldest of its kind in Boothbay Harbor, for a day or sunset sail. The vessels operate from May to October.
Schooner J. & E. Riggin
Rockland | 800-869-0604
The Schooner J. & E. Riggin has a great love story behind it (ask the hosts). The three or six-day trips are all inclusive from late May to early October. You can help or rest as much as you’d like, and a lobster bake comes standard on all trips.
Schooner Olad
Camden | 207-236-2323
The Schooner Olad is a fully restored 1927 sailing yacht offering two-hour day sails and customizable private charters out of Camden from mid-May through mid-October.
It’s roomy enough for groups up to 22 and hosts everything from casual outings to weddings, races, and lighthouse tours – classic Maine sailing with plenty of character.
Sea Escapes Cottages & Charters Inc.
Bailey Island (Harpswell) | 207-833-5531
The Schooner Alert is one of three boating options through Sea Escape Cottages. It’s the largest of the trio, spanning 70 feet, and is perfect for larger groups of up to 28 guests.
Enjoy a range of public and private day sails, including two-hour, half-day, and full-day trips around Casco Bay. The schooner sails all year as long as the weather permits.
Portland Schooner Co.
Portland | 207-766-2500
The schooners of Portland Schooner Co. include three documented in the National Register of Historic Places. Cruises include many Maine staples – like marine life viewing, lighthouses, and seabirds – from May to October.
Maine Windjammer Cruises
Camden | 207-236-2938
Maine Windjammer Cruises runs multi-day trips from Camden on the six-passenger schooner Swift, wich sails from June through early October.
Early summer is mellow, midseason is ideal for island hopping, and fall brings cooler air and peak foliage. Every trip includes homemade meals and a classic lobster feast.
Schooner Heron
Rockport | 207-236-8605
Schooner Heron is designed for small group trips that feel more like a private outing than a commercial tour. From eco-focused sails with local history to sunset cruises with rum punch, it’s a relaxed, insider way to see the coast from mid-May to October.
Plus, it has some Hollywood cred. It made a cameo in “The Rum Diary” movie starring Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, and Amber Heard.
Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines
Bar Harbor | 207-288-4585
Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines runs daily schooner sails out of Bar Harbor between late May and mid-October, with options in the morning, afternoon, or at sunset.
You’ll cruise past the islands and coastline of Frenchman Bay and maybe spot a seal or two. Some evening trips even have live folk music onboard.
Windjammer Angelique
Camden | 800-282-9989
The Windjammer Angelique sails from late May through early October, offering three to six-night trips with themes like wildlife watching, lighthouse tours, painting, yoga, and even stargazing during the Perseids.
It’s all small group, classic schooner sailing out of Camden, with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and Maine coast views.
Balmy Day Cruises
Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-2284
Four boats make up the fleet at Balmy Day Cruises, with capacity from 12 to 130. Seek out the Friendship Sloop named Bay Lady. Spanning 31 feet, this is the most intimate tour option with a dozen or so of your newest friends.
Sailboat Tours
Sailboat tours in Maine offer a peaceful way to take in the state’s rocky coastline, passing lighthouses, hidden coves, and seabirds along the way.
Whether it’s a short harbor cruise or a longer adventure to a nearby island, it’s hard to beat the feeling of wind in the sails and salt in the air.
Linekin Bay Sailing
Boothbay | 207-522-8332
Linekin Bay Sailing offers private half-day, full-day, and custom charters out of Boothbay Harbor between May and mid-October.
Whether you want to kick back, take the helm, or explore quiet coves along the coast, it’s an easygoing way to get out on the water without the crowds. Everything’s tailored to your vibe.
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises
Ogunquit | 207-646-5227
As if you needed another reason to visit beautiful Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Finest Kind Scenic Cruises runs routes from breakfast through happy hour. From May to October, look for the listings under lighthouse and lobster tours.
Cutter Owl
Camden | 207-236-2323
The Cutter Owl (also known as the Sailing Vessel Owl) is a six-passenger sailboat built in 1941 and rebuilt for modern comfort, perfect for anyone craving a quieter, more personal sail.
Available for two and three-hour trips or custom overnights to places like Stonington or Warren Island, it’s a versatile, hands-on way to explore the coast and nearby islands.
Sea Escapes Cottages & Charters Inc.
Bailey Island (Harpswell) | 207-833-5531
We met this crew earlier for the Schooner Alert, but the Friendship Sloop Gannet is also available for private sailing charters. You can even charter the vessels for special events – from weddings to sunset life memorial services and celebrations.
Island Cruises
Bass Harbor | 207-244-5785
Get away from the crowds of Acadia National Park aboard the Motu Iti with a passenger limit of six. Book a sailboat charter for two to four hours.
A Morning In Maine
Rockland | 207-691-7245
A Morning in Maine offers relaxed sails out of Rockland Harbor on a 55-foot wooden ketch. You can book a quick harbor tour, sunset cruise, or special trip focused on wildlife, local history, or the full moon. It’s small group sailing with classic coastal views and zero fuss.
Boat Tours of Lighthouses
While just about any coastal cruise includes at least one lighthouse along the way, specialty cruises can take you deeper into lighthouse lore. Lighthouse boat tours also bring you closer to the more remote locations and save the drive time up and down the coast.
Check out our epic lighthouse guide and then explore the lighthouse cruise options below.
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises
Ogunquit | 207-646-5227
The Nubble Lighthouse Tour spans 14 watery miles from May to October but also loops around the backside of the tower, a view only seen from the water. Plus, you get to skip the crowds at Sohier Park!
Camden Harbor Cruises
Camden | 207-236-6672
Pick from a mix of lighthouse boat tours with Camden Harbor Cruises between May and October. One pairs the trip with lobstering, another takes you to the Grindle Point Light Station and museum on Islesboro.
Plus, specialty cruises for Sunday mornings are scheduled throughout the summer.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Bar Harbor | 207-288-2386
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers a mix of lighthouse cruises that go beyond just sightseeing. You can pair lighthouse views with puffins, seabirds, or even a fall foliage ride up the Penobscot River between May and October.
Whether you’re in for a short scenic loop or an all-day deep dive into Downeast history, they have options.
Acadian Boat Tours
Bar Harbor | 207-801-2300
Acadian Boat Tours keeps it classic with cruises that mix puffins, seabirds, and lighthouses in one easy outing.
From May through October, you can spot everything from nesting puffins to old lifesaving stations, with a side of Acadia’s rugged coastline. They also have private charters if you want the whole view to yourself.
New England Eco Adventures
Kennebunk & Portland | 207-502-8040
New England Eco Adventures has two bases in Maine. In Portland, look for the Ultimate Lighthouse Tour or the Best of Casco Bay.
In Kennebunk, hop onto the Nubble & Boon Island Lighthouses tour. Plus, tours are in a RIB boat, which is built for speed and special seating so that all views are excellent.
New England Eco Adventures operates from July to mid-October.
Maine Experience Guide Service
Bath | 207-215-3828
Book a charter boat experience with the Maine Experience Guide Service from April to October, and see up to 11 lighthouses during one sail. You’ll see plenty of seabirds and marine life along the way.
Deer Isle Ocean Tours
Stonington | 207-956-1222
Weave around the islands and lighthouses of Down East off the coast of Stonington with Deer Isle Ocean Tours. Charter tours allow you to set the course with the captain steering toward your dream Maine lighthouse tour.
Isle au Haut Boat Services
Stonington | 207-367-5193
Maine Open Lighthouse Day is special enough, but with a boat tour from Isle au Haut Boat Services, you’ll get to see a special grouping of the lighthouses that the average tourist won’t.
Casco Bay Custom Charters
Portland | 207-205-5796
Casco Bay Custom Charters offers a private, two-hour cruise from late May to early November that hits all the right notes, including unique views of historic lighthouses like Portland Head Light.
You’ll be aboard a restored wooden lobster boat with a small group and a crew that knows their way around both the water and a good story. Add local drinks or snacks if you want, or just enjoy the salty breeze and the view.
Maine Maritime Museum
Bath | 207-443-1316
Maine Maritime Museum’s lighthouse cruises are a choose-your-own-adventure situation from May to August. The one-hour trip gets you two lighthouses and a look at Navy ships under construction.
The two and three-hour options add more lighthouses and some wildlife. The four-hour “Lighthouse Lovers” cruise packs in up to 10 lighthouses. All cruises include museum admission for two days.
Boothbay Boat Trips
Boothbay Harbor | 207-613-7339
Boothbay Boat Trips (Cap’n Fish’s Cruises) mixes lighthouse views into several tours between June and September.
You can spot Burnt Island, Ram Island, and Cuckolds Light on their shorter island cruises, or go bigger with a 2.5-hour run out to Pemaquid Point. Most tours also include seals, lobster traps, or both.
Portland Schooner Co.
Portland | 207-766-2500
Portland Schooner Co. runs a chill 90-minute lighthouse cruise on a classic wooden boat called Ruth. From May to October, you’ll cruise past Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light – with bonus views of seals, seabirds, and old forts.
Private trips are an option if you want the whole thing to yourself.
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
Portland | 207-774-0808
Portland Discovery offers a few lighthouse cruises that are easygoing and scenic. The 90-minute Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise covers Casco Bay’s main lighthouses – Bug Light, Spring Point, and Ram Island Ledge Light Station – with narration and a laid-back pace.
The Sunset Lighthouse Cruise hits the same route but adds that soft evening glow. For a quicker option, the one-hour Port-City Lights Cruise gives you a compact loop past lighthouses.
Lobster Boat Tours
A lobster boat tour in Maine gives you a front-row seat to how the state’s most iconic catch gets from ocean to trap to table. You’ll ride out on a working or retired lobster boat, see real traps hauled up, and get the lowdown on how lobstering works – gear, bait, regulations, and all.
You can just watch or jump in to help with measuring and banding if the crew’s game and you’re up for it. It’s hands-on if you want, but no pressure if you’d rather just enjoy the salt air and scenery.
Catch Your Dinner Lobster Boat Tours
Corea (Schoodic Peninsula) | 207-546-0556
Catch Your Dinner Lobster Boat Tours offers an authentic, hands-on look at Maine lobstering. Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit the Schoodic Peninsula and see the Quiet Side of Acadia National Park.
You’ll haul traps, spot seals, and – if it’s puffin season – see them too. Every guest takes home a lobster with the option to have it steamed right at the dock, or enjoy an onboard dinner with Captain Dan.
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises
Ogunquit | 207-646-5227
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises offers a 50-minute lobster boat tour out of Perkins Cove that’s part demo, part sightseeing, and all classic Maine. You’ll watch traps hauled, learn about lobstering gear and rules, and maybe even spot seals or porpoises along the way.
It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and a solid intro to the local fishing scene, operating from May to mid-October.
Camden Harbor Cruises
Camden | 207-236-6672
Camden Harbor Cruises offers lobster boat tours that blend hands-on fun with coastal scenery. You can watch or help haul traps, spot seals, and see lighthouses like Curtis Island Lighthouse.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Bar Harbor | 207-288-2386
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. runs a two-hour lobster fishing and seal watching cruise aboard the Miss Samantha, Maine’s largest lobster passenger boat.
You’ll see traps hauled up, get a close look at lobsters and other sea creatures, and maybe even hold one. The trip wraps up with a cruise to a nearby island where seals often lounge on the rocks.
Seacoast Tours of Freeport
Freeport | 207-798-2001
The Seacoast Tours lobster cruise, operating from June to mid-Octoer, includes transportation to and from downtown Freeport. Once aboard, you’ll get schooled in the lobstering lifestyle and get a chance to help set traps or wrap the claws when the haul comes aboard.
Rugosa Lobster Tours
Kennebunkport | 207-468-4095
Rugosa Lobster Tours in Kennebunkport puts you right on a real working lobster boat with a licensed captain. You’ll learn how traps are hauled, lobsters are measured, and how the whole fishery works – all while cruising the scenic coastline.
The family-friendly tours are available between May and mid-October, but there’s also an adults-only version.
Rocky Bottom Fisheries
Portland | 207-274-1844
Choose this lobster demonstration tour if you really want to get into the guts and grit of lobstering. Everyone boarding with Rocky Bottom Fisheries gets to catch lobsters, check the gender (females get notched and thrown back in), and determine what makes a “keepah.”
Please note: As an educational tour, no lobsters come back to shore.
Fishing Charters & Tours
Fishing along the Maine coast isn’t just a summer hobby. It’s a way to plug into the state’s maritime rhythm.
From half-day family trips to full-day deep-sea runs, fishing charter boats offer something for everyone, whether you’re chasing mackerel inshore or heading out for haddock, pollock, or even shark.
You don’t need gear or experience, just a little curiosity and sense of adventure. Here’s a look at some of the guided fishing options up and down the coast.
Go Fish! Charters
South Portland | 207-232-1678
Go Fish! Charters runs light-tackle fishing trips out of South Portland, taking small groups into Casco and Saco Bays for stripers and bluefish from early June to late September.
It’s casual, local, and run by a captain who knows the waters inside and out – great for beginners or anyone who just wants a solid day on the water.
Balmy Day Cruises
Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-2284
Book a specialty fishing cruise for mackerel out of Boothbay Harbor. While you’re focused on the water, you’ll see sea birds and stunning shorelines.
Acadian Boat Tours
Bar Harbor | 207-801-2300
Find your groove in Frenchman Bay with the Acadia Boat Tours crew. Tours up to three hours are available, giving you a chance to cast for cod, pollock, mackerel, and more. Plus, if you catch it, you can keep it! They’ll even help you bag it up.
Northwoods Outfitters
Greenville | 866-223-1380
Located in the Maine Highlands on Moosehead Lake, Northwoods Outfitters offers freshwater family fishing trips, bass fishing options, and big lake fishing between May and September. It’s okay if some people in your group would rather sit back and soak in the scenery.
Eastport Windjammers
Eastport | 207-853-2500
Head out to the deep sea in the Bay of Fundy region with a special pass by the largest natural whirlpool on this side of the world (Old Sow). Once you’re ready to cast off with Eastport Windjammers, you’re looking at pollock, cod, and mackerel.
Island Cruises
Bass Harbor | 207-244-5785
Fishing charters from Island Cruises can last up to six hours. You tell the captain what you want to catch, and the crew will help you with the gear, rules, and great spots.
Maine Experience Guide Service
Bath | 207-215-3828
If you’re looking to hook into some serious striped bass action in MidCoast Maine, this fully guided fishing trip has you covered.
You’ll head out with a licensed captain on a well-equipped, 23-foot center console, using a mix of tactics – trolling, casting, and drifting – to chase big stripers in the Kennebec River and along the coast.
River Boat Tours
River boat tours in Maine offer a slower, scenic look at the state’s inland beauty – think winding waterways, forested banks, and peaceful wildlife sightings. It’s a relaxing way to explore a different side of Maine – far from the salt air but just as memorable.
Songo River Queen II
Naples | 207-693-6861
The Songo River Queen II is a 93-foot paddle wheeler cruising Long Lake out of Naples between late May and October. It has two decks, a full bar, and runs scenic narrated cruises with views of Mount Washington, historic camps, and lakefront homes.
Also, the tour company hosts themed music cruises – such as disco nights, ’80s parties, and tribute bands – all summer long
Katahdin Cruises
Greenville | 207-695-2716
The Katahdin (aka “the Kate”) is a restored 1914 steamboat that once hauled logs across Moosehead Lake and now runs scenic cruises all summer – late June to mid-October.
You have options: quick narrated trips, half-day loops, or full-day rides with meals. The crew mixes in themed cruises, too – like live music nights, fireworks, and even the occasional pirate party.
Whale-Watching Tours
Whale watching in Maine kicks off in mid-April and runs through October, but some tours won’t start until later in the season.
The best chances are between June and September. That’s when humpbacks, finbacks, minkes – and every so often, a right or pilot whale – show up to feed in the deep, cold waters just offshore.
Most tour companies have a whale sighting guarantee, which means that, in the rare event you don’t see any whales, you’ll get a free ticket for another cruise.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Bar Harbor | 207-288-2386
One of the best parts about departing from Bar Harbor is all the scenery you see along the way. Plus, with nearly six hours of tour time, you’ll get a lesson in whale life and other marine mammals while losing count of sea bird sightings.
Boothbay Boat Trips
Eastport Windjammers
Boothbay Harbor | 207-613-7339
Whale watching tourism in Maine started with Boothbay Boat Trips (Cap’n Fish’s) nearly 80 years ago, and tours are still going strong. Let the captain scope out the best whale sighting spot while Maine biologists narrate the excursion.
Eastport | 207-853-2500
Whether you’re exploring the Quoddy Loop or just want to go as Downeast as you can, Eastport Windjammers offers a whale sighting tour. You’ll go past Old Sow, Canada’s East Quoddy Lighthouse, and into prime whale feeding grounds.
New England Eco Adventures
Kennebunk & Portland | 207-502-8040
The four-hour whale watching trip from Kennebunk to the Gulf of Maine keeps it small – just 20 people per boat – so you get front-row views of humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins, seals, and more.
You’ll also cruise past Boon Island Lighthouse and get up close without the crowds, making it part wildlife show, part ocean thrill ride.
On the other hand, set out from Portland Harbor for a three to four-hour whale-watching trip where you might spot humpbacks, minkes, and fin whales – as well as seals, porpoises, and seabirds along the way. It’s a scenic, guided cruise with plenty of photo ops and marine fun.
Tours to See Puffins
Maine’s puffin season runs from May through August. There are a few things to know about puffins and the boat cruises to see them:
- You can’t feed, touch, or get within arm’s reach of a puffin.
- The boat doesn’t land on the islands. The tours stay offshore to avoid disturbing nesting areas, so all viewing is from the water.
- There are a finite number of places to see puffins. Nobody knows of a “secret puffin spot” that other tour operators don’t.
Monhegan Boat Line
Port Clyde | 207-372-8848
With Monhegan Boat Line, take a 2.5-hour ride to circle around Eastern Egg Rock and learn about puffins – from their near extinction to their busy airborne lifestyles outside of nesting season.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Bar Harbor | 207-288-2386
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. pairs a lighthouse tour with a puffin trip to the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll get a more robust understanding of many other types of seabirds, too.
Acadian Boat Tours
Bar Harbor | 207-801-2300
Look for the Puffins, Lighthouse, and Seabirds Cruise to scratch all the itches you’d expect on a Downeast boat tour. The ride scoots by the Schoodic Peninsula and also circles Petit Manan, where the puffins nest.
Hardy Boat Cruises
New Harbor | 207-677-2026
Hardy Boat Cruises offers one of the few National Audubon Naturalist-narrated cruises. This tour, which operates between May and mid-August, ranked among the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2024.
Boothbay Boat Trips
Boothbay Harbor | 207-613-7339
Billed as a “sea-fari,” you’ll take a ride to Eastern Egg Rock to see puffins and plenty of other airborne and marine animals along the way. This is another cruise narrated by the National Audubon.
Isle au Haut Boat Services
Stonington | 207-367-5193
This trip from Stonington takes guests to Seal Island and circles around with plenty of time for you to get a close look (with binoculars) of the colorful puffins. Plan for a trip of up to five hours.
Moose Boat & Canoe Tours
When you want to know where to see a moose in Maine, these tour groups are the answer.
Scenic Moose Boat Cruises With Big Moose Inn
Millinocket Lake | 207-723-8391
The Katahdin Princess takes you to moose feeding areas with mountain views and plenty of wildlife sightings. Ride the waters of Millinocket Lake, with stunning views of Maine’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin, along the way.
Northwoods Outfitters
Greenville | 866-223-1380
The moose tour with Northwoods Outfitters is either by land or water, and if you choose the watery route, be prepared to paddle. The owners say they get about 1,000 moose sightings a year.
Northeast Whitewater
Greenville | 207-695-0151
Despite the name, Northeast Whitewater specializes in paddling moose tours from May to mid-October. Choose from a serene sunrise search or time it to end the trip with a sunset over Moosehead Lake.
The Birches Resort Moose Cruise
Rockwood | 207-534-7305
During the summer, put the paddle away and kick back on a pontoon boat with this specialty moose tour with The Birches Resort. In addition to floating through prime moose feeding spots, you’ll also get to see the towering cliffs of Mount Kineo from the water.
Oyster Tasting & Farm Tours
Oyster tours in Maine are a salty, scenic way to learn where your half-shells come from – no waders required. These boat tours often stay close to shore, cruising calm bays to working farms where you can see the growing process up close.
You’ll meet the farmers, learn how oysters are cultivated, and taste them fresh from the source. It’s part food tour, part marine science – and a solid excuse to eat oysters on a boat.
Seacoat Tours of Freeport
Freeport | 207-798-2001
Book ahead of time for this Saturday-only seasonal tour that’s more like an oyster party on water. There’s even a cash bar on board to go with your oysters or lobster roll. Plus, you’ll learn about the shellfish industry and maybe get curious enough to get a local permit and start clamming.
Maine Experience Guide Service
Bath | 207-215-3828
Book an oyster tour farm and cross your fingers that it’s a day the owner is around to show you how it works. Plus, oysters don’t taste fresher than eating them moments after being pulled from the water. Bring a picnic, your favorite fixings, and turn the boat into your own floating oyster bar.
Maine Maritime Museum
Bath | 207-443-1316
This two-hour Oyster Tasting Cruise mixes laid-back vibes with a crash course in oyster farming from some of Maine’s top growers.
You’ll learn how oysters go from river to raw bar, and why local waters matter for flavor. Each guest gets a dozen on the half-shell and a drink to go with the view.
New England Eco Adventures
Portland | 207-502-8040
This Casco Bay cruise takes you off the beaten path to visit Mere Point Oyster Farm, where you’ll watch the crew in action, learn how oysters are grown, and enjoy a fresh half-dozen right on the boat.
It’s part scenic ride, part behind-the-scenes look at one of Maine’s coolest sustainable fisheries.
Canoe & Kayak Tours
Follow the water trail of history on paths taken by Benedict Arnold or Henry David Thoreau by kayaking or canoeing. Guides will tailor a tour to your experience level, from short trips to multi-day excursions.
Northwoods Outfitters
Greenville | 866-223-1380
All you need to do is show up for this full-service canoe trip. Tours can last from one to 10 days. Plus, pick from a river ride or a lake journey. All the permits, gear, and food are taken care of, and you can just enjoy the ride and maybe spot some moose along the way.
Maine Kayak
Boothbay Harbor & Pemaquid Harbor | 866-624-6352
While you can rent kayaks and risk it alone, Maine Kayak offers guided tours by the hour, day, or multiple days – which are available from mid-May to early October.
Explore the harbor or nearby islands during the day or at sunset. You can also double down in Maine things to do by adding the Oyster Kayak Tour to your agenda.
Maine State Kayak
Bar Harbor | 207-244-9500
With Maine State Kayak, paddle your way through Western Bay, Blue Hill Bay, and Somes Sound as you learn about their ecology without having to worry about winds or tides. From mid-May to October, your Registered Maine Guide handles the logistics, and you just literally go with the flow.
Bullfrog Adventures
Caratunk | 207-234-2158
Hop over to the Kennebec River Valley to enjoy canoeing the quiet waterways or kayaking through more robust rapids from mid-June to September. Bullfrog Adventures also offers tubing and a campsite by the water.
Portland Paddle
Portland | 207-370-9734
Anyone visiting Portland should explore the variety of tours available on a stand-up paddlboard or kayak between mid-May and early October.
With Portland Paddle, spend whole or half days paddling, include a stop at Fort Gorges, or opt for a Crescent Beach break. There’s even a tour for yoga fans that will be unlike any flow you’ve ever done!
Midcoast Kayak
Damariscotta | 207-563-5732
Pair your paddling tour with a side of wildlife, oysters, or sunsets with the Midcoast Kayak crew out of Damariscotta from late May to mid-October. You can even book a private tour that hits all your key goals of the trip.
Canoe the Wild
Weston | 207-551-8729
Explore the wilderness from the Maine or Canadian side with Canoe the Wild. Trips can run up to 10 days, but don’t let that scare you off the adventure if you’re a first-timer. The guides specialize in helping you get comfortable with the experience as they navigate the waters and wildlife.
Allagash Canoe Trips
Greenville | 207-280-1551
It helps to understand what you’re getting yourself into with the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. If this long-distance, rough ride is your vibe, look for designated five to seven-day adventures with Allagash Canoe Trips. It even offers tours in the fall to see the epic foliage Maine offers.
Whitewater Rafting Tours
White water rafting in Maine is more than a thrill ride. It’s a full-on wilderness experience. The state’s three big rivers – the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead – offer everything from family-friendly rapids to heart-pounding Class V drops.
Most trips are guided and include gear, lunch, and a safety rundown, so all you have to bring is a sense of adventure. Here are a few outfitters who can guide you on the water. Book as far in advance as possible because these trips fill up quickly.
Note: If you’re looking for the most epic adventure of all, look for the turbine test or water release dates, which are specific events that make the rivers ROAR!
Northern Outdoors
The Forks | 207-663-4466
From riding a lazy river to risking your life on the rapids (kidding … sort of), the crew at Northern Outdoors knows these waters better than the fish. Just call them and tell them your experience level, and they’ll find the perfect trip for you.
Northeast Whitewater
Shirley Mills | 207-695-0151
Just south of Greenville, Northeast Whitewater takes rides down the roughest river sections but can also find the calm spots for kids who might be apprehensive. Bonus! You don’t need to bring a camera because they take photos for you along the way.
Three Rivers Whitewater
West Forks | 207-663-2104
Explore the options from the Three Rivers Whitewater team, which includes day trips and multi-day excursions. They even offer one of the most remote whitewater adventures you can book in Maine – all the way out to the Seboomook River. Plus, they can teach you how to “surf” the rapids.
North Country Rivers
Bingham | 800-348-8871
North Country Rivers rides the big three, with a guide in every raft helping navigate whatever lies ahead.
Look for the Dead River high release dates that only happen eight times a year if you’re seeking the highest-adrenaline experience. The most family-friendly tour rides the Kennebec River.
Crab Apple Whitewater
West Forks | 800-553-7238
Enjoy the rapids on a 12 to 16-mile ride down the Kennebec or Dead Rivers. You’ll get a robust ride with a post-paddling cookout with the crew.
New England Outdoor Center (NEOC)
Millinocket | 800-766-7238
Pick your preferred spot on the Penobscot River with the NEOC. Opt for a family-friendly, laid-back float, a single run in intermediate rapids, or double up with the Double Trouble route that goes through the Peneobscot River Gorge twice!
Scenic Tours on a Boat
Scenic boat tours in Maine are all about soaking in the views—rugged coastlines, sparkling bays, and postcard-worthy lighthouses included. Whether you’re on a sailboat, schooner, or classic tour boat, it’s an unforgettable way to see the beauty of Maine from the water.
Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises
Northeast Harbor (MDI) | 207-276-5352
Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises runs laid-back scenic tours out of Northeast Harbor from mid-May to mid-October.
It has options like seal-spotting in Somes Sound, cruising past Acadia’s shoreline, or catching a sunset (July & August) over the Cranberry Isles. It’s an easy way to get on the water and soak up the views without doing much more than showing up.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Bar Harbor | 207-288-2386
In addition to the boat tours already mentioned, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. provides fall foliage trips, sunset nature cruises, and other specialty options to soak in more scenery.
New England Eco Adventures
Kennebunk & Portland | 207-502-8040
Check out New England Eco Adventures for unique tour options in Portland or Kennebunk. Those include the Best of Casco Bay tour and an adults-only sunset cruise.
Northwoods Outfitters
Greenville | 866-223-1380
If you can’t pick just one thing to do on Moosehead Lake, mix them all up into a pontoon boat scenic cruise on the waters. You’ll see Mount Kineo from the water with a chance to hike to the top. Don’t be surprised if you see a few moose watching you.
Boothbay Boat Trips
Boothbay Harbor | 207-613-7339
Before pickin’ one of Boothbay Boat Trips’ (Cap’n Fish’s) traditional tours, look for the combo tour options that give you more bang for your tourism buck. Plus, music cruises, river rides, bay exploration, sunset sails, and fireworks are just a few of the scenic selections.
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
Portland | 207-774-0808
Seeing Portland from the water is how you can really soak in its majesty. Look for the Portland Discover Land and Sea Tours option for the harbor lights, sunsets, or 4th of July fireworks.
Maine Maritime Museum
Bath | 207-443-1316
The Maine Maritime Museum runs scenic and themed cruises. Think fireworks on the 4th, fall foliage rides, and even quick kid-friendly trips – all cruising the Kennebec River on a 50-passenger boat with indoor and outdoor seating.
Casco Bay Custom Charters
Portland | 207-205-5796
Catering to your every whim, Casco Bay Custom Charters offers culinary cruises, fall foliage fanfare, and multi-day trips to Monhegan Island.
Hardy Boat Cruises
New Harbor | 207-677-2026
Hardy Boat Cruises don’t just stop with ferry rides and puffin sightings. Look for 4th of July fireworks cruises or the seal and nature excursions in the fall.
Island Cruises
Bass Harbor | 207-244-5785
A bonus of heading to the Quiet Side of Acadia is the access Bass Harbor gives you to the nearby islands. Island Cruises takes you to Cranberry, Islesford, or Frenchboro. Plus, when you opt for a charter sightseeing tour, you pick the destinations.
Deer Isle Ocean Tours
Stonington | 207-956-1222
Call the captain and talk about all the options you can choose from with Deer Island Ocean Tours. Escape to a remote island beach, search out sealife, or soak in the sunset.
Maine Experience Guide Service
Bath | 207-215-3828
This private boat tour with Amazing Grace gets you out to Maine’s coastal islands for a mix of scenic cruising and on-foot exploring.
You’ll hike well-marked trails with lighthouses, seabirds, coastal plants, and the chance to spot eagles or even step inside a working lighthouse. It’s part nature tour, part photo op, and totally off-the-beaten-path.
Moose Boat Tours
Millinocket Lake | 207-723-8391
Despite the name, Moose Boat Tours aren’t just about finding antlered animals. The Katahdin Queen explores local history with a visit to the Ambajejus Boom House and stories of Maine’s logging and Native heritage.
Eastport Windjammers
Eastport | 207-853-2500
While most tours with Eastport Windjammers include a trip to Old Sow, you can also book a cruise just to see the force of nature in action. Charter tours are also available.
Find Your Way Charters
Yarmouth | 207-358-8245
Find Your Way Charters gives you options. Pick from ready-to-go cruises – like sunset sails, sea glass hunts, or local tasting tours – or build your trip from scratch. It’s a private boat, just you and up to six people, cruising around Casco Bay your way.
Seacoast Tours of Freeport
Freeport | 207-798-2001
Seacoast Tours times scenic cruises around big events, like the Maine Oyster Festival or the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races. Plus, there are private charter options and special events on the website.
Acadian Boat Tours
Bar Harbor | 207-801-2300
Run by the same captain out of Deer Island Ocean Tours, this Bar Harbor option allows you to pick from beach day excursions, sunset sails, or sea life searching.
Balmy Day Cruises
Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-2284
Beyond sailing, fishing, and lighthouses, Balmy Day Cruises also includes special event cruises, sunset sails, and scenic mailboat tours.
Rocky Bottom Fisheries
Portland | 207-274-1844
The signature sunset cruise is one of the best sightseeing options on the list of amenities. It’s also worth noting that you can book a boat for a wedding, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a business event.
Camden Harbor Cruises
Camden | 207-236-6672
When you want more than Maine lobsters or fish, book the eco-tour through Camden Harbor Cruises for a two-hour trip to a seal habitat. They’ll throw in some lobstering for good measure, too.
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises
Ogunquit | 207-646-5227
Check the schedule for the breakfast cruise or happy hour sunset trip through Finest Kind, launching right from Perkins Cove.
Ferry Boat Tours
When working with a limited budget, the ferry rides and mailboats around the Gulf of Maine make for some of the least expensive yet most interesting rides.
Casco Bay Lines
Portland | 207-774-7871
Casco Bay Lines runs year-round ferries from Portland to several nearby islands – Peaks, Little and Great Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff. It’s part public transit, part scenic cruise.
You can hop over for a beach day, bike ride, lobster roll, or just ride the Mailboat Run for a working tour of island life.
Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines
Bar Harbor & Southwest Harbor | 207-288-4585
Ferries are scheduled between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor seasonally through Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines. Plus, another ferry departs Southwest Harbor to Cranberry Cove.
The CAT
Bar Harbor | 877-762-7245
The CAT ferry gets you from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia in about 3.5 hours, but it’s way more than just transportation.
Onboard between mid-May through mid-October, you’ll find food, drinks, live music, and plenty of ocean views to make it feel like part of the trip, not just a way to get there.
Isle au Haut Boat Services
Stonington | 207-367-5193
Specializing in trips to Isle au Haut, you can get there year-round with seasonal routes taking guests to the Duck Harbor Campground of Acadia National Park.
Hardy Boat Cruises
New Harbor | 207-677-2026
Monhegan Island is like the Key West of Maine in that it’s so popular. The Monhegan Island Ferry leaves from New Harbor with an easy one-hour trip out and back. You’ll get a five-hour layover to explore this popular piece of Maine’s art and natural history.
Monhegan Boat Line
Port Clyde | 207-372-8848
This is the only ferry that runs year-round (weather permitting) between Port Clyde and Monhegan Island. Considering the fall and winter population is less than 100 people, you’ll have the island almost all to yourself.
Explore More Boat Tours in Maine
Some Maine boat tours combine experiences. Don’t be surprised if your puffin cruise sails past a lighthouse or your whale watch doubles as a scenic lobstering demo (nets optional).
You can’t go wrong with any boat tour in Maine, but it helps to look for options that maximize the authentic Maine experience.