The Best Boat Tours on the Maine Coast: A Guide by Type and Region

There is no better way to experience Maine than from the water. With thousands of miles of rugged coastline, hundreds of islands, historic lighthouses, and abundant sea life, the Maine coast practically begs to be explored by boat. Whether you dream of sailing a tall ship, watching whales breach offshore, or simply hauling a lobster trap, here is a guide to the main types of boat tours and where to find them.

Windjammer & Schooner Sailing

Maine is home to one of the largest fleets of historic sailing vessels in the country. These windjammers — tall-masted schooners, many of them dating back a century or more — sail mostly out of Camden and Rockland on Penobscot Bay. Trips range from a few hours to multi-day cruises among the islands, with the crew hoisting sail by hand and dropping anchor in a quiet cove each night. The season generally runs from late spring into October. It is a bucket-list way to see the bay the way sailors did generations ago.

Lighthouse Cruises

Maine's lighthouses are icons of the coast, and many are best seen from the water. Lighthouse cruises operate from harbors up and down the coast — from Casco Bay and Portland, to Penobscot Bay around Camden, to Bar Harbor near Acadia. On a single trip you might pass several historic lights, learn their stories, and enjoy sweeping views of the rocky shore.

Puffin & Seabird Tours

Every summer, colorful Atlantic puffins return to a handful of Maine islands to nest, and boat tours are the way to see them. Popular trips run out to Eastern Egg Rock in Muscongus Bay (reached from the Boothbay Harbor and New Harbor area), while farther Downeast, tours visit Machias Seal Island. Puffin season is short — roughly late spring through mid-summer — so plan ahead if these charming birds are on your list.

Whale Watching

Off Maine's coast lie rich feeding grounds where whales gather in the warmer months. Whale-watching tours, offered from ports such as Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor, head offshore in search of humpback, finback, and minke whales, along with dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. These trips go well out to sea, so dress warmly and be ready for open-ocean swells.

Lobster Boat Tours

For a taste of working Maine, nothing beats a lobster boat tour. On these short, hands-on trips you will watch (or help) a lobsterman haul traps, learn about the gear, rules, and traditions that sustain the fishery, and often spot seals or porpoises along the way. They run from many harbors, including Perkins Cove in Ogunquit and Camden, and they are a great, kid-friendly introduction to the coast.

Island Mailboats & Ferries

Some of the best — and most affordable — time on the water comes aboard Maine's working mailboats and island ferries. From Portland, Casco Bay Lines runs scenic mailboat routes to a string of islands. Farther east, the mail boat from Northeast Harbor carries passengers out to the Cranberry Isles. Riding along is a wonderful, low-key way to get out among the islands and see the coast the way locals do.

Sailing & Sightseeing Charters

Beyond the big categories, countless small operators offer day sails, sunset cruises, nature charters, and private trips all along the coast. A late-afternoon sail as the light turns golden over the water is one of Maine's simple, unforgettable pleasures — and a private charter lets you tailor the trip to whatever you most want to see.

Tips for a Great Maine Boat Tour

• Go in season. Most tours run from roughly May or June through October; wildlife tours are best in mid-summer.
• Book ahead. Popular trips fill up, especially in July and August and for multi-day windjammer cruises.
• Dress in layers. It is always cooler and breezier on the water — bring a windbreaker even on warm days.
• Prepare for motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions before an offshore whale or puffin trip.
• Bring the extras. Sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and a camera will all earn their keep.

Frequently Asked Questions