Things to do in Boothbay Harbor

Our most recommended things to do in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Go on a delightful harbor cruise, passing summer colonies, lighthouses, small islands, and out to see the seals on the ledges. Fun for the whole family. Pass by 2 lighthouses, islands, coastline, inner and outer harbor, and seals at the seal rocks. Experience a Boothbay classic that has been enjoyed for over 50 years and find out why it's so popular. Get an idea of how those delicious lobsters you enjoy at your favorite restaurant are caught, how the traps are hauled, and a little background of Maine’s famous lobster industry. Enjoy the seals basking on the rocks. Pass by two major lighthouses, Burnt Island Light, and Ram Island Lighthouse. This Boothbay Harbor lobster tour is educational and fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your camera. Step aboard a vessel that has the largest and most comfortable main salon in the region with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck. Hear the narration no matter where you choose to be, with speakers throughout the vessel.

Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

Set sail on a cruise from Boothbay Harbor and discover Burnt and Ram Island Lighthouses on a close-to-shore trip. Discover playful seals, snug coves, busy harbors, old fishin’ villages, bustling boatyards, and summer colonies along the way. Step aboard the largest vessel in the region with the most comfortable main salon, fitted with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Embrace the sun and fresh Maine air on the open upper deck, with speakers throughout the vessel allow you to hear the narration no matter where you choose to be. You'll be able to get more time to visit the whales at the feeding grounds as you travel on one of the fastest vessels in the region. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture it all for the folks back home on this summer cruise.

Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

Experience a classic sailing trip in Boothbay Harbor, taking in historic sights and striking natural landscapes. Navigate the area aboard a large schooner with plenty of seating space and an open deck offering panoramic views of the harbor and coastline. Hop aboard a sailing vessel in the center of Boothbay Harbor’s historic waterfront. Take advantage of the onboard engine to get to the sailing grounds quickly. Explore all the areas of the rocky harbor to see what life along the Maine coast is like. Admire 360-degree views with no obstructions other than the masts, then make your way back to the harbor. Allow the staff to advise you on great experiences to spend the rest of your day, such as visits to the nearby inns, shops, and restaurants, or other activities on the water.

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Sunset Sailing Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Sunset Sailing Cruise

Embark on a relaxing cruise on the picturesque waters of Boothbay Harbor, where the historic Burnt Island Light stands as a beacon to seafarers. Glide past charming Squirrel Island and the majestic Ram Island Light, all while the sun dips below the horizon. Your sailing experience promises a feast for the eyes and an opportunity to spot the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. From playful porpoises to soaring ospreys, regal bald eagles, and sun-bathing harbor seals, there is plenty of wildlife residing in the area. As the windjammer cuts through the calm waters, you are treated to an unobstructed panoramic view from the deck, ensuring no moment of beauty is missed. This is not just a cruise; it's an intimate dance with the wind and waves, a chance to breathe in the salty air, and a moment to capture the essence of Maine's coastal allure.

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Daytime Sailing Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Daytime Sailing Cruise

As the crew hoists the sails, you feel a sense of anticipation building within you. The majestic schooner glides gracefully away from the dock, its billowing sails catching the breeze with effortless ease. The gentle lapping of waves against the hull provides a soothing soundtrack to your journey. As you venture further into the harbor, you're greeted by stunning vistas of rugged coastline dotted with picturesque lighthouses and quaint fishing villages. Keep a sharp eye out for porpoise, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and harbor seals as we slip by local boats setting their pots or hauling in the lobster catch of the day. Help hoist sails or take a turn at the wheel as we set a course out past Burnt Island Light, Squirrel Island, Ram Island Light and the outer islands of Boothbay.

Boothbay Harbor: Pemaquid Point & John's Bay Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Pemaquid Point & John's Bay Cruise

Go back in time as you cruise historic John’s Bay and the eastern Boothbay Harbor Region. Discover seals and other coastal wildlife and experience the famous Pemaquid Point Lighthouse along with Ram and Burnt Island Lights. Pass by Fort William Henry and learn about the early exploration and settlement of the region going as far back as the early 1600s. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Step aboard the largest vessel in the region with the most comfortable main salon, fitted with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck and speakers throughout the vessel to hear the narration, no matter where you choose to be. The vessel also has the fastest vessels in the region, which provides you with more time to visit the whales at the feeding grounds.

Boothbay Harbor: Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline

Boothbay Harbor: Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline

Experience a classic sailing trip along the coast as you discover the beauty of Boothbay Harbor at sunset. Explore the area by schooner and watch the sun go down on the horizon. The size of the vessel is perfect for exploring all the areas of our rocky harbor to see life along the Maine coast. The ship's deck has no obstructions other than the masts, so you always have a full 360-degree view from every seating position.

Boothbay Harbor: Spectacular Kennebec River Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Spectacular Kennebec River Cruise

Discover a variety of nature as well as historical and modern man-made structures on a Boothbay Harbor Cruise. From raptors to ducks, or great blue herons to black guillemots, the list of bird sightings is long. Pass through Upper and Lower Hell Gates, with close to shore and open sea cruising. See up to 7 lighthouses, and historic Fort Popham – dating back to the colonial days. Let your Captain bring you up to date on the latest modern-day shipbuilding projects at Bath Iron Works. You might see terns at their nesting site on Pond Island in the spring and loons in the fall. Look up at the colorful changing leaves in September to see other migrating birds, and don’t forget to look down for seals and porpoises.

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Our most recommended things to do in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

Go on a delightful harbor cruise, passing summer colonies, lighthouses, small islands, and out to see the seals on the ledges. Fun for the whole family. Pass by 2 lighthouses, islands, coastline, inner and outer harbor, and seals at the seal rocks. Experience a Boothbay classic that has been enjoyed for over 50 years and find out why it's so popular. Get an idea of how those delicious lobsters you enjoy at your favorite restaurant are caught, how the traps are hauled, and a little background of Maine’s famous lobster industry. Enjoy the seals basking on the rocks. Pass by two major lighthouses, Burnt Island Light, and Ram Island Lighthouse. This Boothbay Harbor lobster tour is educational and fun for the whole family. Don't forget to bring your camera. Step aboard a vessel that has the largest and most comfortable main salon in the region with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck. Hear the narration no matter where you choose to be, with speakers throughout the vessel.

Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise

Set sail on a cruise from Boothbay Harbor and discover Burnt and Ram Island Lighthouses on a close-to-shore trip. Discover playful seals, snug coves, busy harbors, old fishin’ villages, bustling boatyards, and summer colonies along the way. Step aboard the largest vessel in the region with the most comfortable main salon, fitted with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Embrace the sun and fresh Maine air on the open upper deck, with speakers throughout the vessel allow you to hear the narration no matter where you choose to be. You'll be able to get more time to visit the whales at the feeding grounds as you travel on one of the fastest vessels in the region. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture it all for the folks back home on this summer cruise.

Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Scenic Schooner Cruise

Experience a classic sailing trip in Boothbay Harbor, taking in historic sights and striking natural landscapes. Navigate the area aboard a large schooner with plenty of seating space and an open deck offering panoramic views of the harbor and coastline. Hop aboard a sailing vessel in the center of Boothbay Harbor’s historic waterfront. Take advantage of the onboard engine to get to the sailing grounds quickly. Explore all the areas of the rocky harbor to see what life along the Maine coast is like. Admire 360-degree views with no obstructions other than the masts, then make your way back to the harbor. Allow the staff to advise you on great experiences to spend the rest of your day, such as visits to the nearby inns, shops, and restaurants, or other activities on the water.

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Sunset Sailing Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Sunset Sailing Cruise

Embark on a relaxing cruise on the picturesque waters of Boothbay Harbor, where the historic Burnt Island Light stands as a beacon to seafarers. Glide past charming Squirrel Island and the majestic Ram Island Light, all while the sun dips below the horizon. Your sailing experience promises a feast for the eyes and an opportunity to spot the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. From playful porpoises to soaring ospreys, regal bald eagles, and sun-bathing harbor seals, there is plenty of wildlife residing in the area. As the windjammer cuts through the calm waters, you are treated to an unobstructed panoramic view from the deck, ensuring no moment of beauty is missed. This is not just a cruise; it's an intimate dance with the wind and waves, a chance to breathe in the salty air, and a moment to capture the essence of Maine's coastal allure.

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Daytime Sailing Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Schooner Apple Jack Daytime Sailing Cruise

As the crew hoists the sails, you feel a sense of anticipation building within you. The majestic schooner glides gracefully away from the dock, its billowing sails catching the breeze with effortless ease. The gentle lapping of waves against the hull provides a soothing soundtrack to your journey. As you venture further into the harbor, you're greeted by stunning vistas of rugged coastline dotted with picturesque lighthouses and quaint fishing villages. Keep a sharp eye out for porpoise, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and harbor seals as we slip by local boats setting their pots or hauling in the lobster catch of the day. Help hoist sails or take a turn at the wheel as we set a course out past Burnt Island Light, Squirrel Island, Ram Island Light and the outer islands of Boothbay.

Boothbay Harbor: Pemaquid Point & John's Bay Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Pemaquid Point & John's Bay Cruise

Go back in time as you cruise historic John’s Bay and the eastern Boothbay Harbor Region. Discover seals and other coastal wildlife and experience the famous Pemaquid Point Lighthouse along with Ram and Burnt Island Lights. Pass by Fort William Henry and learn about the early exploration and settlement of the region going as far back as the early 1600s. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Step aboard the largest vessel in the region with the most comfortable main salon, fitted with padded seats and tables. Relax with food and a drink from the galley, which features a 360-degree view of the outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh Maine air on the upper deck and speakers throughout the vessel to hear the narration, no matter where you choose to be. The vessel also has the fastest vessels in the region, which provides you with more time to visit the whales at the feeding grounds.

Boothbay Harbor: Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline

Boothbay Harbor: Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline

Experience a classic sailing trip along the coast as you discover the beauty of Boothbay Harbor at sunset. Explore the area by schooner and watch the sun go down on the horizon. The size of the vessel is perfect for exploring all the areas of our rocky harbor to see life along the Maine coast. The ship's deck has no obstructions other than the masts, so you always have a full 360-degree view from every seating position.

Boothbay Harbor: Spectacular Kennebec River Cruise

Boothbay Harbor: Spectacular Kennebec River Cruise

Discover a variety of nature as well as historical and modern man-made structures on a Boothbay Harbor Cruise. From raptors to ducks, or great blue herons to black guillemots, the list of bird sightings is long. Pass through Upper and Lower Hell Gates, with close to shore and open sea cruising. See up to 7 lighthouses, and historic Fort Popham – dating back to the colonial days. Let your Captain bring you up to date on the latest modern-day shipbuilding projects at Bath Iron Works. You might see terns at their nesting site on Pond Island in the spring and loons in the fall. Look up at the colorful changing leaves in September to see other migrating birds, and don’t forget to look down for seals and porpoises.

Frequently asked questions about Boothbay Harbor

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What people are saying about Boothbay Harbor

Overall rating

4.7
(64 reviews)

We truly enjoyed the ride on the schooner. It was fun sailing on a ship that was built just as World War II was ending (around 1944 I was told). The scenery was beautiful and we saw some seals. The captain had a great sense of humor, in the first mate was very helpful. Would recommend to anyone looking for this type of experience.

It was a terrific and beautiful day on the water. The captain and her assistant were kind, knowledgeable and helpful & funny. I don’t feel as though anything needs to be changed. It was a perfect day.

Guide was terrific and captain was very responsive whenever someone spotted a whale. We saw 6 whales, some seals and harbor porpoises! Went early October and it was a superb day, sunny and brisk!

Great fun trip friendly and professional staff great memories saw the seals just epic

Absolutely the highlight of our Boothbay Harbor visit!