Maine
is a place to set sail
Welcome to Maine
With more lobsters, lighthouses and charming resort villages than you can shake a selfie stick at, Maine is New England at its most iconic. The sea looms large here, with mile upon mile of jagged sea cliffs, peaceful harbors and pebbly beaches. Eat and drink your way through food- and beer-crazed Portland, one of America's coolest small cities. Explore the historic shipbuilding villages of the Midcoast. Hike through Acadia National Park, a spectacular island of mountains and fjord-like estuaries. Let the coastal wind whip through those cobwebs and inhale the salty air. Venture into the state's inland region, a vast wilderness of pine forest and snowy peaks.
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Maine activities
Narrated Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine, Aboard a Vintage Fire Engine
Portland Fire Engine Co. operates a unique narrated sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine aboard a Vintage Fire Engine. We explore the peninsula of Portland and its many lighthouses and forts as well as the amazing architectural buildings hidden inside the cobble stoned streets that make up our wonderful city. The tour is a great way of reliving Portland’s past. Viewing the area while high up on the Fire Engine gives amazing views of Casco Bay as well as fantastic opportunities for photographs. The tours are approximately 50 minutes in length and are fully narrated by a very knowledgeable guide while displaying high resolution photographs from the Maine Historical Society via our on-board multimedia system, which includes a large flat LED TV. Tours require a minimum of 4 passengers to run, with a maximum of 13 people per Engine. Larger groups/parties will be split up allowing time for shopping, eating, or just exploring the Old Port.
2-Day Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor Tour from Boston
Your tour will depart from Boston in the early morning as you begin your drive up to Acadia National Park in Maine (entrance fee not included). The park is considered the smallest National Park in the US, but features stunning views in all seasons! Your first stop inside is beautiful Sand Beach, tucked away between two walls of solid pink granite. To the south, the beach is open to the sea with spectacular views ideal for pictures. Continuing your tour you'll drive up to Cadillac Mountain and stop at Thunder Hole, where you may have the chance to experience its thunderous sound. Atop the pink granite Cadillac Mountain, you'll be able to take in the sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Frenchman Bay. Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and one of the first places in the United States to see the sunrise. Your next stop will be Jordan Pond, which is recognized by the distinctive shape of the two mountains- the “Bubbles”. The water in the pond is extremely clear and, when it's calm, you can see the rocks on the bottom of the pond and enjoy the mirrored reflection of the “Bubbles”. Your first day ends after Jordan Pond with a relaxing stay in your local hotel accommodation. The next morning, you'll depart from your hotel for Bar Harbor. There, you have the option to take a cruise (ticket fee not included) to learn about the local wildlife like harbor seals, bald eagles, and sea ducks. During the cruise, your captain and staff will speak about Maine lobster and the long tradition of lobstering in the area. At lunchtime, you are free to seek your own lunch and enjoy steamed Maine lobster, lobster ice cream, blueberry ice cream, blueberry pie or even some blueberry beer- classic staples of Maine! After enjoying lunch in Bar Harbor, your group will begin the drive back to Boston. On the way, you'll make a stop in Portland Head Light. Here, you can partake in an optional visit to the historic lighthouse located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. First lit in 1791, making it the oldest lighthouse in the state. Portions of the building, which is located in Fort Williams Park, serve as a maritime museum. (admission fee not included) . Afterwards, the tour will complete its final leg and return your group to Boston.
From New Hampshire to Maine Full Day Lighthouse Trail
You will depart from New Hampshire at 7:30am for a 1-day tour to see 5 different lighthouses in Maine. The first stop is a visit to Stonewall Kitchen for a sampling of their products. Stonewall Kitchen is a leading producer of jams, jellies, and relishes in New England. They put out 50 different products to sample and taste. Next it is on to Nubble Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Maine Coast. There is a gift shop, artist painting and an ice-cream stand. Lunch will feature a Maine Lobster Lunch (chicken option is also available). Then it is on to visit the Portland Headlight and learn why George Washington commissioned a fort at this point and ordered a signal fire to be lit. The tour continues and you will see either the lighthouse at Spring Point or Bug Light. Several lighthouses will be seen today, while learning how the lighthouses are maintained and the many chores of the lighthouse keepers.A brief stop will be made at Kennebunkport Maine for shopping.The tour is approximately 9 hours and ends when you return to your original departure point.
Private Sunset Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat
Each charter includes a captain as well as a deckhand who will serve as your guide. You will meet your guide at Bell Buoy Park, 72 Commercial Street, Portland ME. This is adjacent to the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. Your guide will escort you down the ramp to the water taxi dock and assist you with boarding MONHEGAN, our vintage lobster boat.We will depart Portland Harbor and pass by Bug Light, Fort Gorges, Spring Point Ledge Light, and Fort Scammel as we make our way toward Portland Head Light. Your guide will point out these and other interesting sights as well as any wildlife we encounter. If you wish, you can bring aboard food or beverages, and your guide will be happy to assist in serving. MONHEGAN is stocked with glassware, plates, and utensils. We provide a cooler with ice and bottled water on all charters. Alcohol may be responsibly consumed by our guests of legal age. From Portland Head Light, your captain will navigate through some of the islands of Casco Bay. You will watch Maine's rocky, tree-lined coast slip by as you relax on our deck chairs. MONHEGAN is a very stable vessel, and she is outfitted with a retractable weather cover so your comfort aboard is assured. As the sun gets low and bathes Casco Bay in golden light, your captain will round Great Diamond Island and turn into the setting sun for the final leg of your cruise. You will be treated to views of Portland's skyline silhouetted by the setting sun. Throughout the cruise, guests will find ample opportunities for photos. Can you imagine a more perfect finish to your day in Maine?
Windjammer Classic Day Sail
If you always wanted to sail your own wooden ship, this is your chance. The crew welcomes your participation - offer to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel. The Appledore II is a hard working, seaworthy schooner. She has sailed around the world, docking at many harbors along the way. Twice a year, she still sails the Eastern seaboard between her two home ports of Camden, Maine and Key West, Florida. Ask your crew about her history, some have made this bi-annual 2,000 mile sailing trip. Our day sail on the Appledore II schooner departs from Bayview Landing, taking you out of Camden Harbor. Camden is often called the “jewel of the Maine coast” which becomes clear as you sail past the impressive lighthouse, Curtis Island Light, dating from 1836 and into Penobscot Bay. Considered to be one of the top cruising bays in the world, Penobscot Bay will amaze you with its uninhabited islands, wildlife and views of Camden Hills and other coastal mountains dropping off into the sea. During your Camden boat tour, look along the shore for Mount Battie, historic inns, and elegant summer mansions of the rich and famous with their million dollar yachts. Watch lobstermen hauling in their traps. On a typical day, you may see porpoises playing in the water, ospreys and eagles hunting for fish and even the occasional whale. Watch for seals sunning themselves on rocks and cute guillernots, cousins to puffins, with their bright red feet, wobbling as they walk along the rocky shoreline. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.
Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail
Camden, Maine is a quintessential New England coastal town, dating back to 1768. Your sunset sailing cruise departs from Bayview Landing, at the heart of Camden Harbor. Mariners consider Camden Harbor one of the most beautiful harbors in New England, framed by the mountains greeting the sea. Feel the sense of adventure as the crew hoists the sails. Participate in this age-old tradition by joining in and help raise the sails. Take a turn at the wheel and feel the exhilaration of captaining a traditional wooden ship.The Appledore II was hand-built in 1978 at the Gamage Shipyard in Maine in the finest shipbuilding tradition. She proved her seaworthiness by circumnavigating the globe. She continues to sail a 2,000 mile ocean voyage twice a year between her summer home of Camden, Maine and winter home of tropical Key West, Florida.Your Downeast Maine boat tour takes you past Curtis Island Light, helping navigate seafarers since 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. As we sail along the rugged coastline, take in the majestic mountains, only one of two places along the Atlantic seaboard where the mountains drop off into the ocean. With the painted sky as your exquisite backdrop, gaze at the magnificent mansions, historic inns and elegant yachts. Watch for porpoises, eagles and ospreys. Along the jagged rocks, look for seals and shorebirds, including guillernots, cousins to puffins. Quench your thirst with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all available for purchase during your sailing cruise. Gather close to your loved ones as the fiery sun sets over Mount Battie and toast the end of an amazing day. Against the darkened sky, the blink of the Curtis Island Light guides us back home to Camden Harbor. As Camden Harbor comes back into view, relax and feel the wind sweep through your hair as your memorable sailing ship cruise draws to a close.