Photo Credit: Cait Bourgault

7 Ways To Get Out On the Water

1. SAIL IN STYLE

Pictured above, passengers experience a sunset sail aboard A Morning in Maine, departing from Rockland Harbor for multi-hour cruises on Penobscot Bay. See Owls Head Light from the water and get the best view of Rockland Breakwater—from the sea. To see more from this trip, see the Alpine Women Collective’s 2016 sail here. Another great vessel, the Schooner Heron, built by the family who captains it, offers lunch and dinner tours of Penobscot Bay.

2. OYSTER CRUISE

Set out for a pleasure cruise on the River Tripper, departing from Damariscotta. This boat delights passengers on four unique experiences: 1. Try an Oyster Tasting Cruise along the Damariscotta River, a Maine’s most prestigious oyster river, with sake and white wine pairings. 2. When the seals are playing, The River Tripper takes visitors on seal watching tours! 3. On select nights, the River Tripper takes guests out for an unforgettable night of Music at Sea. 4. Evening Happy Hour Cruises start a Maine coast vacation or staycation the right way.

3. TAKE THE FERRY

Maine’s Islands are a truly unique part the state. Get the classic coastal experience of getting your tickets and wait at the ferry dock with your family before making a day trip to hike and picnic; or make it a multi-day getaway to truly get away from it all out to sea. Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro and Matinicus Islands are served by the boats of the Maine State Ferry Service. These rides are, in and of themselves, spectacular excursions. The real appeal, though, is of visiting and vacationing in this genuinely natural island environment. Supremely unpretentious, these four islands boast miles of protected trails and natural areas, memorable dining and lodging, galleries and shops. If Monheagan Island is your destination, there are several ferries to get you there!

4. GO BACK IN TIME ON A MAINE WINDJAMMER

More than a dozen 19th-century-style tall ships in MidCoast Maine are ready to whisk you back to a simpler time. Departing from Camden or Rockland, you’ll sail for up to a week amid glorious islands, across sparkling bays, and around lighthouse-crested fingers of the rocky coast. Like the mariners of yesteryear, your captain relies on the wind and tide. You’ll sail for about six hours each day, passing lighthouses, lobstermen, and wildlife. At the end of the day, you’ll drop anchor in a protected harbor or secluded island cove where you’ll have time to go ashore and explore. Your meals will be cooked at the ship’s antique wood-burning stove, and one night, everyone goes ashore for a traditional lobster bake. The sailing season extends from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

5. CATCH YOURS FRESH

Climb aboard the working lobster boat Lady Esther departing from Boothbay Harbor. See first-hand how lobsters are caught and measured, how traps are baited, and learn a bit about lobster biology. The 1.5 hour trips let you purchase the lobsters you haul.

Leaving from Newcastle, The Lobstah’ Haul takes you on a lobster hauling excursion on the Damariscotta River. Damariscotta is an old Abenaki word meaning “River of Many Fishes” and this estuary that flows into the Gulf of Maine is full of sea life. Captain Dana will even cook up any lobsters you catch for an authentic lobster bake that doesn’t get any fresher! Trips can be customized to your needs.

6. SEE WHERE THE WHALES SWIM FREE

Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch takes you on a gorgeous ride out to sea from Boothbay Harbor, and features 360 degree decks for the best viewing of whales. Boothbay Harbor is one of the leading Maine ports for whale sightings during and boasts some of the highest chances of whale sightings in Maine, over 90%.

7. LOBSTERMAN’S DAY OFF

One of the most joyful ways to spend a day in Maine is hanging out with the lobster boats on a day off. There’s nothing more exciting than watching Maine’s quirky Lobster Boat Races! Schedule of Races:

· Mid-June Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Sat 10 AM | Boothbay Harbor, ME

· Mid-June Rockland Lobster Boat Races | Sun 10 AM | Rockland, ME

· Late-June Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Sun 10 AM | Bass Harbor, ME

· Early July Searsport Lobster Boat Races | Sat 10 AM | Searsport, ME

· Late July Friendship Lobster Boat Races | Sun 10 AM | Friendship, ME

· Mid-August Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Sat 10 AM | Winter Harbor, ME

· Mid-August Pemaquid Lobster Boat Races | Sun 10 AM | Pemaquid Harbor, ME

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