On the Water in MidCoast Maine!

With our long, winding ocean coast, and hundreds of freshwater ponds and lakes, Maine’s MidCoast is all about enjoying the water. Memorable beach experiences await families and anyone who wants to wear flip-flops for days on end. Or if you’re ready for adventure and exploration on the water, those are easily found by canoe, kayak, sailboats, ferryboat, and yes, even surfboards.

 

 

Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling

For kayaking and canoeing, the MidCoast is a paddler’s dream. The ocean offers unlimited kayaking opportunities to see an abundance of sea life, shore birds, and to visit hidden coves. You can rent kayaks, take lessons, or have guided tours from many coastal boating outfitters including Tidal Transit, Boothbay Harbor, MidCoast Kayak, Damariscotta and Breakwater Kayak in Rockland. Love to explore by canoe or SUP? Only a few miles inland from the coast are clear, freshwater lakes and ponds where the loudest noises may be the sound of migrating hawks or loons calling each other as the sun sets.

 

 

Ocean Sailing and Whale Watching

To truly experience the ocean and islands, sail Penobscot Bay on a magnificent wooden Windjammer schooner. You can cruise the placid bay onboard one of these magnificent ships for a day or for a week. These iconic vessels sail out of Camden and Rockland will follow the winds and the tides to meander past lighthouses and around spruce-clad islands. Incredible whale watching and seeing rare Puffins are available on one of the large Cap’n Fish’s cruise boats in Boothbay Harbor.

 

 

Hop an Island Ferry

With the most coastal islands in America – 3166 if you’re counting – island exploration is one of the best things about a vacation in the MidCoast. To get a true sense of life in seafaring communities, plan to visit one of the large islands that are accessible by ferry. State of Maine ferries travel year-round to Islesboro, Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Matinicus. Islesboro is a short, 3-mile ferry ride from Lincolnville. Much of the 13-mile-long island is untouched, there are many, scenic places to hike. A few shops and dining options are available, but back on the mainland, there great restaurants to enjoy.

 

 

Summertime Swimming

As summer days grow longer, our lakes, ponds, and shoreline offer wonderful places to take the plunge and swim. The state parks at Swan Lake and Lake St. George in Liberty have lifeguard-supervised beaches for relaxed, family swimming. Two other popular lakes for swimming are Megunticook Lake in Camden and Damariscotta Lake State Park in Jefferson. For ocean sun bathing on long, wide sand beaches, look no further than Popham Beach and Reid state parks. The unique sand dunes and tidal pools found there are fun to explore.

 

 

Surfs Up in the MidCoast!

With a longer coastline than California, Maine is one of the last frontier surfing frontiers in the U.S. Depending on the season – especially spring and fall – surfers can expect ideal longboard waves and occasional, overhead days. Long, wide sand beaches are rare in Maine, but the state parks at Reid and Popham Beach are two of the finest. They can serve up some fine long lefts and rights. The sand bars at adjacent Todd’s Point make for long easy cruising on a longboard that become fast, hollow shore breaks at high tide. Bring your wetsuit and check the forecasts for some great sessions.

 

 

Fishing is Always in Season

Fishing in Maine starts with spring runs of hungry trout and turns to winter ice fishing for perch and salmon. Whether you’re a beginner or have fished since you were a kid, Maine will reward you with quiet fishing and miles of scenery. Your first step is to buy a Maine Fishing License online. You’ll find fishing tackle in sporting goods stores in most every town. And to get the most out of fishing in the MidCoast, connect with a Maine Fishing Guide who can show you the most promising ponds and streams. Prefer the excitement of saltwater fishing? You can surf cast for sought-after Stripers or head out into deeper waters on large charter boats for Bluefin Tuna and other big game fish.