Many companies are offering a variety of boat tours in Maine. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, a Harbor tour, or a simple day tour, each has its beauty.

Maine is more popularly known as the “Pine Tree State.” The rocky coast of Maine, bounded by pine trees, looks more mesmerizing from a boat deck.

Visitors also enjoy lobster catching, whale watching, sunset glimpsing, and many more experiences. Before setting out to sail, navigate all options for boat rides in Maine. We recommend going through their website for detailed information.

List of 19 Top Maine Cruises & Boat Tours

1. Acadian Boat Tours – Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadian provides the best ferry tours in Maine. They have four boats- Acadian, Eden Star, Islander, and The Rambler. The boats are family-oriented, clean, and pet-friendly. All boats have restrooms, and bigger ones also provide a heated indoor cabin & snack bar. Acadian boats are USCG inspected for safety every year.

This boat trip offers various tours like nature cruises, sightseeing, lighthouse, seabird & puffins tours, national park trips, etc. Both public boat cruises and private family charters are available. Locations such as Acadia National Park, Coastal Maine, a Bar Harbor shoreline, Frenchman Bay islands, Southwest Harbour Village, etc., are covered.

Unique Experiences: Family Fishing Trips, Puffin Trips, Nature & Sightseeing Cruises, Somes Sound Fjord Tour, Etc
Contact: 207-801-2300
Nearby Attractions: Agamont Park and Wild Gardens of Acadia
Address: 119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

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2. Casco Bay Lines – Portland, Maine

Casco Bay Lines, or Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD), is a lifeline for people living in Maine. It operates vehicles, passengers & freight services throughout the year. CBITD’s primary aim is to ensure passenger safety and dependable transportation.

The ferry transports over 500,000 freight items, 30,000 vehicles, and one million people annually. Casco Bay is also responsible for transporting island students and delivering U.S. mail.

A Wide range of charter ships & specialty cruises for meetings, sightseeing, and celebrations are also provided. Chebeague Island, Diamond Cove, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Cliff Island, Peak Island & Long Island are covered. Casco is one of the best boat tour companies in Portland, Maine.

Casco Bay Lines Portland Maine — Casco Bay Lines Ship Portland, Maine

Unique Experiences: Sunrise Mail Boat, Reasonable Round Trip Tickets, Bike & Golf Cart Rentals, etc
Contact: (207) 774-7871
Nearby Attractions: Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Address: 56 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

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3. Cap’n Fish’s Cruises – Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Cap’n Fish’s Cruises offers superior wildlife cruises & whale watching tours in Maine. It was founded & named after “The Fish Family” in the 1930s. The cruise still offers many authentic & original tours like shore excursions, island ferries, nature, river, etc. Cap’n Fish’s uses the latest technology in their cruises. All vessels are certified by the Coast Guard & loaded with safety equipment.

The company has two vessels- Pink Lady II and Harbor Princess. Cruises such as puffin cruises, whale watching & scenic cruises, charters & specialty cruises, etc., are available. Cap’n Fish’s offers a special “Sea-Fari” experience to visitors. Various marine mammal species, like Fin Whales, Sei Whales, Humpback whales, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, etc., are sighted.

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Unique Experiences: Puffin Trips, Lobster Trap Haul, 360-degree Views From Lower Deck & Top, Morning Audubon Tour, Etc
Contact: 207-613-7339
Nearby Attractions: Barrett Park and Railway Village Museum
Address: 42 Commercial Street Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

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4. First Chance Whale Watch – Kennebunk, Maine

First Chance Whale Watch provides premier sailing trips in Maine. The company conducts scenic boat & whale sighting tours. They are known for offering an authentic experience of the Atlantic Ocean, its surroundings & wildlife.

First Chance has three vessels- “Kylie’s Chance,” “Nick’s Chance,” & “Blue Angel. For a private coastal cruise experience, “Blue Angel” is recommended. Areas around Kennebunkport and Kennebunk are covered.

Unique Experiences: Intimate Boating Experience, Scenic Lobster Tours, Whale Watching, George Bush house Sighting, Etc
Contact: 207-967-5507
Nearby Attractions: Seashore Trolley Museum and Saco Museum
Address: 4 Western Avenue (Route 9), Kennebunk, Maine 04043

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5. Hardy Boat Cruises – New Harbor, ME

Hardy Boat Cruises is a family-operated business in New Harbor, ME. They provide the best cruise & ferry service to Monhegan Island. “Hardy III” was made in Kennebunk using a hull. It replaced “Hardy II” and began service in 1990. Initially, it was used as a ferry & puffin watching boat. There’s an upper observation deck to spot wildlife.

Various cruises like ferry services, puffin sight tours, seals spotting, Maine coast nature glimpsing, private charters, educational cruises, etc., are conducted. There are regular restrooms for guests on the boat. Snacks and drinks are also available. Hardy Boat Cruises are handicapped accessible.

Hardy Boat Cruises New Harbor Maine — Hardy Boat Cruises

Unique Experiences: Bird Watching, Puffin Watching, Educational Tours, Etc
Contact: 207-677-2026
Nearby Attractions: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Squirrel Point Light
Address: 129 State Route 32, New Harbor, Maine 04554

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6. Lucky Catch Cruises – Portland, Maine

Lucky Catch Cruise (40 ft) was launched in December 2007. The boat carries passengers during summer and engages in the lobster business for the remaining year. Maine lobster tours are also conducted. Each tour lasts for about 90 minutes (approx) & provides a personal lobstering experience to visitors.

Other marine creatures caught along with lobsters are put in a live see-thru tank. At day end, these are thrown back into the sea. Lucky Catch Cruise also organizes private charters like corporate outings, birthday parties, cocktail cruises, island dining transportation, and birdwatching tours. The company can arrange any custom charter as per customers’ demand.

Unique Experiences: Live See-Thru Watch Tank, Personal Lobstering Experience, Purchase Lobster at Wholesale Price, Etc
Contact: (207) 761-0941
Nearby Attractions: Bug Light and Portland Downtown
Address: 170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

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7. Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours – Commercial St, ME

Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours offers various charter transportation & sightseeing tours. Both are available via sea (boat) and land (trolley). The company has three charter boats- Bay View, Harbor Queen, and Islander. Each can accommodate both small & large group functions. Catering, entertainment, restrooms, and bar facilities are available on all boats.

Boats at Portland Discovery are U.S. Coast Guard certified. The company organizes corporate events, parties, weddings, family reunions, dinner rehearsals, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. A special “Private Group Lobster Bakes” event is also available. It involves dining lobster onboard while cruising around Casco Bay.

Unique Experiences: Lighthouse Sunset Tour, Live Music, Private Group Lobster Bake Activity, etc
Contact: (207) 774-0808
Nearby Attractions: Bug Light and Portland Downtown
Address: 170 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

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8. Sea Princess Cruises – Northeast Harbor, Maine

Sea Princess Cruise is a professionally curated boat excursion in Maine. The company launches many daily trips from Northeast Harbor. They only sail out in protected & calm waters. Sea Princess organizes many events & functions, such as private scenic cruises, catered parties to Somes Sound Fjord, transportation to the Cranberry Islands, etc.

Tours such as Acadia National Park MORNING Cruise, Seals & Fjord Cruise, Acadia National Park AFTERNOON Cruise, Sunset Cruise, and others are available.

Unique Experiences: Wildlife Sighting, Enjoying The Sight Of Fishermen In Abs, Variety Of Tour Packages, etc
Contact: 207-276-5352
Nearby Attractions: Thunder Hole and Carroll Homestead
Address: 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, United States

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9. Rugosa Lobster Tours – Sanford, Maine

Rugosa Lobster Tours was founded by Captain Bob Danzilo in 2011. Rugosa conducts it and is the most popular in Sanford. The company organizes lobster tours on an old wooden Downeast-style boat.

The company organizes Maine’s most educational, personal, and exclusive boat tours. Rugosa Lobster Tour starts from Kennebunk Riverfront at Nonantum Resort & Marina.

Unique Experiences: Scenic View Of The Coastline, Availability Of Sea Bands, Purchase Of Hats & Shirts, Educational Tour, etc
Contact: 207-468-4095
Nearby Attractions: Blowing Cave Park and Seashore Trolley Museum
Address: 95 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, United States

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10. Lulu Lobster Boat Ride – Bar Harbor, ME

Lulu Lobster Boat Ride is a top-rated boat cruise in Maine. They organize lobster tours on an old wooden Downeast-style boat. The tour starts from Bar Harbor Waterfront at Harborside Hotel & Marina. Activities such as sightseeing, lobster fishing, and seal watching.

Boat tours by Lulu let visitors see various privately owned islands closely. Marine wildlife like the famous bald eagle can be sighted. Glimpses of mesmerizing summer cottages along Mount Desert Island coast are viewed. During favorable weather, the Lulu Lobster Boat Ride takes visitors close to Egg Rock Lighthouse.

Unique Experiences: Lobster Fishing, Glimpsing Summer Cottages, Sight Egg Rock Lighthouse, Etc
Contact: 207-288-3136
Nearby Attractions: Agamont Park and Wild Gardens of Acadia
Address: 55 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States

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11. Finestkind Inc – Ogunquit, Maine

Oscar & Eleanor Hubbard started Finestkind Scenic Cruises in 1956. Initially, it began as a single-boat operation. Currently, there are three motor vessels in operation. Finestkind Cruises operates from May 1st to the middle of October. The company conducts over 15 trips daily.

Four vessels are Finestkind I, Finestkind II, Finestkind III, and The Cricket. All vessels are U.S. Coast Guard certified. Various tours, such as Scenic breakfast cruises, Nubble lighthouse cruises, Lobstering trips, Cocktail cruises, Sailing cruises, etc., are conducted.

Unique Experiences: Nubble Lighthouse Tour, Learn Lobster Catching, Etc
Contact: 207-646-5227
Nearby Attractions: Ogunquit Heritage Museum and York’s Wild Kingdom
Address: 70 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907, United States

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12. Camden Harbor Cruises – Camden, ME

Camden Harbor Cruises provides relaxing sea tours in Maine. This excursion takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey around Penobscot Bay & Camden Harbor. Guests can see seaside mansions, majestic lighthouses, famous windjammers, etc. Wildlife like bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and osprey are sighted. There are two vessels- M/V Lively Lady and M/V Periwinkle.

A trip organized by Camden Harbor Cruises is perfect for kids. Children get to learn about hauling lobster traps and more. Tours like Eco-Tour, Lobstering & Lighthouse Cruise, Sunday Morning Lighthouse Cruise, Morning Lobster Haul, Grindle Point Lighthouse Excursion, etc., are conducted.

Unique Experience: Sighting Penobscot Bay And Camden Harbor, Educational Tour For Kids, Lobster Catching, Famous Eco Tours, Etc
Contact: 207-236-6672
Nearby Attractions: Curtis Island Lighthouse and Camden Hills State Park
Address: 15 Public Lndg, Camden, ME 04843, United States

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13. Island Cruises – Bass Harbor, ME

Island Cruises is a 30-year-old family-owned tour operator that offers leisurely boat tours of Acadia and Bass Harbor’s outer Islands. The spectacular sights of wildlife, such as seals, eagles, osprey, etc., are sighted.

Their primary vessel, “R.L. Gott,” is a 40-foot, lobster-style passenger boat with a capacity of 49 people. Other custom charters include “Fifinella” & “Monterey.” Both accommodate six people and provide private tours.

Services like nature cruises and private charters like fishing charters, sightseeing charters, and sailboat charters are available.

Unique Experience: A Trip To The Islands Of Maine, Lobstering Experience, Private Charter Tours, Etc
Contact: 207-244-5785
Nearby Attractions: Seawall Acadia National Park and Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park
Address: 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653, United States

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14. Sail Schooner Heron – Rockport, ME

Sail Schooner Heron, also known as the “best-kept secret” of Maine, was launched in 2003 and has been used in many movies. Now, the company takes passengers on sailing tours along Maine’s mid-coast daily. Guests enjoy a beautiful view of historic Rockport Harbor coastal waters of Rockland & Camden.

The company offers two private sails and an educational tour in the morning. In the evening, a “Happy Hour Sunset Sail” is conducted. They also organize many other special event sails.

Unique Experience: Unique Morning And Evening Tours, 52′ Of Deck Space, View Of Rockland Shoreline, Etc
Contact: (207) 236-8605
Nearby Attractions: Bug Light and Agamont Park
Address: 111 Pascal Ave, Rockport, ME 04856, United States

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15. Cabbage Island Clambakes – Boothbay Harbor, ME

Cabbage Island Clambakes was established in 1956. It takes passengers on a beautiful tour of Boothbay Harbor. Visitors get to glimpse authentic Maine Clambakes en route to Cabbage Island. Their beautiful boat, “Bennie Alice,” sailed for around one hour. Various wildlife, bird species, marine creatures, flora, and fauna are sighted here.

On reaching the island, visitors are treated to traditional and authentic food. Favorite food items include fresh Maine sweet corn, steamed clams, lobster, potatoes, hard steamed eggs, etc. Cabbage Island Clambake organizes corporate events, company parties, weddings, family reunions, dinner rehearsals, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

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Unique Experience: Indoor And Outdoor Dining Options, Traditional Downeast Clambake Dishes, Sighting Of Historical Landmarks, Etc
Contact: 207-633-7200
Nearby Attractions: Saco Museum and Thunder Hole
Address: 22 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, United States

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16. Robertson Sea Tours – Milbridge, ME

Atlantic Edge Adventures owns both Robertson Sea Tours and Atlantic Edge Outfitters. It is a family-owned venture and has been in service since 2001. They organize a cruise to Petit Manan Island, which is enjoyable for bird lovers.

The 32-foot Kandi Leigh boat anchored by Captain Robertson will lead to sighting ospreys, eagles, seals, and Atlantic puffins. People can choose private charter boats to roam around the lighthouses to see local islands and wildlife.

Unique Experiences: Puffin Cruise, Lobster Fishing, Visit to Petit Manan Lighthouse and sighting various birds.
Contact: 207-461-7439
Nearby Attractions: Acadia National Park, Egg Rock Lighthouse
Address: 57 Bayview Street, Millbridge, Maine 04658

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17. Maine Duck Tours – Portland, Maine

Maine Duck Tours is one of the best tours for people to see Portland by land and sea. Visitors also get a chance to go to Casco Bay there. After surfing through the Casco Bay waters, Portland’s working waterfront and Calendar Islands are seen. There are many marine fauna that can be sighted during this trip.

People can go on a cruise in charters and groups on this tour. The boats here can accommodate a maximum of 36 members with a certain fee charged per head.

Unique Experiences: Visit Casco Bay, Sighting Portland’s Working Waterfront, and Calendar Island
Contact: 207-774-3825
Nearby Attractions: Portland Observatory, Bug Light
Address:177 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

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18. Damariscotta River Cruises – Damariscotta, ME

Damariscotta River Cruises organizes different kinds of tours for tourists. The Damariscotta River is famous for oyster farming, and seal watching is primarily available during summer. People can get wine tastings along with the oysters on the boat.

Happy hours and visiting the oyster farms in the fall are popular in this place. Private charter boats occupying 49 members are reservable with a deposit fee.

Many events like weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and cocktail parties occur on the boat, and tasty beverages are there for enjoyment.

Unique Experiences: Visit oyster farms, watch seals, and ride to Boothbay Harbor.
Contact: 207- 315-5544
Nearby Attractions: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Address: 147 Main Street Damariscotta, ME 04543

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19. Schooner Appledore II – Camden, Maine

Schooner Appledore II is a luxury cruise service in Camden. People can rent the Appledore II or Appledore Star for private parties and weddings. The charted sailboats are available in Maine from November to May. Appledore’s charted cruise service is also available in Key West Florida throughout the year.

Appledore II is the famous Windjammer in Maine for sailing worldwide on its first voyage. The Appledore Star is one of the last Bugeye Schooners of Maine. These 2-mastered handmade wooden schooners sail across the coastal line of Maine to give you a perfect sunset on the ocean. The ticket prices are $ 54.95- $59.95 for adults and $39.95 for Kids.

Private parties and weddings can be organized on board with a maximum of 49 people per boat. DJ and folksingers can be arranged for the special dates besides alcoholic beverages and food services on board.

Unique Experiences: Sunset Sail, Wedding Sail, Bugeye Backcountry Tour, Food and Alcoholic Beverage On Board.
Contact: (207) 236-8353
Nearby Attractions: Megunticook Falls, Camden Hills State Park.
Address: 18 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843, United States

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Find Boat Tours Near You

How to book Boat Tours in Maine?

Bookings are done online (website) and offline (company office). However, most companies provide limited operating hours and high call inflow due to the demand. It makes offline booking difficult.

Conclusion

The boat tours in Maine make us appreciate the state’s beauty even more. The views of Rockport Harbor, Rockland coastal water, Casco Bay, and many more look more stunning from a deck. Whether staying in Maine or just visiting, getting on a cruise should be on the “to-do list.” Carrying anti-nausea medicine is recommended if one suffers from seasickness.

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