Everyone talks about the open road, but here in Maine we’re all about the open water! Whether it’s rivers, lakes or the ocean, getting out into the fresh air on a boat is what the brief summer months are all about. But, you don’t need to scramble to find friends with boats to enjoy it. Instead, hop on one of these unique boat trips to see all Maine has to offer in the way of water adventures. These boat trips to take in Maine will fill your summer with fun and give you some great memories with friends and family.
- Portland Paddle, Portland
HelenaGuerra / TripAdvisor We recommend checking out this outfit, but there are also a number of great kayak and SUP rental options throughout the state. We love that a paddle from shore to Fort Gorges is doable, while still feeling like an accomplishment! Visit them at 1 Cutter Street, East End Beach Portland / 207-323-3052
- The Downeast Duck, Portland
management / TripAdvisor Learn about the history of Portland on this part bus, part boat open air tour. Knowledgeable guides will expertly answer questions and keep everyone entertained throughout the trip. But, the best part is definitely cruising around Casco Bay! Trips run from May through October and cost about $30. They’re located at 77 Commercial Street in Portland / 207-774-3825
- Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater, Bar Harbor
ezymove / TripAdvisor Diver Ed might be the most entertaining tour guide in all of Maine! He gets rave reviews for the way he interacts with his guests, making everyone feel included from kids to adults and everyone in between. A trip on this boat entails Diver Ed heading overboard to explore the sea beneath the boat. He then uses cameras to show the folks on board what he’s seeing. Bits are brought back on for hands-on learning and fun! Visit them at 105 Eden Street in Bar Harbor / 207-288-3483
- The Mailboat Run, Portland
wise_travels / TripAdvisor This special route is a also a part of the Casco Bay Lines offering. But, instead of a destination, the beauty of this trip is in the trip itself. Many of the island dotting Casco Bay can’t rely on a local post office to deliver their mail. Instead, it comes we few times on a week aboard the mailboat! Take this trip to experience a route that goes to some of the most wonderful island in Maine.
- Rugosa Lobster Tours, Kennebunkport
Mario F / TripAdvisor If it’s a classic New England experience you crave, this boat trip is for you. The Rugosa is a traditional, wooden Downeast style lobster boat offering personal and educational trips from the Kennebunk River waterfront at the Nonantum Resort & Marina. Catch lobsters and learn all about the local sea creatures while Bob and his crew will take you on a trip you’ll never forget. Trips start at $35 a person. Find them at 95 Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport / 207-468-4095. They take reservations online as well.
- Portland Schooner Co., Portland
Portland Schooner Co. / Facebook This classic sailboat ride is arguably the best way to enjoy a Portland-based sunset! There are two boats in this fleet: the Bagheera and the Wendameen. Both are wooden schooners built in the early 20th century. Feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages while you sail around the bay enjoying the salty smells and sea water! You’ll find them at the Maine State Pier in Portland / 207-766-2500
- A Casco Bay Lines trip, Casco Bay
Casco Bay Lines / Facebook This fleet of boats is both utilitarian and fun. Ferries will take passengers from Portland to islands like Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Diamond Cove, Long Island, Cliff Island. Chebeague, and Bailey Island. Get off, walk around and hop back on the next ferry to make it a full day. You can find more information on schedules and rates on their website. Mail is delivered twice a day throughout the year and you can even bring your dog on the trip. Expect to pay about $16 or one adult roundtrip ticket. You can find them at 56 Commercial Street in Portland / 207-774-7871
- The Songo River Queen II, Naples
Songo River Queen II / Facebook Boat trips in Maine don’t have to mean the open ocean. This unique trip takes place on a privately built replica of the well-known Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. But, rather than views of the Mississippi, visitors at treated to sights such as the Causeway, Mt. Washington, Birch Point, Long Island, Arrowhead Point and Arrowhead Lodge, Camp Takajo, Pine Island, and Pleasant Mountain. Trips are either one or two hours and cost $15 and $25 for one adult. They’re located at Route 302, The Causeway, 841 Roosevelt Trail in Naples / 207-693-6861
- U.S. Rafting, West Forks
Sarah G / TripAdvisor While not a boat trip in the traditional sense, this rafting outfitter in western Maine will certainly allow you to enjoy the water! With trips that float down the Kennebec River, Dead River or Penobscot River, there a ton of beautiful scenery to be seen! Be prepared for some rapids, anything between Class III and Class V. Visit them at 2981 US Route 201, West Forks/ 207-323-3052
For another way to enjoy Maine’s coast, check out this beloved waterfront restaurant. It’s a veritable institution in Portland and you’ll be coming back over and over again!
HelenaGuerra / TripAdvisor
We recommend checking out this outfit, but there are also a number of great kayak and SUP rental options throughout the state. We love that a paddle from shore to Fort Gorges is doable, while still feeling like an accomplishment! Visit them at 1 Cutter Street, East End Beach Portland / 207-323-3052
management / TripAdvisor
Learn about the history of Portland on this part bus, part boat open air tour. Knowledgeable guides will expertly answer questions and keep everyone entertained throughout the trip. But, the best part is definitely cruising around Casco Bay! Trips run from May through October and cost about $30. They’re located at 77 Commercial Street in Portland / 207-774-3825
ezymove / TripAdvisor
Diver Ed might be the most entertaining tour guide in all of Maine! He gets rave reviews for the way he interacts with his guests, making everyone feel included from kids to adults and everyone in between. A trip on this boat entails Diver Ed heading overboard to explore the sea beneath the boat. He then uses cameras to show the folks on board what he’s seeing. Bits are brought back on for hands-on learning and fun! Visit them at 105 Eden Street in Bar Harbor / 207-288-3483
wise_travels / TripAdvisor
This special route is a also a part of the Casco Bay Lines offering. But, instead of a destination, the beauty of this trip is in the trip itself. Many of the island dotting Casco Bay can’t rely on a local post office to deliver their mail. Instead, it comes we few times on a week aboard the mailboat! Take this trip to experience a route that goes to some of the most wonderful island in Maine.
Mario F / TripAdvisor
If it’s a classic New England experience you crave, this boat trip is for you. The Rugosa is a traditional, wooden Downeast style lobster boat offering personal and educational trips from the Kennebunk River waterfront at the Nonantum Resort & Marina. Catch lobsters and learn all about the local sea creatures while Bob and his crew will take you on a trip you’ll never forget. Trips start at $35 a person. Find them at 95 Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport / 207-468-4095. They take reservations online as well.
Portland Schooner Co. / Facebook
This classic sailboat ride is arguably the best way to enjoy a Portland-based sunset! There are two boats in this fleet: the Bagheera and the Wendameen. Both are wooden schooners built in the early 20th century. Feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages while you sail around the bay enjoying the salty smells and sea water! You’ll find them at the Maine State Pier in Portland / 207-766-2500
Casco Bay Lines / Facebook
This fleet of boats is both utilitarian and fun. Ferries will take passengers from Portland to islands like Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Diamond Cove, Long Island, Cliff Island. Chebeague, and Bailey Island. Get off, walk around and hop back on the next ferry to make it a full day. You can find more information on schedules and rates on their website. Mail is delivered twice a day throughout the year and you can even bring your dog on the trip. Expect to pay about $16 or one adult roundtrip ticket. You can find them at 56 Commercial Street in Portland / 207-774-7871
Songo River Queen II / Facebook
Boat trips in Maine don’t have to mean the open ocean. This unique trip takes place on a privately built replica of the well-known Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. But, rather than views of the Mississippi, visitors at treated to sights such as the Causeway, Mt. Washington, Birch Point, Long Island, Arrowhead Point and Arrowhead Lodge, Camp Takajo, Pine Island, and Pleasant Mountain. Trips are either one or two hours and cost $15 and $25 for one adult. They’re located at Route 302, The Causeway, 841 Roosevelt Trail in Naples / 207-693-6861
Sarah G / TripAdvisor
While not a boat trip in the traditional sense, this rafting outfitter in western Maine will certainly allow you to enjoy the water! With trips that float down the Kennebec River, Dead River or Penobscot River, there a ton of beautiful scenery to be seen! Be prepared for some rapids, anything between Class III and Class V. Visit them at 2981 US Route 201, West Forks/ 207-323-3052
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