Guide to Lighthouse Boat Tours,
Windjammers, and Ferry Services
in Maine
Grindle Point Lighthouse
(Heading North)
Below is a list of boat tours and cruises that offer specific lighthouse cruises along Maine's coast from the Kittery border, through Portland and Casco Bay, the Boothbay region, Rockland, Camden, midcoast Maine and its many islands along Penobscot Bay, through the Acadia region, and northward to downeast Maine. While some may offer specific lighthouse cruises, some will pass by lighthouses as part of charters, narrated wildlife and historic tours, while ferrying passengers, during whale watching adventures, windjamming sailing, fishing tours, and other types of excursions. For additional convenience, you'll also find ferry info that provides access to some of the islands where you will find lighthouses stationed. Enjoy!
Southern Maine |
Boothbay Region |
Port Clyde and Monhegan Island |
|---|---|---|
Rockland- Camden Region |
Maine Islands and Penobscot Bay |
Acadia and Downeast Maine |
Boat Tours for Lighthouses
in Southern Maine
Lighthouses built along southern Maine's coastline helped to guide shipping traffic between Portsmouth and Portland harbors, and for the many lobstermen and fishermen earning their living coming into these coastal harbors. There are also treacherous ledges and shoals offshore that needed lighthouses and buoys placed on due to the many shipwrecks that occurred by these formations.
Whaleback Light
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.
Provides Portsmouth Harbor and Isles of Shoals tours in New Hampshire passing by Whaleback Lighthouse on the Maine side and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on the New Hampshire side while entering and leaving the harbor. They offer half and full day excursions out to the Isles of Shoals to explore Star Island with a nice view of White Island lighthouse nearby. In the fall they offer a fall foliage tour that goes out to Nubble light and out to Boon Island light. It is the largest vessel on the seacoast and offers dinner and nightlife cruises as well.
315 Market Street,
P.O. Box 311
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-5500
(800) 441-4620
Lighthouses: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (NH), White Island Light (NH), Whaleback Lighthouse (ME), Boon Island Lighthouse (ME), Nubble Lighthouse (ME)
New England Eco Adventures
For those with a sense of adventure, ride a fast, Navy S.E.A.L Rigid Inflatable Boat (R.I.B) that glides over the water. The boat takes up to 14 passengers, so everyone gets great views and photos. They offer whale-watching, nature, and lighthouse tours that include an "Ultimate Lighthouse Tour" around Casco Bay from Portland Harbor to see up to seven lighthouses.
8 Western Ave
Kennebunk, ME 04043
(207) 502-8040
matt@newenglandecoadventures.com
Lighthouses: Cape Neddick Light, Boon Island Light, Goat Island Light, and Wood Island Light
Finest Kind Scenic Cruises
Provides scenic coastal and wildlife tours as part of their breakfast cruise. They also provide, sailing cruises on a traditional wooden lobstering vessel used over 100 years ago, and a lobstering trip where you can see lobster traps being hauled in as many lobstermen do every day. There is also a Nubble Lighthouse cruise that takes you around the lighthouse for some unique views, and up along the rocky coast.
70 Perkins Cove Road
Ogunquit, ME 03907
Phone:
(207) 646-5227
Lighthouse: Cape Neddick (Nubble) Light
Friends Of Wood Island Lighthouse
The Friends of Wood island Lighthouse offer daily water shuttles to Wood Island during the summer months. Visitors can then take a narrated tour of Wood island Lighthouse and may also have a chance to climb the lighthouse tower for some great scenic views.
P.O. Box 26
Biddeford Pool, Maine 04006
Email: fowil1806@gmail.com
Phone: (207) 200-4552
Lighthouse: Wood Island Light
Maine Duck Tours
Ride these amphibious vehicles through Portland and into the coastal water as they pass by Portland’s Lighthouses.
177 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 774-DUCK(3825)
Email: info@maineducks.com
Lighthouses: Spring Point Ledge Light and Portland Breakwater Light
Portland Discovery
Offers specific lighthouse cruises including the "Sunset Lighthouse Cruise", "Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise", and the "Lighthouse Lover's Tour."
Long Wharf
Portland ME
Phone: (207) 774-0808
Lighthouses: Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light
Lucky Catch Cruises
Lobster boat cruises that show you how to haul in lobsters, and also include a "Portland Head Light Cruise."
170 Commercial St.
Portland, Maine 04101
Phone: (207) 761-0941
E-Mail: info@luckycatch.com
Lighthouses: Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light
Windjammers and Sailing Excursions
Sailing cruises mentioned below offer many types of excursions. They may pass by various lighthouses from a distance but there are no guarantees of sightings, as wind direction and weather is always a major factor in New England. For more details about sailing on authentic windjammers and sailing excursions select the "Windjammers and Sailing Cruises" link on the left panel. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds you and always prepare before you board.
Schooner Eleanor
The 55-foot Schooner Eleanor was built in Kennebunkport by Captain Rich and a crew of local craftsmen as a replica of a traditional gaff-rigged two-masted schooner that would have sailed in the 1930s. Visitors can sail in this beautifully crafted vessel in choosing either morning, midday, and evening 2-hour sails down the mouth of the Kennebunk River and along rocky coastal shores, and they provide private charters.
43 Ocean Avenue
P.O. Box 572
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Phone: (207) 967-8809
E-mail: schoonersails@gwi.net
Lighthouse: Goat Island Light
The Pineapple Ketch
For those who want a more private authentic sailing experience, sail with the Pineapple Ketch. She is a restored 38’ downeaster ketch, built in 1976 with distinctive tanbark sails. This small vessel had sailed down the East Coast and along the Caribbean and around Florida. There are morning, mid-day, and sunset 2-hour sails, private charters are available, and she can accommodate up to 14 people.
95 Ocean Avenue
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Phone: (207) 888-2445
Email: info@pineappleketch.com
Lighthouse: Goat Island Light
Deep Cove Sailing
The Halie & Matthew is one of the largest fiberglass schooners built in Maine, measuring 115 feet in length with beautiful woodwork in her interior. She is co-owned and operated by Captain Suzanne Driscoll, who provides a 2 1/2- hour cruise along Casco Bay in Portland which includes views of Portland area lighthouses.
Berlin Mills Wharf, Portland, Maine
Phone: (207) 420-5682
Email: deepcovesailing@gmail.com
Lighthouses: Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Head Light
The Portland Schooner Company
They provide two-hour windjammer cruises on Casco Bay in Portland with morning, afternoon, and sunset sails, and private charters. There are four sailing ships that have been restored to their original condition from the early 1900s and 1930s. The Bagheera won races in the 1920s and spent much time cruising the world's oceans. The Heart's Desire, built in 1925, was used as a charter vessel along the Eastern seaboard in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The Timberwind is a large 96-foot two-masted schooner that was built in 1931 and used as a pilot vessel in meeting incoming vessels outside the harbor and guiding them to their berths. The 88-foot schooner Wendameen, was built in East Boothbay, Maine, and launched in 1912, in the golden era of fast, sleek ocean schooners. There are also special event sails from rum history and tasting tours to live music happy hour sails with local artists, and overnight excursion aboard the Wendameen and the Bagheera.
Maine State Pier, Portland, Maine 04101
Phone: (207) 766-2500
E-mail: sails@portlandschooner.com
Lighthouse: Portland Breakwater Light (Bug Light), Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Portland Head Light
Maine Sailing Adventures
For those who want an authentic sailing experience, the 74-foot Frances was built as a replica of a working coastal pilot cutter that sailed the waters of New England nearly 200 years ago. With her mast rising 80-feet above the water using only her five sails and a yawl boat for propulsion, she offers morning, afternoon, and sunset 2-hour sails. Special event sails include Wine Sails, Acoustic Sails, and unique Yoga Sails are scheduled.
Maine State Pier, Portland, Maine
Phone: (207) 967-8809
Lighthouses: Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, Portland Head Light
Sea Escape Cottages and Charters
Visitors can stay in nearby cottages with views of the ocean, and they provide charters from Bailey Island to Halfway Rock Light. Sailing charters aboard the Schooner Alert, a 70-ft Maine built wooden tall-ship, include day and sunset sails, two-hour Harpswell sail, 3-hour schooner sail, four-hour sailing around the islands tour, and a six-hour cruise around Casco Bay that may include views of Portland lighthouses, along with special event sails. For those who prefer the smaller more private sailing vessels, they also provide private charters aboard the Ketch Tevake, and the Friendship Sloop Gannet, built in 1903 as a Maine lobster sailing boat.
P.O. Box 7
23 Sea Escape Lane
Bailey Island, Maine 04003
Phone: (207) 833-5531 or (207) 841-9125 (cell)
E-mail: seaesc@gmail.com or tevakesailingcharters@hotmail.com
Lighthouse: Halfway Rock Light
Boat Tours for Lighthouses
Along the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor
Between the Kennebec River and Pemaquid Point, the Boothbay Region with its many islands and connected waterways had lighthouses built for guiding many of its local mariners along quiet harbors, and for the increasing shipping traffic between both Bath and Rockland ports.
Seguin Island Lighthouse
Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch and Scenic Nature Cruises
Various trips include lighthouses all along the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor. During the summer season offers daily excursions to lighthouses taking various coastal route you can choose from. Also offers trips for whale watching and fishing.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
(207)-633-3244
(207)-633-2626
Or toll free 1-800-636-3244
Lighthouses: Seguin Island Lighthouse, Perkins Island Lighthouse, Squirrel Point Light, Doubling Point Light, Doubling Point Range Lights (Kennebec Range Lights), Pond Island Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, Hendricks Head Light, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
Schooner Eastwind and Schooner Applejack
Both schooner sailing vessels offer predominently 2-hour day sails, sunset sails, or private charter adventures on Boothbay Harbor’s oldest windjammers. Sails include wildlife, sunset, and local lighthouses around Boothbay Harbor. Depending on weather conditions visitors may be able to view Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, or Burnt Island Light.
Pier Six
20 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Email: info@boothbaysailing.com
Phone: (207) 633-6598
RippleSmith Sailing
Providing various sailing adventures and training on a classic 1968 sailing vessel, including a half day charter tour to see 10 lighthouses on offshore islands and up the Kennebec River. Captain Shawn Mercer also provides a sailing cruise in northern Casco Bay to view Halfway Rock Light.
He provides ferry service on a 22-foot powerboat to and from Seguin Island for visitors of the lighthouse during the summer. Visitors would depart from Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, Maine. They will need to be able to hike up a steep hill to the lighthouse.
29 Kenyon Rd,
Sebasco Estates, ME 04565
Lighthouses: Seguin Island Lighthouse, Perkins Island Lighthouse, Squirrel Point Light, Doubling Point Light, Doubling Point Range Lights (Kennebec Range Lights), Pond Island Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, Hendricks Head Light, Halfway Rock Light
Maine Maritime Museum
Provides frequent lighthouse tours along the Kennebec River and Boothbay Harbor, along with wildlife tours.
243 Washington Street
Bath, ME 04530
Phone: (207) 443-1316
Fax: (207) 443-1665
Lighthouses: Seguin Island Lighthouse, Perkins Island Lighthouse, Squirrel Point Light. Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Pond Island Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, Hendricks Head Light.
River Run Tours
A different and relaxed way to view lighthouses, natural rock formations, and wildlife aboard a chartered pontoon boat. Has various lighthouse tours, including a seven-hour "Ten Lighthouse Tour".
River Run Tours, Inc.
28 Walnut Point
Woolwich, Maine 04578
(207) 504-BOAT(2628)
Lighthouses: Perkins Island Lighthouse, Squirrel Point Light, Pond Island Light, Doubling Point Light, Doubling Point Range Lights, Burnt Island Light, Ram Island Light, Squirrel Island Light, Cuckolds Lighthouse, and Hendricks Head Light
Balmy Days Cruises
Offers special lighthouse tours including a Sunrise Photography Lighthouse Cruise. You can take a 3-hour tour and hike around Burnt Island, visit inside Burnt Island lighthouse and meet the keeper, his wife, and the children who will talk to you about life at the lighthouse in 1950. You can take a trip out to Monhegan Island and visit Monhegan Island Lighthouse. Other lighthouse excursions also available, along with fishing and whale watching trips.
Pier 8
42 Commercial St.
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
(207) 633-2284 or
(800) 298-2284
info@balmydayscruises.com
Lighthouses: Burnt Island Lighthouse, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Monhegan Island Light, Squirrel Point Lighthouse
Friendship Sloop Sarah Mead
Sails out from a special location by the Spruce Point Inn for around two hours around Boothbay Harbor. It passes lighthouses, islands, and hauls lobsters on a fully authentic wooden sloop sailboat. Includes fishing and lobstering. Up to six passengers per tour.
Spruce Point
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
(207) 380-5460
Email: Captains@SailMuscongus.com (Captain Nate and Chief Randy)
Lighthouses: The Cuckolds Lighthouse, Burnt Island Lighthouse, Hendricks Head Light, Ram Island Lighthouse, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Seguin Island Lighthouse
Boat Tours and Ferries for
Lighthouses in the Port Clyde Region
and Access to Monhegan Island
The lighthouses in the western Penobscot Bay area were built to protect shipping traffic containing granite from nearby quarries, and lumber and fishing industries on route along a dangerous stretch of reefs, ledges and islands. This area is also one of the foggiest on the Maine coastline, located north of the Boothbay Region with its many islands and connected waterways.
Monhegan Island Lighthouse
Port Clyde Kayaks
Provide kayaking tours around Marshall Point Lighthouse and Muscongus Bay area.
Port Clyde, Maine
(207) 372-8100
Lighthouse: Marshall Point Lighthouse
Monhegan Boat Line
Ferry leaves out of Port Clyde to Monhegan Island daily during the summer months where you can hike up to Monhegan Island Lighthouse from the dock. They also provide a special Maine Lighthouse Tour around the Port Clyde area.
P.O. Box 238
Port Clyde, Maine 04855
Tel: (207) 372-8848
Fax: (207) 372-8547
barstow@monheganboat.com
Lighthouses: Monhegan Island Light, Marshall Point Light, Whitehead Lighthouse, Two Bush Island Light. Tenants Harbor Lighthouse
Hardy Boat Cruises
In addition to wildlife and historical tours, they provide ferry services out to Monhegan Island. They provide a special July 4th fireworks cruise than includes views of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Ram Island Lighthouse. They offer a puffin cruise, and a nature and seal watching cruise that includes going out to Franklin Island Lighthouse.
PO Box 326
New Harbor, Maine 04554
1-800-2-PUFFIN
(207) 677-2026
Lighthouses: Monhegan Island Lighthouse, Ram Island Lighthouse, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, and Franklin Island Lighthouse
Windjammer Cruises Out of
Rockland, Rockport, and Camden
Much of Maine’s windjammer fleet is situated in this region. Schooner windjammer sailing cruises mentioned below may offer many types of cruises. While most may offer specific lighthouse cruises, some may pass by lighthouses up and down the Maine coast as part of sailing charters, narrated wildlife and historic tours, and other types of excursions from Camden Harbor, Rockport, or Rockland. You’ll find most windjammer cruises come out of Camden or Rockland and will definitely pass by lighthouses. For more details about sailing on authentic windjammers and sailing excursions select the "Windjammers and Sailing Cruises" link on the left panel. Weather is also a major factor in New England, especially on sailing excursions, as it determines that day's course. Lighthouses are not listed here due to the changing weather conditions, and all here will pass by lighthouses.
Schooner Lewis R. French
Built in 1871, this is the last schooner remaining of thousands built in Maine during the 19th century. This is Maine's oldest active schooner offering 3, 4, and 6-day sailing vacations along Maine’s coast. They have specific event cruises, fall foliage, music and birding cruises. They also have specific four and six-night lighthouse cruises. Designated as a National Historic Landmark.
P.O. Box 992,
Camden ME 04843
Phone: 1-800-469-4635
E-mail: captain@schoonerfrench.com
Schooner Heron
For those who are looking for enjoyable 2-hour day and evening sails, this 65-foot schooner provides 3 trips each day out of Rockport Harbor and sails along the shores from Camden to Rockland. Tours include an Indian Island Light and Eco Tour, Private Morning Sail, Maine Lunch Sail, and a Happy Hour Sunset Sail.
212 Molyneaux Road, Camden ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-8605
E-mail: schoonerheron@gmail.com
Schooner Angelique
Schooner Angelique offers weekly wildlife, wine, wellness, and photography cruises. Offers special lighthouse cruises in July and August, and has cruises that explore the Acadia region.
P.O. Box 736
Camden, Maine 04843-0736
Phone: (800) 282-9989
Email: windjam@sailangelique.com
Schooner J. & E. Riggin
Built in 1927, this 120-foot two-masted schooner has Kids, Knitting, Maine Food, and Music overnight cruises. It also has special 3 and 4 day “Lighthouses and Lobsters” cruises.
1 (800) 869-0604 or(207) 594-1875
Windjammer Wharf
3 Captain Spear Dr, Rockland, Maine 04841
Schooner American Eagle
Sails on cruises of varying lengths, from three to nine days as lighthouses, wildlife, and unspoiled scenery are part of every trip from Rockland, to Gloucester, Massachusetts, to the Canadian border. The ship is a two-masted National Historic Landmark, uses a wood stove for preparing all meals as culinary delights.
P.O. Box 482, 11 Front Street, Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-8007 or (800) 648-4544
Schooner Stephen Taber and Schooner Ladona
The Stephen Tabor is a classic 140-year old schooner offering three to six-night sailing trips. She is the oldest documented sailing vessel in continuous service in the United States. Excursions include a Wine, Cheese, Gastronomy sail, exploring culinary delights and wines, music trips, and other events. The Schooner Ladona is a restored 1922 82-foot ocean racing yacht with modern conveniences. She is used to discover special areas around the Acadia region with culinary delights. Offering three to seven-night excursions from June through October along the coast of Maine for a small group of up to 17 guests.
Windjammer Wharf
P.O. Box 1050, Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-4723 (Stephen Taber), (207) 542-5958 (Ladona) or (800) 999-7352
Email: info@stephentaber.com
Email: info@schoonerladona.com
Maine Windjammer Cruises
Offers many windjammer cruises to suit any tourist’s needs, in operation since 1936. They offer the Swift as a more private sailing vessel that carries up to six passengers for a unique private ride. Weekly and weekend cruises along the Maine coast and Penobscot Bay, including fall foliage cruises.
P.O. Box 617 Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-2938 or (800) 736-7981
Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl
The schooner Olad is a completely restored, classic yacht built in 1927. Provides daily 2-hour, half day, full day sailing charters, and sunset sails, along with various event sails, departing from Camden Harbor. They also have the sailing vessel Owl for special charters.
P.O. Box 432 Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-2323
Email: info@maineschooners.com
Schooner Mary Day
This magnificent 125-foot vessel in overall length was designed exclusively for the windjammer trade and makes her home in Camden, Maine. Tours include a 4-night lighthouse cruise in June, natural history, races, and various events cruises, along with unique cruises with no itinerary, just to sail and relax under a new moon. Has heat in every cabin.
10 Atlantic Ave, P.O. Box 798, Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (800) 992-2218
Schooner Surprise
This small 57-foot racing schooner built in 1918, offers two-hour windjammer cruises around Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Provides sunset sails, birding and marine life tour, wine tasting, and full moon sails with live music. You can also book more private sails on the sloop Anjacaa for 2-hour sails.
1 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-4687
Email: sail@schoonersurprise.com
Schooner Appledore
This wooden 86-foot schooner cruises out of Camden into Penobscot Bay at least three times a day, seven days a week. Day and sunset sails include wildlife, sunsets, and local lighthouses. Focuses on offering private charters.
18 Bayview Landing, Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 593-2023
Email: resdesk@schoonerappledore.com
Schooner Grace Bailey
This 2-masted 80-foot lumber carrier was built in Long Island, New York, in 1882. This completely restored 19th century schooner measures 123 feet in overall length along the deck. Three to six night sails for various events, including participating in schooner races or regattas, lots of music, and sometimes island stopovers.
P.O. Box 1401, Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 691-9521
Email: info@sailgracebailey.com
Lighthouse Boat Tours
Out of Rockland, Rockport, and Camden
Lighthouses established in the Rockland and Camden areas were used to guide many fishing vessels and traffic from the mining of lime for construction in nearby Rockland and Thomaston between numerous dangerous rocky ledges and shoreline. Other industries, in addition to fishing, involved granite quarrying, steamship transportation, and ice harvesting making Rockland Harbor as one of the busiest places on the Maine coast.
Curtis Island Lighthouse
Camden Harbor Cruises
Provides 1-hour Lighthouse Lobster Tour from Camden, and a 3-hour Sunday Lighthouse Cruise aboard a classic wooden motor vessel, the Lively Lady. They also provide trips out to Islesboro Island on Sunday afternoons, to explore Grindle Point Light and the Sailor's Museum next door.
16 Camden Public Landing,
Box 1315, Camden, ME 04843
Phone: (207) 236-6672
Lighthouses: Curtis Island, Indian Island, Owls Head, Browns Head, Rockland Breakwater, Grindle Point
Bufflehead Sailing Charters
Sails with small private charters of up to six people from Rockland on a 32-foot wooden gaff sloop. It offers a range of daysails, lobster bakes, picnics, and custom excursions. They try to catch views of at least two lighthouses in each trip.
Captain Daniel Bennett
3 Squiggle Hollow Lane
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: Text don't call (207) 691-5407
Inland Local Lighthouse
On Lake Cobbosseecontee
This is the only inland lighthouse in Maine on Lake Cobbosseecontee. You'd have to break away from the coastline, but the area is scenic and restful.
Ladies Delight Lighthouse
Cobbosseecontee Lake Association
May provide a lighthouse tour by special request for a small group. They are a volunteer organization so it depends on their schedule for availability. They are directly involved in sponsoring events that promote preservation and education of Lake Cobbosseecontee and the lighthouse.
P.O. Box 17
Manchester, ME 04351
E-Mail: lakecobb1@gmail.com
Boat Tours of Lighthouses
in Northern Penobscot Bay
and Maine's Island Regions
Penobscot Bay is Maine's largest coastal waterway. Approximately 30 miles long by 30 miles wide, it contains the major islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, Deer Isle, and Isle au Haut. These five large islands and numerous smaller ones provide protection from the open sea. A series of lighthouses were built to protect the increasing shipping traffic among these islands, and on some dangerous ledges in between, including the famous Matinicus Rock which is usually shrouded in fog and is situated about 25 miles from Rockland, Maine.
Grindle Point Lighthouse
Matinicus Excursions
Specializing in chartered lighthouse trips to Matinicus Rock Light, and special trips around Matinicus Rock, involving bird watching, seals, and other marine life. You can get great views of Matinicus Rock Light from the boat as well, depending on the cooperation of the weather. The boat is customized for comfort for visitors and also can be chartered as a water taxi from the mainland at Rockland, to Matinicus Island, and to Matinicus Rock Light, five miles away from Matinicus Island.
PO Box 195
Matinicus, Maine 04851
Phone: (207) 691-9030
Email: info@matinicusexcursions.com
Lighthouses: Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and Matinicus Rock Lighthouse
Maine State Ferry Service
Ferry to Matinicus Island, Vinalhaven, Northhaven, and Islesboro. From Vinalhaven Island you can drive or hike to Brown's Head Lighthouse and may see distant views of other lighthouses. At Islesboro Island Grindle Point Light is right by the dock. Where the ferry service leaves out of Rockland Harbor, visitors can get good views of Owl's Head Lighthouse, and Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. From Matinicus Island, you can get a charter from Matinicus Excursions mentioned above to get out to Matinicus Rock Lighthouse five miles away.
P.O. Box 645
517A Main Street
Rockland, Maine 04841-0645
Phone:. (207) 596-2202
1-800-491-4883
Ferry from Lincolnville to Islesboro
P.O. Box 214
Lincolnville, Maine 04849-0214
Phone: (207) 789-5611
Islesboro Terminal
Islesboro, Maine 04848-0011
Phone: (207) 734-6935
Ferry from Lincolnville to Islesboro
Takes you right to the dock where the Grindle Point Lighthouse is right next door.
P.O. Box 214
Lincolnville, Maine 04849-0214
Phone:. (207) 789-5611
Lighthouses to Access on the Islands: Grindle Point Light, Brown's Head Light
Isle au Haut Boat Company
Daily trips to Isle au Haut where you can hang out near the Isle au Haut lighthouse or hike. They also provide puffin and nature cruises. One a year, during lighthouse open house weekend in September, they provide two tours to ten lighthouses, weather permitting.
Sea Breeze Avenue
P.O. Box 709
Stonington, Maine 04681
Phone: (207) 367-6516
Fax: (207) 367-6503
www.isleauhaut.com
staige@together.net
Lighthouse: Isle au Haut Lighthouse
Eagle Island Mail Boat
Passes close by the Eagle Island Lighthouse
Eagle Island Rentals
Eagle Island
Sunset, ME, 04683.
Email: treenaeagleisland@gmail.com
Phone: (207) 701-9316
Lighthouses: Eagle Island Lighthouse
Boat Tours and Ferries
for Lighthouses Along
Maine’s Acadia Region
Mount Desert Island became an international tourist attraction in the nineteenth century as a main component of the Acadia National Park system. To accommodate the influx of international and American tourists from the sea, a series of lighthouses were built on and around Mount Desert Island. There are many islands in this area, and lighthouses were stationed on some to guide mariners through the Blue Hill and Frenchman Bays, and Somes Sound.
Bear Island Lighthouse
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
In addition to whale watching, nature, and fishing excursions, they provide three cruises that involve lighthouses. A Puffin and Lighthouse cruise, a park ranger tour that includes exploring Baker Island lighthouse, and a Somes Sound and Lighthouse Tour.
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Phone: (207) 288-2386 or 1-888-WHALES-4
Email: info@barharborwhales.com
Lighthouses Egg Rock Light, Winter Harbor Light, Baker Island Light, Petit Manan Light, and Bear Island Light.
Acadian Boat Tours
Acadian Boat Tours, out of Bar Harbor, uses four boats and offers various nature, puffin, and fishing cruises, along with 3 special lighthouse tours each week, and National Park tour that explores Baker Island lighthouse.
119 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Email: seadawg47@gmail.com
Phone (207) 801-2300
Lighthouses: Egg Rock Light, Bear Island Light, Baker Island Light, Petit Manan Light, Winter Harbor Light
The Swan’s Island Ferry
Operated by the Maine State Maine Ferry Service takes visitors out to Swan's Island where they can drive or hike to Burnt Coat Harbor Light.
(207) 624-7777
(800) 491-4883
(207) 244-3254
Lighthouses: Bass Harbor Light, Burnt Coat Harbor Light
Island Cruises
Narrated harbor cruise that passes by Bass Harbor Lighthouse.
Little Island Way
Bass Harbor, Maine
Phone: (207) 244-5785
Lighthouse: Bass Harbor Light
Downeast Windjammer and Cruise Lines
Provides ferry service from Bar Harbor to Schoodic Peninsula in Winter Harbor, also access to Little Cranberry Island and Southwest Harbor. Various Windjammer cruises like a schooner sunset sail, a morning sail, and a more historical afternoon sail around Bar Harbor, with possible views of Egg Rock Lighthouse depending on weather conditions are offered on two vessels: the Joshua, and the giant four-masted schooner, the Margaret Todd. Smaller private sailing charters are available for up to seven passengers for special occasions, private sightseeing, and fishing excursions aboard the Lobster Sloop Chrissy and Schooner Delight.
1 Newport Drive
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Phone: (207) 288-4585 (Bar Harbor) or (207) 546-2927 (Cherryfield)
Email: 4master@downeastwindjammer.com
Lighthouses: Egg Rock Light, Bear Island Light, Baker Island Light, Bass Harbor Light, depending on winds and type of cruise.
Sail Acadia
Want to sail on an old fashioned Friendship Sloop sailboat used to haul lobsters? They offer private and shared sailing trips aboard two of these vintage sailboats (maximum six passengers), the Alice E., used as a working lobster boat, and the Linda. Their Mount Desert Island sailing tour on one of these old lobster sailboats pass by Bear Island Lighthouse. For larger groups they provide outings and nature tours on their wooden lobster boat, the Elizabeth T (maximum of 21 passengers). They are located on the rural side of Mount Desert Island and depart from either Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor.
The ALICE E and ELIZABETH T depart from:
Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina
11 Apple Lane, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
The LINDA departs from:
Northeast Harbor Commercial Pier
26 Sea Street, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
Phone: (207) 266-5210
Email: sailacadia@gmail.com
Lighthouse: Bear Island Light
Boat Tours of Lighthouses in Northern Maine
With the area flourishing with shipbuilding, passenger steamships, lumbering, fishing and granite quarrying, lighthouses were needed to guide mariners around Maine’s many islands and ledges along the coast of northern, or what is referred to as “Downeast” Maine. This area of many miles of rugged coastline from the Acadia region up to the Canadian border area caused many shipwrecks during fierce New England storms, and due to the many foggy days that encased the area an average of 20 percent of the year.
Moose Peak Lighthouse
Robertson Sea Tours
Lighthouse cruises and nature trips along the shores of downeast Maine and Schoodic Peninsula area aboard a classic downeast lobster boat. Special 4-hour lighthouse cruise covers Narraguagus (Pond Island) Light, Nash Island Light, and Petit Manan Light, along with natural wonders and hauling up a lobster trap.
Contact: Captain Jamie Robertson
Home Phone: (207) 483-6110 o,r Cell: (207) 461-7439
Email: info@robertsonseatours.com
Lighthouses: Pond Island Light, Nash Island Light, Petit Manan Light
Coastal Cruises
Lighthouse and nature cruises offered to Moose Peak Light and Libby Island Light where, depending on tides, weather, and availability, you may be able to get off the boat and walk up to the lighthouses. They can also be viewed from the boat as well.
117 Kelley Point Road
Jonesport, ME 04649
Cruise Info Contact
Laura Fish: (207) 598-7473
E-mail: captainlaura@cruisedowneast.com
Dive Info Contact
Harry Fish: (207) 598-7473
E-mail: harry@divedowneast.com
Lighthouses: Moose Peak Light, Libby Island Light, wreckage of Crabtree Ledge lighthouse.
Bold Coast Charter Company
Puffin trips heading to Machias Seal Island pass by Little River lighthouse. Special tours available for boat trips to land on the island of Little River light. If requested, possible arrangements can be made to tour the interior of the lighthouse and the keeper's home. Charter trips also available to Libby Island Light and at times, visitors may be able to access the island and walk up to the light. Note: As the puffins are an endangered species, the trip to Machias Seal Island where they are nesting (also where Machias Seal Island lighthouse is located) is the only place allowed for visitors to view and photograph these animals up close inside small shacks called blinds.
Contact: Captain Andrew Patterson
P. O. Box 364
Cutler, Maine 04626
Phone: (207) 259-4484
E-mail: info@boldcoast.com
Lighthouses: Little River Light, Libby Island Light, Machias Seal Island Light (Canada)
Books to Explore
 Available in paperback. |
New England's Haunted Lighthouses: Explore the historical mysteries surrounding the haunted lighthouses of New England! Uncover ghostly tales of lingering keepers, victims of misfortune or from local shipwrecks, lost souls, ghost ships, and more. There at least 20 tales at or near lighthouses in Maine. Immerse yourself in the tales associated with these iconic beacons! |
 Available from bookstores in paperback, hardcover, and as an eBook for all devices.
|
The Rise and Demise of the Largest Sailing Ships: Stories of the Six and Seven-Masted Coal Schooners of New England In the early 1900s, New England shipbuilders constructed the world’s largest sailing ships amid social and political reforms. These giants of sail were the ten original six-masted coal schooners and one colossal seven-masted vessel, built to carry massive quantities of coal and building supplies, and measured longer than a football field! This book, balanced with plenty of color and vintage images, showcases the historical accounts that followed these mighty ships. Seven of the eleven vessels were built in Maine. |
Lighthouses and Coastal Attractions of Northern New England: New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont This 300-page book provides human interest stories from each of the 76 lighthouses in the northern states, along with the coastal attractions and tours near each beacon, windjammer cruises, lighthouses you can stay overnight, haunted lighthouses, and contact info to plan your special vacation. Look inside! |
|
