Maine Boat Tours
 

Hello, my cousin and I are flying into Portland for 3 nights, driving up the coast for 3 nights in Lincolnville, working our way to Bar Harbor for 2 nights, and driving to Lubec for 1 night, then driving back to Portland for 1 more night, in August.

We were wanting to do a boat tour at some point. We love lighthouses, that is one of the main reasons we are going. Where would be the best place to take a tour? We would also like to see some whales too. We are up for taking more than one tour. I have read a lot of information on some boat tours, but am overwhelmed at which one to go with.

Any help would be appreciated!

Melissa

We enjoyed a wonderful day long tour of lighthouses with the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. This was several years ago. They don't have this summer's schedule up yet but what I've seen listed last year were half day trips. Our trip included going past the Bath ironworks where ships are being built.

About 2 years ago we did the mailboat cruise out of Portland. There is a little narration but not a lot. The first trip in the morning usually has workers heading out to jobs on one of the islands. We were back in Portland in time for lunch. You can take a lighthouse tour from Portland, too.

Are you planning to visit the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point and Owls Head? We have not been to the lighthouse museum but you might want to look into that, too.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I will look into the Bath tours. Yes, we are planning on visiting as many lighthouses as we can. There are so many it is a little overwhelming. Trying to figure out which ones we can reach by car or need to be seen by boat.

Thanks again

There are sailing cruises on a few of the seacoast towns. We've taken them out of Camden (near Lincolnville, Boothbay Harbor and several times out of Bar Harbor. All were wonderful. There are whale watching cruises from Bar Harbor, too.

The Bath Museum is very interesting, indeed. From Portland, you can take a ferry to Peak's Island, or any of the other islands (they're called the Christmas Islands)and spend an afternoon there. Peak's is small, and you could take a hike around the island in about an hour or so.

The Maine coast will be hopping in August.

BTW...I think you'll find that a couple of days in Bar Harbor is not much...if you like hiking, and outdoorsy adventures.

Thanks, I will look into The Bath Museum. We aren't really into hiking. We are more into sitting and enjoying the scenery.

Seems like there are so many options, so hard to narrow it down.

Thanks for your suggestions, please keep them coming.

Tip: get some inexpensive bag chairs to take around with you and bring some picnic supplies. I know you're flying but the chairs aren't very expensive. You can buy when you get here and then donate to somebody. At the Pemaquid Point lighthouse, you can bring a book and set your chair in a shady area. Enjoy a break from driving and look at the ocean. The top of Mt Battie (take the auto road) looks over Camden Harbor and is one of the best coastal views. Our favorite place to picnic. You'll find some other spots, too. It's a good idea to get out of the car once in awhile.

Tip: get some inexpensive bag chairs to take around with you and bring some picnic supplies. I know you're flying but the chairs aren't very expensive. You can buy when you get here and then donate to somebody. At the Pemaquid Point lighthouse, you can bring a book and set your chair in a shady area. Enjoy a break from driving and look at the ocean. The top of Mt Battie (take the auto road) looks over Camden Harbor and is one of the best coastal views. Our favorite place to picnic. You'll find some other spots, too. It's a good idea to get out of the car once in awhile.

That is an awesome idea!!! We will for sure do this. You are right they aren't very expensive and would be sooooo worth it!

Thanks again

If you like lighthouses, may I put in a plug for doing a boat tour out of Bar Harbor. Bass Harbor Head Light is one of the most beautiful and most photographed lighthouses on the coast of Maine. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company also does lighthouse tours in addition to their whale watch tours. They do a great job and leave right from the pier in Bar Harbor.

Thanks, jcasale. That is what I was wanting to hear. Something specific. I will for sure book that!

I just received notice from Groupon of a $22.00 lighthouse boat tour for two out of Portland. Two trips are offered..one during the day the other at sunset. Tours are 90 minutes long. I just returned from New Orleans and used two Groupons for city tours...great savings.

Thanks, for the tip smssowo