Get in the water (without having to enter it)
Take off from Kennebunk for whale watching with New England Eco Adventures. Photo courtesy of Granite State Whale Watch
Some would say Maine’s best side is the coast. Salty or fresh, its waterways offer up-close views of the state’s raw beauty and marine life. We’ve rounded up ways to get on the water for adventurers and foodies alike, from oyster farm cruises to island-hopping kayak tours.
WHALE WATCHING
New England Eco Adventures’ Ultimate Whale Watch visits the summer feeding grounds of fin whales, humpback whales, minkes and the occasional blue whale. Boon Island, New England’s tallest lighthouse, and the hundreds of seals that call it home, are an added bonus. Their custom-built boat for up to 21 people offers an intimate excursion helmed by an entertaining and seasoned captain. $119 for a 4 hour tour; 8 Western Avenue, Kennebunk; 207-502-8040, newenglandecoadventures.com
Take a cruise from the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Photo courtesy of Maine Maritime Museum
BOAT CRUISES
The Maine Maritime Museum runs daily cruises with themes for everyone from lighthouse enthusiasts to shipbuilding enthusiasts, including half-hour mini-cruises for mini-sailors. Museum highlights include interactive lessons on the industrial, environmental, and underrepresented history of the Kennebec River and Merrymeeting Bay. Adult tickets start at $38; 243 Washington Street, Bath; 207-443-1316, mainemaritimemuseum.org
The Songo River Queen II docked on Long Lake in Naples. Gregory Rec / Personal Photographer
In the city of Naples, in the Lake District, guests soak up the wildlife, scenery and history of Long Lake (including its 1830s system of locks) aboard a replica 100-ton Mississippi River paddle steamer, the Songo River Queen II. The 11-mile-long stretch of water is the setting for stunning homes (including one that once belonged to Stephen King) with majestic Mount Washington as a backdrop. Featuring a food court and cocktail bar, cruises depart twice a day, at 1 p.m. (for a two-hour ride) and 4 p.m. (for a one-hour ride), daily from June 30 and previous weekends. Other special themed cruises are scheduled throughout the summer. Adult tickets start at $25; 841 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, 207-693-6861; songoriverqueen.net
Take a tour of Casco Bay on a stand-up paddleboard. Photo by Michael Wilson
PADDLE
Portland Paddleboarding offers kayak or stand-up paddle (SUP) rentals, lessons, and guided tours of the islands of Casco Bay and beyond — including sunset and yoga tours — for novices to experts . Historic forts, seabirds, lighthouses and seal sightings are the highlights. Multi-day island adventures include camping under a starry canopy and s’mores. 1.5-hour tours start at $40; East End Beach, Portland (see website for construction details at end of Cutter Street); 207-370-9730, portlandpaddle.net
If you’re used to ordering everything during the pandemic, Sebago Trails Paddling Company is providing local delivery to your cabin or rental from its private launch, where paddlers can access meandering streams and Sebago Lake. They also offer kayak and paddleboard lessons as well as immersive sunset and covered deck tours. Rentals and tours start at $39; 1311 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond; 207-894-4696, sebagotrails.com
Sebago Trails Paddling Co. offers kayak rentals, deliveries, tours and lessons. Photo courtesy of Sebago Trails Paddling Company
SAIL
Sail Portland cruises the islands of Casco Bay aboard a Friendship sloop on an intimate excursion limited to six people or on its newest vessel that can carry up to a dozen people, and also provides wine and wine cruises. picnics on the beach. If you’re lucky, the owner might bring his adorable co-captain Huck, a cattle rescue (and cover model). Two-hour tours start at $75; Fore Points Marina, 1 Marina Way, Portland; 207-200-6650, sailportlandmaine.com
Learn all about oysters and eat them too with Seacoast Tours of Freeport. Photo courtesy of Seacoast Tours of Freeport
FOR GOURMETS
Seacoast Tours of Freeport guests visit Brunswick’s award-winning Mere Point Oyster Company to harvest and sample fresh oysters accompanied by a glass of wine or a local microbrew. Learn how oysters help mitigate climate change and the art of wiggle, wiggle, pop. Want more? Saturday cruises feature lobster rolls from Maine’s signature lobster joints. $100 tour (includes loot bag); 207-798-2001; check the website for shuttle details from Freeport Town Wharf, seacoasttoursme.com
Denise Dowling is a magazine editor and lives in South Portland.
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