Maine is a picturesque destination known for its rugged coastline, charming coastal towns, and abundant maritime activities. In Searsport, we appreciate the beautiful seas that surround us, as did the nearly 300 seafaring captains that called the head of Penobscot Bay home in the 19th century.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the nautical charm, there are numerous ways to experience the beauty of MidCoast Maine on the water.
Whether you prefer sailing on historic schooners, rowing a traditional wooden dory through historic Belfast harbor, or experience the thrill of life on a lobster boat, we hope this will help guide you through some of the top ways to get out on the water and create memories.
Set Sail on a Historic Schooner
Immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of coastal Maine by embarking on a sailing adventure aboard one of the region’s historic schooners. These majestic vessels provide a unique opportunity to experience the charm of traditional sailing while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline. Learn about the history of schooners, cruise past lighthouses, and look for wildlife while sailing along the bays and islands of MidCoast Maine. Add a sail aboard Cutter Owl or Schooner Olad to your reservation and let us handle the details for you. We even include a bottle of wine!
Row a Traditional-style Wooden Dory
Belfast, Maine is a historic, MidCoast shipbuilding city located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River, on Penobscot Bay. For the adventure seekers wanting a unique view of the working harbor, tranquil bay coves, and abundant wildlife, rowing a traditional wooden boat may be the perfect way to spend a day on the water. DoryWoman Rowing offers a one-of-a-kind, classically Maine experience rowing a traditional-style wooden dory in a gorgeous marine environment. You’ll have access to a whole other world in beautiful Belfast Bay, learn a new skill, observe the abundant wildlife that lives here, discover the history of Belfast’s working waterfront, and have a unique on the water adventure! The best part, you can choose to row or be purely a passenger while Nicolle Littrell, Licensed Maine Guide, shares her knowledge of the Harbor!
Embrace the Life of a Lobsterman
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a Maine lobsterman? Our Lobster Boat Tour package will provide a first-hand experience of the daily lobstering routine aboard a Maine coast lobster boat. Join Travis Wyman, a local lobsterman, for a hands-on experience as you haul, bait, and set traps and harvest lobsters in Penobscot Bay on the coast of Maine. You’ll also learn some Maine lobstering history and see a variety of marine wildlife while out on the Sarah B II. Buggin’ ME Boat Tours is in Stockton Springs, just a five-minute drive from our bed and breakfast, Captain Nickels Inn.
Tour the Waters with The Back and Forth and The Out and About
Now that you’ve worked hard hauling traps and rowing a dory, maybe you want to sit back and relax. The Back and Forth and The Out and Back are classic, wooden lobster boats that offer unique tour experiences. Leave historic downtown Belfast aboard the Back and Forth, and after a relaxing tour of Belfast Harbor, head to Young’s Lobster Pound for their famed lobster roll included with your Day Cruise package. If you are a history buff, you will want to opt for the Historic Boat Tour package where you will spend 1.5 hours learning about the colorful history of Belfast, Maine.
Whale and Puffin Watching Excursions
Embark on a whale or puffin watching excursion to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures as they are seen in their natural habitat. The best way to see the whales and puffins is by taking a boat tour with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises where you not only get to see these beautiful mammals or marine birds, but also you get an overall view of what Maine has to offer from cliffs, beaches, and scenic lighthouses that enrich the landscape. A knowledgeable guide will provide insights and ensure a memorable adventure on the MidCoast open water.
After the day’s adventures on the water, head back to the comforts of your Maine coast home away from home, Captain Nickels Inn, and finish your day soaking up our heavenly water views.
Enjoy a rejuvenating sip at the Inn’s 1874 Tavern, relax in one of our many Adirondack Chairs and sitting areas, or stroll along our coastal paradise while searching for sea glass.
Start planning your ideal getaway today!
UPDATED: March 2024