When we moved to Maine, we quickly fell totally in love with the scenery, the ocean, and all the fun outdoor activities near Searsport, ME. Every morning you can take your pick of activities like kayaking, biking, hiking, climbing, or sailing, just to name a few.
The difficulty is in choosing which one! To make it a little easier, here are our top picks for each of these activities. If you need more details, feel free to call us; we can help you plan the perfect getaway to Maine.
On the Water
Once you see the views from the grounds of Captain Nickels Inn, you are going to want to get out on the water! Even then, there are many choices–you can pick a day sail and enjoy the view, or take an active part in lobster fishing. Or maybe, you want to rent a kayak, canoe, or do something a bit more active? No problem!
Several of the best locations if you are on your own to get in the water include:
Dory Rowing
DoryWoman Rowing
207-323-3932
dorywomanrowing@gmail.com
Contact by phone, text, or email
For both beginner and intermediate dory rowing enthusiasts, book a tour with DoryWoman Rowing out of nearby Belfast. Try a lesson, a workout, or sit back and let Nicolle row for you as you enjoy tours like Summer Moon and Stars Row.
Kayaking
If kayaking is your passion, or maybe just something you would like to try, we have several suggestions. Most of these outfitters will rent the equipment, but they also have tours available, which takes the stress out of finding the best places to put in the water.
Water Walker Sea Kayak and Basin Pond Outdoors
207-513-0157
730 W Main St, Monroe ME
Water Walker has kayaks and paddleboards for rent (with delivery if requested in advance). They also have several tours available, including day tours in Belfast Harbor, Sears Island, Sandy Point, and Frankfort for both beginner and intermediate paddlers.
Ducktrap Kayak & Standup Paddleboards
207-236-8608
2175 Atlantic Hwy, Lincolnville ME
Ducktrap is a no-frill renter of high-quality kayaks and paddleboards. They have really researched their stuff, and are happy to help if you decide to buy.
Maine Outdoor Sportsman
207-338-4141
1044 Atlantic Hwy, Northport ME
Maine Outdoor Sportsman has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for rent, as well as a full-service sales department.
Bullfrog Adventures
207-234-2158
105 Flinn St, Newburgh ME
Bullfrog has many levels of kayaking, canoeing, and tubing trips in both serene and more adventurous waters.
On the Ground
If exploring things with your feet firmly on the ground is more your thing, we can send you to your happy place! Do you prefer hiking or bicycling?
Hiking
The clear advantage of hiking is the limited need for extra equipment. We have a list of great hiking trails for several different levels of experience. Or drive up to Acadia National Park for the day, and choose one of the dozens of trails offered there.
Bicycling
If you haven’t brought your bike along with you, CG Bikes in Belfast will rent you a bike, helmet, and any other equipment that you might need. They have tons of suggestions for your biking pleasure, but we love the Belfast Rail Trail or Sears Island.
Other Outdoor Adventures
Rock Climbing
Equinox Guiding Service
207-619-3957
Camden ME
Have you always wanted to try rock climbing, or are you experienced? Equinox has classes both for folks who have never tried climbing as well as people who have been climbing indoor walls at the gym but never attempted it outside. Spend a half-day or a whole day; the guides have two rules: Smile and Breathe!
Sailing and Hiking
Back and Forth and the Out and About
207-323-2566
Belfast City Harbor Dock, Belfast ME
Take an entire day, and spend it on a 1959 lobster boat, first cruising down the bay to Castine, where you can wander around and get some lunch. After lunch, pass by Ram Island, and end up on Butter Island for a hike. Toss a fishing line overboard as you ride back into the sunset, along with a glass of bubbly. Doesn’t that sound perfect? Shorter trips are available, as well.
Now you can surely understand why we have come to love the coast of Maine so much! Plan your getaway, but leave plenty of time to sit outside by the firepit or on your private balcony and listen to the sound of the ocean! It’s great to enjoy fun outdoor activities near Searsport, ME when you know you have your private suite waiting for you at Captain Nickels Inn when you finish.
Published: August 2022; Updated March 2024