Unforgettable Boothbay Harbor Maine Cruises
The Maine coastline is renowned for its rugged beauty and picturesque scenery. With its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and iconic lighthouses, it offers a unique blend of natural and man-made wonders. Visitors can enjoy harbor cruises, lighthouse visits, sailing, mackerel fishing, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding forests.
Balmy Days Cruises, located in the charming coastal town of Boothbay Harbor Maine invites you to join us to “see Maine, from the sea.” This picturesque harbor town is world-renowned for its unique charming coastal experience with quaint shops, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, golf, historic sites, rivers, inlets, wildlife, and of course… Delicious seafood.
Some of Our Favorite Places
Monhegan Island Trips
Get away from it all and experience a day or an overnight stay on this unique and beautiful island. The BALMY DAYS II will take you to Monhegan, which is 12 miles off the coast of Maine.
VISIT MONHEGAN ISLAND
Get away from it all and experience a Monhegan Day Trip with Balmy Days Cruises! Monhegan Island is a unique and beautiful island 12 miles off the coast of Maine. Renowned for its striking natural beauty, Monhegan Island attracts artists and nature lovers from around the world. Visitors are captivated by Monhegan’s breathtaking scenery, bucolic setting, migrating birds and spectacular ocean views. Explore Monhegan Island’s 17 miles of hiking trails, browse artist galleries and shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Monhegan’s cafes and visit the Monhegan Brewing Company for fine craft ale. Take a day trip, or stay overnight at one of the islands many comfortable accommodations. Our vessel, the Balmy Days II, is a twin-screw, motion-stabilized 65-foot fiberglass boat, built on an offshore fishing hull custom-outfitted especially for the Monhegan trip.
This is a passenger only trip (no vehicles) departing Pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor at 9:30am and arriving back at Pier 8 at 4:15pm. The boat ride is 1-1/2 hours each way which gives you about 3-3/4 hours on the Island. Each leg of the trip is booked separately. At 2:00pm we offer a trip around the Island (weather permitting). This ½ hour ride circumnavigates Monhegan giving you a spectacular view of the cliffs on the backside from the water, occasional whale sightings, and often times seals are found on the Duck Rocks.
ABOUT MONHEGAN ISLAND
Monhegan Island, 12 miles out to sea, is unique among places to visit in Maine. Having successfully resisted modern development, this small island, just 3/4 mile wide and 1-1/2 miles long, is a haven for those seeking beauty, quiet, and relaxation. Monhegan is year-round home to fewer than 65 residents, many of them fishing families. The island has no paved roads and no cars, but its walking trails offer commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean from the highest cliffs in Maine. Monhegan Island attracts visitors from all over the world who want to paint or photograph the rugged, coastal scenery; see migrating birds, rare wildflowers, and sea life (whales and seals); or who just want to escape for a few hours or days from their busy lives.
SCENIC MAILBOAT TOUR
(SQUIRREL ISLAND FERRY)
A scenic one-hour narrated tour of Boothbay Harbor on the NOVELTY with several quick stops and close-up views of the coastline.
SCENIC MAILBOAT TOUR
This is a one-hour trip on the NOVELTY which is the Squirrel Island Mailboat. There may be several short stops to pickup and drop off Islanders in addition to the regular stop at Squirrel Island. On this narrated sightseeing cruise, you will see:
- Nature: the sights and sounds of sealife and sea breezes, gentle waves and some fog now and then
- The busy harbor: lobster boats, yachts, sailing boats and even an occasional cruise ship
- The working waterfront: shipyards, fishing piers, coast guard station, marinas, oceanographic research lab
- The scenic shore: lighthouses, rocky cliffs and many island
Sailing Trips
This is true sailing on the Friendship Sloop, BAY LADY. This 1-1/2 trip will take you where the wind will, sailing near Burnt Island Lighthouse, Mouse Island, Capitol Island, Spruce Point, and more.
SAILING TRIPS ABOARD BAY LADY
Sail near many scenic islands of Boothbay Harbor, Burnt Island Lighthouse, Southport Island, Capitol Island, Mouse Island, Ram Island Light on this 1-1/2 hour trip. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze as it determines your course. Your experience will be unforgettable as you indulge your senses in quiet enjoyment of the ocean’s beauty and the wind’s power. An occasional Northwest gust adds excitement; and occasional becalming occurs when the winds shift direction. Your Captain will provide you with interesting bits of information as you pass by coves, other watercraft, and lighthouses. The Friendship Sloop, The Bay Lady, is a unique type of sailing craft and holds a proud position on the Maine Coast as once being the “work” boat of Maine lobstermen. Now, the boats are primarily used for pleasure. Each year the Friendship Sloop Society holds a reunion highlighted by races. The Friendship Sloop is recognizable by its large gaff rig mainsail and long bowsprit.
Special Events
Depending on the timing of your Maine visit, you should take full advantage of these uniquely Maine events. Including:
- WINDJAMMER DAYS
- MAINE OPEN LIGHTHOUSE DAY
- EARLY MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY CRUISE
Mackerel Fishing
Drop your line into the water, feel the tug of the fish, reel it in, and enjoy the thrill of the catch. Share laughs, make memories, and enjoy the fresh sea air! Great for Families!
MACKEREL FISHING ABOARD MISS BOOTHBAY
There are lots of mackerel to be caught in the waters near Boothbay Harbor. The Miss Boothbay will find several fishing spots and help you reel in the fish. Tackle provided. The fish are plentiful, the scenery is spectacular, and the company is fun on this 2-hour boat trip. Experience the harbor’s beauty while having fun. All Tackle is provided.
- Get a brief tour of the harbor and what it holds
- Let our experienced crew bring you where the fish are located
- Join in or just watch as people pull in lots of mackerel
- Look for porpoise, seals, other marine life, and migrating birds
Private Charters
All four boats are available for private parties or transports, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Trips can depart from Pier 8, or we can pick you up or drop you off at the location of your choice.
Burnt Island
Spend 2 hours exploring the island with the opportunity to climb to the top of the light tower.
BURNT ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Spend 2 hours exploring the island with the opportunity to climb to the top of the light tower.
Activity details
This includes a 15 minute ferry ride to the Island, 2 hours on the Island, and a 15 minute ferry ride back to Pier 8. While on the Island the Keepers of the Burnt Island Lighthouse staff will guide you around the Island and up onto the Lighthouse tower.
What’s included
Round trip transportation from Pier8 to Burnt Island.