Maine’s rugged coastline, rocky islands, and bustling harbors make it a prime destination for cruise lovers and boating enthusiasts alike. Unlike many places where boat tours are a quick add-on, Maine offers genuine, immersive experiences on the water—from romantic sunset sails to lively daytime adventures. Whether you’re eager to spot bald eagles, see lighthouses, or learn about local maritime life, Maine’s boat tours deliver authentic seaside moments. With options ranging from 2-hour sails to longer outings, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the coast’s natural beauty and rugged charm.
What sets Maine apart is its combination of history, wildlife, and authentic fishing village atmosphere. These tours give you a front-row seat to lobster boats hauling traps, porpoises leaping alongside schooners, and the chance to hoist sails yourself. The tours listed below are some of the best choices for experiencing Maine’s maritime character firsthand. Each offers a different flavor—whether it’s a romantic sunset or an active day at sea—so you can pick one that fits your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
This list of best cruises and boat tours in Maine covers a variety of experiences: two schooner sunset sails showcasing the Maine coast at twilight, lively day sails with wildlife sightings, and classic day trips with opportunities to raise the sails yourself. Each tour offers a distinctive way to explore Boothbay Harbor and beyond, with a focus on comfort, authenticity, and fun. Now, let’s get into the details of each.
1. Schooner Applejack Sunset Sail Tour in Boothbay Harbor
At number 1, the Schooner Applejack Sunset Sail stands out for its combination of a classic windjammer experience and a stunning Maine sunset. For about $60 per person, this 2-hour tour offers the chance to help hoist sails, steer the schooner, and enjoy the tranquil waters of Boothbay Harbor. The route takes you past Burnt Island Light, Squirrel Island, and Ram Island Light, with plenty of wildlife—porpoises, osprey, and harbor seals—sometimes putting on a show alongside your boat.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on participation and atmosphere. Captain Shawn and crew share stories and history, making this a lively, educational cruise. The reviews highlight the friendly staff and calm waters, with many describing it as “a lovely evening” and “a beautiful experience.” Since it’s a sunset sail, the views of the sky turning pink over the water create a memorable setting for romance or reflection.
Bottom line: If you love classic sailing combined with a relaxed, scenic evening, this tour is hard to beat. It provides good value, especially given the opportunity to get hands-on with the sails.
2. Schooner Eastwind 2 Hour Day Sail in Boothbay Harbor
Next, the Schooner Eastwind 2 Hour Day Sail offers a shorter but just as immersive experience for about $55 per person. This tour emphasizes relaxation and scenic beauty, with a focus on wildlife, fishing boats, and remote islands only accessible by boat. It has been operating for nearly 50 years, and that longevity shows in the quality of the experience.
This sail is notable for its flexible approach—guests can help raise the sails or simply relax as the schooner drifts past lobstermen hauling traps or seals sunning themselves. The crew is described as friendly and engaging, with local stories and lore making the trip especially personable. The boat’s central location in Boothbay Harbor means you’re right in the heart of activity, close to shops and restaurants for after-sail exploration.
Guests love the opportunity for children to participate by hoisting sails, making it ideal for families. The main downside is that some wish it went a bit farther along the coast, but overall, it offers excellent value for a classic Maine day sail.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a hands-on, family-friendly outing that captures the spirit of Maine’s working waterfront, all at a reasonable price.
3. Schooner Eastwind Sunset Sail to see the Maine Coastline
Coming in at number 3, the Schooner Eastwind Sunset Sail provides a similar experience to the first but with a slightly different route and a focus on the coast’s scenic beauty. For about $55, this 2-hour evening cruise offers a chance to unwind, watch the sunset, and enjoy the Maine seascape.
The boat is well-equipped and crewed by a knowledgeable team that shares stories about the area—lighthouses, islands, and wildlife like seabirds and seals. The reviews mention the “great crew” and “wonderful” experience, with Captain Sean and crew member Simon earning praise for their attentive service. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic sail with the bonus of experienced storytelling.
Because it departs from Boothbay Harbor’s lively waterfront, you can easily enjoy nearby dining or shops afterward. The sunset views are a highlight, especially with the backdrop of the rugged coast and islands.
Bottom line: This tour is a favorite for romantic evenings and those wanting a scenic, unhurried cruise with knowledgeable guides.
4. Schooner Applejack 2-Hour Day Sail from Boothbay Harbor
Finally, the Schooner Applejack 2-Hour Day Sail offers a classic Maine daytime experience for about $55. Its route takes you past Burnt Island Light, Squirrel Island, and other outer islands, with the chance to spot porpoises, osprey, and harbor seals. This tour is especially engaging if you enjoy actively participating—sailors can help hoist sails or take the wheel.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on the traditional schooner experience on Maine’s oldest windjammer. The crew shares local stories, and the environment feels authentic and unpretentious. Reviewers mention the “beautiful boat” and “wonderful crew,” with some noting the opportunity to steer the vessel—great for those eager for a hands-on experience.
Since it’s an accessible and reasonably priced tour, it’s well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a genuine sailing adventure. The potential drawback is that the trip’s length might leave you wanting more if you’re craving a longer excursion.
Bottom line: If you want an authentic, active sailing experience with good wildlife sightings, this tour offers excellent value.
How to Choose Your Maine Boat Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities. For a romantic sunset or scenic evening, the Schooner Applejack Sunset Sail or the Eastwind Sunset Sail are perfect. If you prefer a lively, participatory experience during daylight, the Day Sail with Eastwind or the Applejack Day Sail offer engaging adventures on the water.
Budget-wise, all tours are in the same range—around $54 to $60—so your choice depends more on timing, scenery preference, and whether you want sunset or daytime. Book early in peak season, especially if you have a specific date in mind, as these tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Maine’s coast offers a variety of cruise experiences that suit different interests. For relaxed, scenic evenings, the sunset sails are unbeatable. For active boaters or families, the daytime sails with opportunities to help with the sails and wildlife sightings are ideal. Each tour provides a genuine taste of Maine’s maritime character, so take your pick based on what excites you most.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance guarantees a place. With the right tour, you’ll return home with stories of seals, lighthouses, and skies turning pink at sunset—memories that will last long after your Maine vacation ends.