90-Minute Ghost Walking Tour in Boothbay Harbor

Exploring Boothbay Harbor’s Haunted Side: A Look at the 90-Minute Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re looking to add a dash of spooky fun to your visit to Maine’s charming Boothbay Harbor, this 90-minute ghost walking tour might just be your perfect evening activity. We haven’t done it personally, but based on what travelers say and the detailed itinerary, it seems like a great way to get a different perspective on this seaside town.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s packed with fascinating tales about haunted buildings, mysterious spirits, and local legends that give the town a spooky twist. Second, it’s surprisingly well-priced—at just under $30 per person, you get a good mix of history, storytelling, and a bit of ghostly intrigue.

A potential downside? The tour takes place at night and involves walking on uneven, poorly lit ground. If you’re someone who prefers smooth sidewalks or has trouble walking in the dark, this might not be ideal.

All in all, it’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy stories that blend history with a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, if you like a good ghost story and a chance to hear about local lore, this could be a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from engaging guides makes the experience memorable.
• The itinerary covers several historic and haunted sites within town, providing a well-rounded ghostly tour.
• It’s a cost-effective activity with a great balance of entertainment and historical interest.
• The tour is outdoors, so weather and walking conditions matter.
• The group size is limited to 30 people, ensuring a personalized feel.
• The experience is mostly observational, with no inside visits, so expect walking and storytelling rather than inside exploration.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point at 15 Oak St

The tour kicks off at the postal office on Oak Street, once the site of the Hotel Fullerton. Here, you’ll first hear about The Lady of the Dusk, a mysterious figure dressed in black who checked into the hotel. Our guide’s animated storytelling brings her to life, setting the tone for the night. The stop is brief, around 10 minutes, but it introduces one of the key supernatural mysteries—what do the cryptic numbers scribbled on a note found on her body mean?

Travelers have appreciated this opening, with one reviewer from Jerilyn noting that it’s a great first impression of the area, especially for those new to Boothbay Harbor.

Harbor House Inn

Next, you’ll move to the Harbor House Inn, perched atop Mckown Street. This site is famous for paranormal activity—a rocking chair that moves on its own and sightings of the inn’s 19th-century owner. It’s a short stop, about 8 minutes, but these stories resonate because they connect the historic building with genuine anecdotal hauntings.

Guests have enjoyed the accounts, with one reviewer saying they liked the interesting ghost stories and appreciated the lively storytelling. Keep in mind, most of these locations are viewed from outside, so don’t expect inside tours.

Kaler’s Restaurant

Then, you’ll head to Kaler’s Restaurant, which used to be Shermans Livery in 1908. The stories here revolve around strange noises—particularly sounds from the floor above after hours. It’s a quirky, atmospheric stop that hints at the town’s long-standing supernatural lore.

A reviewer remarked that the strange sounds emanating from upstairs make for a fun story, even if you’re just listening from outside.

Admiral’s Quarters Inn

The next stop is the Admiral’s Quarters Inn, established in 1830. Here, the focus is on Room #10, once George Duffy’s private office. Legend has it that Duffy valued his privacy and was a bit of a recluse. Stories suggest his spirit might linger there, especially given that he died on the premises.

Guests say they enjoy hearing about the private, somewhat mysterious past of the inn and the ‘ghostly’ tales attached to it. It’s a good example of how history and hauntings often intertwine.

Tugboat Inn

Built from the remains of an old tugboat, the Tugboat Inn is a one-of-a-kind restaurant. The stories revolve around ghostly captain sightings, and employees have claimed to see apparitions. While you won’t go inside—the tour is mostly outdoors—this site’s uniqueness makes it a memorable stop.

Reviews highlight that the ghostly captain sightings add a fun, maritime flair to the tour. If you love nautical history, you’ll find this particularly charming.

Captain Sawyer’s Bed and Breakfast

This stop is about Minnie Sawyer, whose spirit reportedly appears on the widows walk on some nights. The stories suggest she might still be searching for someone long-lost. The proprietors are used to these tales and take it in stride.

Guests mention that spirits like Minnie keep the atmosphere lively, adding a layer of authentic local lore to the walk.

Whale Park

A change of pace here with beautiful ocean views and sailor stories, including tales of sea serpents. This scenic spot offers a breather and a chance to enjoy Boothbay Harbor’s coastal beauty, with the added thrill of local legends.

Travelers consistently mention the stunning views and colorful stories, making this a favorite pause. It’s a good spot for photos and to soak in the maritime vibe.

Opera House at Boothbay Harbor

The highlight for many is the Opera House, known as the town’s most haunted site. It once hosted the Knights of Pythias and now hosts performances and events. The stories of spirits wandering the historic building have kept it alive in local legend.

One reviewer emphasized that the Opera House is the most haunted place in town, and storytelling here is especially engaging. It’s an atmospheric, historic setting that really amplifies the ghostly feel.

Thistle Inn Restaurant

The final stop involves the spirit of Samuel Miller, a somewhat grumpy sea captain who has mellowed over the years. His tale is amusing, and stories suggest he’s less intimidating now. The inn itself has a lively, welcoming feeling, despite its ghostly past.

Guests say they enjoyed the fun and friendly narrative, making this a fitting end to the tour.

The Experience: Walking, Storytelling, and Atmosphere

Most of the stops are viewed from outside, which means you’ll need to be comfortable walking on uneven or dark ground. The tour starts at 7:00 pm, so be prepared for night-time conditions. The group size is capped at 30, which allows for a more intimate experience and easier engagement with the guide.

The guide’s storytelling style is often described as lively and animated—adding life to the spooky tales. Several reviews mention that the stories are interesting without being overly frightening or gory. This makes it accessible for a broad audience, whether you’re into ghost stories or just curious about local legends.

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, which is a manageable length for most people. It offers a mix of historic sites, seaside views, and haunted tales, all wrapped in a friendly, approachable manner.

What We Think About the Cost and Value

At $29.99 per person, this tour feels like a good deal. You’re paying for a guided walk through some of Boothbay Harbor’s most historic and haunted sites, combined with entertaining storytelling. Since most stops are outdoors or from outside buildings, the experience is more about atmosphere and narrative than inside access.

Given the reviews praising the guides and the engaging stories, many find the price justified. It’s a budget-friendly way to experience the town’s spooky side without the need for inside tours or special tickets. For what you get—a lively guide, a scenic walk, and some intriguing local lore—it’s probably worth the money.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys stories rooted in history but with a supernatural twist, this tour will likely appeal. It’s suitable for those comfortable walking outdoors at night and on uneven ground. If ghost stories or haunted places fascinate you even a little, you’ll probably find this tour engaging.

It’s also a good choice for travelers looking for an affordable, social activity to round out a day of sightseeing in Boothbay Harbor. While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, most reviews focus on adult groups, so use your judgment for young children.

If you prefer indoor, seated experiences or dislike walking in the dark, you might want to skip this one or prepare accordingly.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Boothbay Harbor Ghost Tour

Is there inside access to the buildings during the tour?
Most stops are outside, so you shouldn’t expect to go inside buildings. The focus is on viewing the exteriors and hearing stories.

What is the tour’s start time?
It begins at 7:00 pm, so plan accordingly for an evening activity.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the stories are generally spooky but not gory or overly frightening. Use your discretion based on your kids’ comfort with ghost stories.

How long does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What is the group size?
It’s limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What’s included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the guided walk and storytelling; most stops are viewed from outside with no inside access.

What kind of stories will I hear?
You’ll hear about haunted inns, historic buildings, local legends like the Lady of the Dusk, and maritime ghost tales—all told in an engaging style.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Boothbay Harbor seems like a wonderfully atmospheric way to explore the town’s less visible, supernatural side. It’s an affordable activity that combines local history with ghostly tales, all delivered by lively guides who know how to keep the audience engaged.

It’s best suited for travelers open to walking outdoors at night, those interested in local lore, and anyone looking for a fun, memorable experience after a day of sightseeing. The stories are friendly rather than frightening, making it accessible for most adults and older teens.

If you’re curious about Boothbay Harbor’s haunted past and enjoy storytelling, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, mystery, and maritime charm. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight if you’re concerned about uneven paths, and get ready for a spooky, fun walk through town’s ghostly history.