If you’re planning a trip to Maine and want a fun, scenic way to experience Boothbay Harbor, this boat tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a popular choice that’s been delighting visitors for over 50 years, offering a real taste of the area’s maritime life. While it’s not a lengthy adventure, the 1.5-hour cruise packs in a lot of sights and stories, making it a solid pick for anyone interested in the coast’s natural beauty and local industry.
What really caught our eye about this tour are its engaging guides and the chance to see seals basking on the rocks. Plus, the opportunity to learn about Maine’s famous lobster industry — including how those tasty lobsters get caught and hauled — adds a layer of education that many travelers appreciate. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this cruise doesn’t include food or drinks, so if you’re hungry, you’ll need to bring your own or plan to eat before or after.
This experience suits many types of travelers — families, couples, or groups who enjoy wildlife, scenic views, or maritime history. If you’re after a relaxed, informative outing that lets you see a different side of Maine, this cruise is likely to leave you with some memorable moments.
Key Points
- Scenic Route: Pass by 2 historic lighthouses, small islands, and the busy coastlines of Boothbay Harbor.
- Wildlife Viewing: Seals are often spotted basking on rocky ledges — a highlight for many.
- Educational Content: Learn about lobster trapping and Maine’s lobster industry, adding local flavor to your trip.
- Comfort & Convenience: The boat has a large, comfortable main salon with padded seats and a 360-degree view, plus an upper deck for sunbathing.
- Accessible & Family-Friendly: The tour is wheelchair accessible and fun for all ages.
- Value for Money: At $41, it’s a reasonably priced activity that combines scenery, wildlife, and local insights in a short timeframe.
A Closer Look at the Boothbay Harbor Cruise Experience
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How the Tour Is Structured
Once you arrive at Cap’n Fish’s Cruises on Commercial Street, you’ll hop aboard a vessel renowned for its spacious, comfortable main salon, which features padded seats and tables. This is a smart design choice — especially if the weather isn’t cooperating — so everyone can relax without worrying about the elements. There’s also an upper deck where you can soak up the sun and get unobstructed views, perfect for snapping photos or just enjoying the fresh sea air.
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, usually in the afternoon, making it easy to slot into your day. It’s a guided tour, with a lively and informative narration broadcasted through speakers throughout the vessel. The guide’s insights seem to resonate well with guests, who often praise their knowledge and engaging style.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The boat will glide past two major lighthouses — Burnt Island Light and Ram Island Lighthouse — both iconic fixtures in Maine’s maritime landscape. These lighthouses aren’t just pretty to look at but also serve as important navigational aids, and having a close-up view makes for great photos.
You’ll also pass by smaller islands and coastal features, giving you a sense of the area’s geography and history. The narration often includes tidbits about the coastline, summer colonies, and the local environment, which makes the experience both scenic and educational.
Wildlife Encounters
Seals are frequently spotted on the ledges at Seal Rocks, basking in the sun or popping their heads out of the water. Multiple reviews mention how exciting it is to see these creatures up close — “the seals just epic,” one guest exclaimed. This wildlife viewing is largely dependent on the season and weather, but most visitors leave with some memorable photos.
More Great Tours NearbyLearning About Lobster Traps
One of the tour’s standout features is the insight into Maine’s famous lobster industry. The guide explains how traps are hauled, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how lobsters are caught. It’s a surprisingly engaging part of the trip, especially since guests often get to see lobsters in the traps — something many find unexpectedly cool, even if they thought they knew about lobsters already.
Guests appreciate the way the captain shares local industry knowledge, making the experience authentic and informative. As one reviewer put it, “It was so informative about the history of the area and we learned so much about lobsters!”
Family and Accessibility Considerations
While this tour is generally suitable for all ages, it’s especially good for families or groups that enjoy wildlife and scenic views. The vessel is wheelchair accessible, accommodating manual non-motorized wheelchairs up to 26 inches wide. Since there’s no food or drinks included, it’s a straightforward outing — bring your camera, some water, and a hat for sun protection.
What’s Not Included?
Keep in mind, the price of $41 per person does not cover food, drinks, or transportation to the meeting point. You’ll need to arrive at Cap’n Fish’s Cruises on Commercial Street 15 minutes early. Parking is available nearby, which is handy if you’re driving.
Weather & Cancellation Policy
The cruise is subject to weather conditions and minimum passenger numbers. If the weather turns bad or if there aren’t enough people, the tour could be canceled or rescheduled. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.
Authentic Guest Perspectives
Many travelers have left glowing reviews — “Enjoyed a great hour and a half tour,” said Steve, appreciating the “excellent captain and guide.” Others highlight how much they learned about the lobster industry and how close they got to the seals: “It was way cooler than we thought it would be,” shared Maureen.
Several reviewers mention that the cruise provides a new perspective on Boothbay Harbor, giving views you simply can’t get from land. As one guest noted, “We were able to see more of the area than we ever had from land,” which is a common sentiment among those seeking a different vantage point.
What’s the Overall Value?
For $41, you’re paying for a well-rounded coastal experience — scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a slice of Maine’s maritime life. The boat’s comfort, the expertise of guides, and the opportunity to see seals and lighthouses make it worth considering, especially for those short on time but eager to see a lot.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This cruise is best suited for anyone interested in seeing the natural beauty of Maine’s coast without committing to a lengthy or expensive trip. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups who want a relaxed, informative experience with opportunities for wildlife photography and learning about local industry.
If you’re a fan of maritime history, wildlife, or simply enjoying the serenity of the water, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also a solid option if you’re traveling with children — the seals and lobsters tend to fascinate even younger guests.
While it doesn’t include food or drinks, the boat’s comfort and engaging narration keep it engaging for the entire duration. Just be prepared for weather variability and arrive early to ensure you get a good spot.
Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for families. Kids tend to enjoy seeing the seals and learning about lobsters, especially with an engaging guide.
Does the cruise operate rain or shine?
The tour is subject to weather conditions, so it might be canceled or rescheduled if the weather turns bad. It’s best to check the forecast and confirm your booking.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after the cruise.
Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, including manual non-motorized wheelchairs up to 26 inches wide.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity that fits well into a day of exploring Boothbay Harbor.
What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll pass by two lighthouses (Burnt Island Light and Ram Island Lighthouse), small islands, and the coastline. Seals are often seen at Seal Rocks.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your camera, some water, and sun protection — the boat has a 360-degree view, and it’s a great chance for photos and wildlife spotting.
For anyone eager to get a taste of Maine’s coast, its lighthouses, seals, and lobster industry, this cruise offers an honest, enjoyable snapshot. It’s a straightforward, scenic adventure that balances fun, education, and relaxation — all at a reasonable price.
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