Boating

Boat Yards & Marinas

Local boat yards abound in Southern Midcoast Maine.Our yards range from offering full service boat maintenance and repair, for example, Finest Kind Boatyard, to facilities that cater to do-it-yourself enthusiasts. We offer some of the best indoor and outdoor boat storage options available in Maine.  Many yards offer boat brokerage services.  Our coastal waters are also home to one of Maine’s world class custom yacht manufacturers. New Meadows Marina (New Meadows River between West Bath and Brunswick) and Kennebec Tavern Marina (Kennebec River in Bath) offer services. (See their listings in the directory under Marinas.)

Public Boat Access

With 18 public boat landings, visitors can access the water from numerous locations.  A complete list is located on the map in our Visitor’s Guide.

Explore Local Waterways

In geography with more coastline than any other section of Maine,  sail boat and motor boat enthusiasts are sure to find pleasure when cruising our waters.  With two bays and four major rivers, the waters of coastal Southern Midcoast Maine are a delight to explore. If you don't have your own boat to cruise, try Captain's Watch Sail Charters (Harpswell), scheduled trips from Maine Maritime Museum (Bath),  the M/V Ruth (Phippsburg) or River Run Charters (homeport Sheepscot River, Edgecomb).

Dotted with lobster buoys and osprey, Casco Bay, with its varied marine life including seals, dolphins, and  migrating pilot whales, offers welcoming harbors including Mackerel Cove, Cundy’s and Sebasco Harbors. To experience marine life up close book a trip aboard Boothbay Whale Watch, Cap'n Fish's WhaleWatch & Scenic Nature Crusies, or Casco Bay Lines (Bailey Island Nature Cruise) or for an acutal look under the water as you cruise, try Nautic Video Charters.

The Kennebec River is dotted with eye catching lighthouses (more details in the Lighthouse section of this website.) Adventurous cruisers can continue two miles offshore to open ocean and Sequin Island.  Visiting the 64 acre island, lighthouse and museum by private boat is permissible, but bring your dingy,  use  NOAA Chart 13295, “Kennebec and Sheepscot River Entrances” to assist in safe navigation into the cove. Venture even further into the Atlantic aboard the high speed CAT, a ferry serivce to Nova Scotia!

Maine Audubon lists Merrymeeting Bay, the confluence of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, as it winds past Bowdoinham, as a location for boaters to view bald eagles and other waterfowl. For bird watching and eco-excursions try the services of  Maine Island Touring Co. 

The Sheepscot River provides exploration of Westport Island, Wiscasset and Edgecomb, including water views of the Fort Edgecomb.

Sportfishing Charters & Guide Services

Hire Gillies & Fallon Guide Service for nature tours, fly or spin fishing. Sportfishing charters are available from Captain Jay McGown, Obsession Sport Fishing Charters and Sea Escape Charters. (See our directory under Charters for more details.)

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