Maine Scenic Views & Photography Cruise: Capture Coastal Beauty on the Rockland Windjammer
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; the experience involves mostly seated time with occasional short walks on deck.
Overview
Set sail from Rockland on the Maine Scenic Views & Photography Cruise and capture the stunning Midcoast coastline through your lens. Discover historic lighthouses, wildlife, and classic windjammer sailing on this unique coastal adventure.
Maine Scenic Views & Photography Cruise
A photography retreat among the remote islands of Maine
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join local photographer Tracy Sheppard on a breathtaking 4-day adventure along the stunning Maine coast aboard the historic schooner J. & E. Riggin. Enhance your photography skills while capturing the beauty of Penobscot Bay, all amidst the charm of summer's longest days. Experience nature like never before!
Capture the beauty of the Maine coast with local photographer Tracy Sheppard!
Departure Date and Rate
June 15 - June 19, 2026: 4-Day / 4-Night Adventure Per person: $1295 Ages 12+
Boarding and Returning
Please note, we board every trip the evening of your chosen departure date between 5 and 6 p.m.
We will have you back at the dock before noon on the last day of your trip.
The Cruise & Hosts
Celebrate the official start of summer with an adventure through the longest days of the year and capture all the beauty of Penobscot Bay with the support of Tracy Sheppard!
Tracy Sheppard is a professional photographer with a passion for Maine Windjammers. She is looking forward to sharing her passions for photography & this fantastic coastline with you! She will help you improve your photography skills whether you are working from a phone camera, point and shoot, or a DSLR.
Tracy finds ways of capturing the emotion of the moments. She is a natural light photographer and prefers photographing outside. She loves to photograph small, forgotten details in the world that tend to be overlooked.
To see more of Tracy’s work continue exploring our website! She contributes new images to our effort to document the Maine Windjammer experience every time she sails. You can also find her on Instagram: Tracy Sheppard Photography
The Ship
The J. & E. Riggin, a beautiful, historic two-masted schooner. She was designated a National Historic Monument in 1991. She is 89′ long on deck, 120′ overall, 23′ wide and draws 7′ with her centerboard up. She was built in 1927 as an oyster dredger and rebuilt for passenger sail in 1977.
The Riggin is fully equipped with GPS, radar, and radio. She meets all Coast Guard requirements for construction and safety equipment. Certified to carry passengers, she fully meets all requirements for stability and watertight integrity. The Riggin has no inboard engine. Her sixteen-foot diesel-powered yawl boat can be used during calm spells for maneuvering into or out of tight harbors.
Includes
- All meals (excluding dinner on boarding night)
- Linens including fresh sheets, warm blankets, a quilt or comforter, pillows, and towels
- Locally made, small-batch soap
- Coffee (regular and decaf), tea, and hot chocolate
- Ice and an ice chest are available for passenger use
Things to Note
- Sink with cold running water in each cabin
- Window that opens for fresh air and natural light
- A 12V outlet & 2 USB ports
- Reading light over each bunk
- Must be able to navigate a ladder and stairs
- Toilets (“heads”) are located above deck
- Hot freshwater shower available
- A non-smoking vessel
- There is a $20 per vehicle parking fee (covers the length of your trip)
- Gratuity is not included
- A Ship Store is available on board
- Alcohol is not included on this cruise; however, you are welcome to bring it with you
Adventure Tips
Bring a windproof jacket
The coastal breezes can be strong and chilly, even in summer, so protect yourself with a durable windbreaker.
Charge extra batteries or memory cards
Photo opportunities abound; ensure you have enough storage and power for long shooting sessions.
Use polarized sunglasses
Reduce glare off the water for clearer views and better photos during sunny conditions.
Stay hydrated
Drinking water is important during the cruise especially on warmer days; bring a refillable bottle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Bald eagles
History
Rockland has been a key shipbuilding and fishing hub since the 19th century, pivotal to Maine’s maritime economy.
Conservation
The windjammer operators follow sustainable practices ensuring minimal environmental impact while promoting wildlife protection in coastal waters.
Select participants and date
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Capture high-quality photos of Maine's rugged coastline and wildlife.
Windproof jacket
Keeps you comfortable against chilly sea breezes on the water.
spring specific
Polarized sunglasses
Helps reduce water glare for better visibility and photos.
summer specific
Binoculars
Great for spotting distant wildlife and coastal features.