SPECIAL EVENT!
Board BALMY DAYS II before dawn to chase lighthouses in the Boothbay Region with photographer Michael Leonard. This 2.5-hour sunrise cruise pairs hands-on instruction with close approaches to working beacons and wildlife viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion; must be able to board a small passenger vessel and stand for portions of the cruise.
Wildlife
History
Boothbay's waterfront grew through 19th-century shipbuilding, fishing, and lobstering; working piers and boatyards still shape local life.
Conservation
Operators emphasize low-impact viewing: keep distance from wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and pack out any trash to protect fragile coastal habitat.
Balmy Days Cruises
SPECIAL EVENT!
Balmy Days Cruises operates passenger boat tours and island trips from Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The company offers a range of short excursions and island outings that highlight coastal scenery, lighthouses, and local wildlife. Signature offerings include the One Hour Scenic Mailboat Tour aboard the Novelty, which visits Squirrel Island and showcases lighthouses, sea life, and the working waterfront. For anglers, Balmy Days Cruises runs a two-hour Mackerel Fishing trip near Boothbay Harbor; the crew provides all necessary tackle and instruction. Island access options include Monhegan Island trips that allow visitors to explore trails, galleries, and shoreline viewpoints, and a Burnt Island Lighthouse experience that begins with a 15-minute ferry ride followed by two hours on the island. Burnt Island Lighthouse visits are guided by the Keepers of the Burnt Island Lighthouse, who lead climbs of the lighthouse tower. Balmy Days Cruises also participates in Maine Open Lighthouse Day events, including the scheduled activities on September 14, 2024, such as lighthouse access, sunrise photography cruises, and island visits. The operation emphasizes safe, informative outings with local knowledge of Boothbay Harbor waters. Vessels run public departures for sightseeing, fishing, and island stops rather than private charters. Visitors can expect short scenic trips and island-focused experiences with opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and light hiking.
Booking information and schedules are available through local ticket booths, official websites, and seasonal dockside offices at Boothbay Harbor during the tourist season each summer season.
Tours Offered
5 Tours
Varied coastal experiences.
Typical Durations
15 min–2+ hrs
Short to moderate trip lengths.
Special Event
Sept 14, 2024
Maine Open Lighthouse Day event.
Island Access
Monhegan & Burnt Island
Island visits and lighthouse climbs.
Reserve seats for mailboat tours, mackerel fishing, Monhegan trips, and Burnt Island lighthouse visits — space fills seasonally.
Dress in layers
Early mornings on the water are cold and windy; bring a warm, windproof layer and hat.
Bring a waterproof bag
Protect cameras and phones from spray; keep spare batteries and cards in a dry pouch.
Stabilize for low light
Use a monopod or fast lenses for pre-dawn shooting to reduce blur without high ISO.
Plan for sea conditions
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding; the boat can roll in swell.
Camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
Required to capture the varied light; brings control over exposure and lenses.
Telephoto lens (70–200mm)
Helps isolate lighthouses and wildlife from a distance without disturbing animals.
Waterproof bag or dry sack
Protects gear from sea spray and unexpected splashes.
Warm layers and windproof jacket
Early mornings on the Atlantic can be chilly even in summer; layering keeps you comfortable.