Water Activities & Maine's Coastline with Balmy Days Cruises
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking is sufficient, no strenuous activity required.
Overview
Set sail on Maine's Boothbay Harbor with Balmy Days Cruises. Discover lighthouses, sea life, and local history on a scenic mailboat tour that’s perfect for all ages.
One Hour Scenic MailboatTour (Squirrel Island mailboat)
A great short boat trip around the Harbor. Narrated, with sevearal quick stops.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating one-hour Scenic Mailboat Tour aboard the Novelty, exploring Boothbay Harbor's stunning sights. Experience lighthouses, diverse sea life, and the vibrant working waterfront, all while enjoying the gentle sea breezes. With stops at Squirrel Island, this unforgettable journey showcases the unique beauty of Maine's coastline.
Scenic Mailboat Tour Rates
Adults - $26 Kids (3-11) - $13 Kids (0-2) - FREE
Scenic Mailboat Tour Details
Welcome to the one-hour sight-seeing trip on the Squirrel Island “Mail Boat”, Novelty. On this narrated sightseeing cruise you will see everything Boothbay Harbor has to offer. There will be several quick stops for the "Squirrels". On this boat trip you will see lighthouses, sea life, the rocky shores of Maine, boats of every kind, and many other sights & sounds that make up the feelings people take home that you can only find in Maine. We cruise rain or shine.
Nature: the sights and sounds of sea life and sea breezes, gentle waves and some fog now and then.
The busy harbor: lobster boats, yachts, sailing boats, and even an occasional cruise ship.
The working waterfront: shipyards, fishing piers, coast guard station, marinas, oceanographic research lab.
The scenic shore: lighthouses, rocky cliffs and many islands, with brief stops for Squirrel Island passengers.
Nightlights: lighthouses flashing their beacons to ship at sea, starlight, or moonbeams forming mysterious paths across the sea, village lights reflected in the calm harbor waters.
- 7am and 930pm trips are not narrated.
- Booking one-way trips to/from Squirrel can be done at the Pier 8 ticketbooth.
Adventure Tips
Bring your camera
Capture the stunning coastline and marine wildlife during the tour.
Wear layered clothing
Maine’s coastal weather can change quickly, so dress accordingly.
Arrive early
Secure your spot and enjoy the waterfront views before departure.
Pack binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with a pair of binoculars.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seals
- Ospreys
History
Boothbay Harbor has been a vital maritime hub since the 19th century, historically serving as a center for boat building and fishing.
Conservation
The tour promotes marine conservation by educating passengers about local wildlife and sustainable practices in the region.
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Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hat and sunglasses
Protect your eyes and skin from the sun during the boat ride.
summer specific
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keep comfortable if the breeze picks up on the water.
spring;fall specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and wildlife sightings.
Binoculars
Optional for better wildlife viewing.