Set sail from Camden Bay for a 2-hour wildlife cruise featuring seal habitats and traditional lobster trap hauling. Discover Maine’s coastal marine life up close on this unforgettable journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required, mostly seated on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Camden's lobstering traditions date back over 150 years, deeply influencing the local coastal culture.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes minimal disturbance to wildlife and supports sustainable fishing practices to preserve marine ecosystems.
Camden Harbor Cruises
Set sail from Camden Bay for a 2-hour wildlife cruise featuring seal habitats and traditional lobster trap hauling. Discover Maine’s coastal marine life up close on this unforgettable journey.
Camden Harbor Cruises operates narrated boat excursions that showcase Maine’s coastline and maritime heritage. The fleet includes the Periwinkle, which serves as the platform for an eight-hour Full Day Cruise presented with the American Lighthouse Foundation and featuring puffin viewing; a portion of those ticket sales supports lighthouse preservation. Weekly three-hour options include the Grindle Point Lighthouse Excursion, with stops at Islesboro’s Grindle Point Lighthouse and the Sailor’s Museum and commentary that highlights local history, and the Sunday Morning Lighthouse Cruise, a narrated three-hour tour past landmarks such as Curtis Island and Owls Head.
Shorter adventures include the one-hour Lobstering & Lighthouse Cruise and the 1.5-hour Morning Lobster Haul, both offering hands-on lobster-trap demonstrations and the chance to learn about lobstering practices. A two-hour Eco-Tour (Wildlife Cruise) travels across the bay to a secluded seal habitat and includes bird and marine-life viewing along with a lobster-trap hauling demonstration. The Periwinkle is also available for private charter. Tours highlight local maritime history, lighthouse preservation, wildlife viewing, and lobstering techniques.
Tours Offered
7
Variety of cruises and charters
Trip Durations
1–8 hours
Short and full-day options available
Wildlife & Nature
Puffins, Seals
Wildlife-focused eco and lighthouse trips
Preservation Support
Portion of Sales
Supports lighthouse preservation
Select a lighthouse, wildlife, or lobstering trip and secure tickets for a memorable Maine coastal experience aboard the Periwinkle.
Bring binoculars for spotting seals and seabirds
The wildlife on this cruise can be distant; binoculars improve your viewing experience.
Wear layered clothing for changing coastal weather
Mornings can be cool and breezy out on the water, so be prepared to adjust layers.
Keep waterproof gear handy
Sea spray and unexpected splashes make a waterproof jacket or shell useful.
Listen closely to the guide’s insights
Local knowledge enhances your understanding of the habitats and sustainable fishing methods.
Binoculars
Enhances ability to see distant seals and seabirds during the cruise.
Layered clothing
Allows comfortable adaptation to cool or windy conditions on the water.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against sea spray and unexpected weather shifts.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures detailed photos of wildlife and coastal scenery.