Boothbay Harbor is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the open water, culinary delights, or glimpses into the region’s mysterious past, the best tours in Boothbay offer something for every traveler. Here’s our curated list of the top 10 tours that will make your Boothbay vacation truly memorable.
Set sail from Linekin Bay aboard Radiant, a magnificent 44-foot cutter-rigged sloop that promises an authentic Maine sailing experience. This tour stands out among active tours in Boothbay for its hands-on approach. You can take the helm, trim sails, or simply relax with a book on deck. The warm winds carry you past harbor seals basking on ledges, while the crew shares their expertise as patient teachers. Watch for minke and finback whales breaching in the distance, and admire iconic Maine lighthouses dotting the rocky coastline. With options ranging from half-day excursions to sunset cruises, Linekin Bay Sailing offers flexible itineraries that let you immerse yourself in the beauty of Midcoast Maine at your own pace. Guests of the Five Gables Inn can join tours aboard Radiant from the inn’s dock.
For those seeking intimate encounters with Boothbay’s coastal wonders, Maine Kayak delivers exceptional paddling experiences suitable for all skill levels. Their Boothbay Harbor Lighthouse Kayaking Tour is particularly special, offering a half-day journey to Burnt Island Lighthouse with time to explore this historic landmark. The sunset kayak trips provide magical moments as golden light bathes the harbor, while the two-hour harbor tours showcase picturesque shorelines and quaint seaside cottages. Paddling through the protected waters reveals an authentic Maine working waterfront, where lobster boats bob alongside pleasure craft. Kayaking in Boothbay is truly one of the best ways to experience Maine’s maritime heritage from a unique perspective.
Among whale watching tours in Maine, Cap’n Fish’s excursions aboard the Harbor Princess stand in a class of their own. The adventure begins at Eastern Egg Rock, the southernmost Atlantic puffin nesting site, where these colorful seabirds delight visitors with their distinctive appearance and charming antics. From there, the cruise ventures to prime whale feeding grounds where humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales frequently surface. Expert naturalists accompany every trip, helping you spot marine life and sharing fascinating facts about these incredible creatures. This nature-focused tour perfectly captures the raw beauty of Maine’s coastal ecosystem.
Maine DayVentures’ lunchtime walking tour transforms Boothbay Harbor into a delicious open-air classroom. This leisurely stroll connects you with locally-owned establishments serving native-to-Maine delicacies, from fresh lobster preparations to artisanal baked goods. As you taste your way through rotating restaurants, bakeries, and gourmet shops, friendly local guides share stories about the harbor’s history, the thriving lobstering and fishing industries, and award-winning aquaculture practices. Learn about sustainable seafood initiatives while sampling the culinary creativity that defines this coastal community. The tour beautifully balances food, history, and scenic harbor views, offering visitors a comprehensive taste of what makes Boothbay’s food scene so special.
When darkness falls, American Ghost Walks reveals Boothbay’s spine-tingling secrets on what many consider the best ghost tour in Maine. This after-hours adventure explores the harbor’s supernatural side, including the famous Opera House with its strange phenomena and numerous haunted bed-and-breakfasts where restless spirits allegedly linger. Professional storytellers weave historical facts with eerie encounters, creating an atmospheric experience that appeals to both skeptics and believers. The walking tour covers several paranormal hotspots throughout town, each location contributing another layer to Boothbay’s mysterious past.
The complimentary docent-led tours at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens showcase one of New England’s premier horticultural destinations. Available daily from early May through mid-October, these guided experiences include the comprehensive Highlights Tour, the whimsical Hike the Trolls adventure through enchanted forest sculptures, the educational Native Plant Hike, the Wetland Hike exploring diverse ecosystems, and the informative Let’s Talk Biodiversity Tour. Knowledgeable guides illuminate the gardens’ commitment to conservation while helping visitors appreciate the carefully curated collections.
Boothbay is home some amazing cycling opportunities. Mysterious Harbor Tours’ e-bike adventure takes the road less traveled, revealing Boothbay’s secret history along stunning coastal byways. Electric pedal-assist Pedego bikes make the rolling terrain accessible to riders of all fitness levels, allowing everyone to enjoy this active tour in Boothbay. The route traverses the historic Spruce Point peninsula, where Native American Wawenock once fished and early colonials established settlements. Stops include the prestigious Spruce Point Inn and magnificent coastal lodges built before the Great Depression. Entertaining guides share intriguing historical tales and local lore, including a few unsolved mysteries. Wildlife sightings of deer, foxes, osprey, eagles, and other creatures add spontaneous excitement to the panoramic coastal views.
Train enthusiasts and history buffs shouldn’t miss Denny’s in-depth guided tours of Railway Village. These 90-minute Tuesday explorations delve into the museum’s extensive exhibits and the compelling stories behind them. This museum tour in Maine is well worth the effort to make advance reservations. The collection preserves Maine’s railroad heritage through vintage locomotives, restored cars, and period artifacts that transport visitors to the golden age of rail travel.
Wine lovers will appreciate the complimentary weekend tours at Cellardoor Winery, offered June through October. This winery tour near Boothbay guides visitors through the winemaking process while exploring the property’s fascinating history. Following the tour, guests can enjoy self-guided tastings featuring pre-set flights showcasing Cellardoor’s varietals. The scenic vineyard setting and expertly crafted wines create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for afternoon relaxation.
From May through October, Glidden Point offers immersive tours exploring the Damariscotta River’s oyster farming heritage. Visitors learn about oyster biology, cultivation techniques, and farming practices while observing a working operation in action. The experience includes watching harvest activities on the docks, participating in a shucking lesson, and tasting fresh oysters on the patio. This tour is a quintessentially Maine culinary experience that connects visitors directly to the source of this prized delicacy.
Whether you’re drawn to maritime adventures, culinary exploration, or historical discovery, these top 10 tours showcase the best of Boothbay, Maine.
