The town of Boothbay, the harbor, and the coastline are breathtaking. NewEngland.com has ranked Boothbay Harbor as one of the 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in Maine. According to their article, it sometimes seems that the town is half boats and half buildings. If that is truly the case, then the only way to really explore all of Boothbay is to spend some time on the water.
Tidal Transit has everything you need to explore the Boothbay coast in a kayak. They offer rentals ranging from one hour or two hours, half or full days, or multi-day. Here are six reasons why you should add a kayak rental to your Boothbay getaway.
- Kayaking is an exercise that is suitable for everyone. No experience is necessary to enjoy your time on a kayak. When you rent a kayak from Tidal Transit, they provide basic instruction, a life jacket, and a paddle. They also offer single (one person) or tandem (two person) kayaks depending on your preference. Want to get a real arm workout? Set a destination and work towards achieving it. Looking for a more relaxed afternoon? Casually paddle out on the water and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Nothing says you must paddle the entire time you are in your kayak.
- Kayaking allows you to enjoy the water on your own time table. Tourist boats are wonderful because you do not have to decide where to go or how to get there and they often provide a narrated tour. However, tourist boats have a set schedule. If you are really enjoying the view of a particular lighthouse, you cannot decide to stay longer. That all changes in your own kayak. You may discover that you really enjoy watching the shore birds hunt for fish for hours. You may want to explore a lighthouse from all angles. You are the captain of your kayak and you can decide your schedule.
- You can have the kayak delivered right to Five Gables Inn. If you are doing a multi-day rental from Tidal Transit, they offer free delivery to your location. Five Gables Inn has a dock directly on Linekin Bay. Walk across the street from the inn and be in your kayak in minutes. The easy access also allows for an early morning paddle when the coastal breezes tend to be at their calmest. Taking a morning kayaking cruise means you will have a full day of sightseeing all before lunch.
- You can access places that you cannot access via car. Boothbay Harbor boasts three historic lighthouses and many public islands. Tidal Transit’s shop offers direct access to the Harbor and guests can access Burnt Island Lighthouse in a short two-hour round trip paddle. Burnt Island Lighthouse is the second oldest surviving lighthouse in Maine. Visitors are welcome on the island seven days a week from 10 am until 5 pm from June though October.
You will be sharing the water with lobster boats, windjammers, and pleasure yachts. Please be sure to give these larger boats right of way, but also enjoy your time paddling among them.
- Kayaking can be as adventurous as you want it to be. The kayaks from Tidal Transit are suitable for open sea challenges. Get out there and experience the sea spray as you traverse the waves. Or pack a picnic and find some calmer water along the Sheepscot River. Either way, you will return to shore with a sense of accomplishment.
- You may make some new animal friends. Boothbay is known for its variety of mammals and birds. You may see a heron standing in the water near shore as it hunts for fish. Bald eagles have seen a resurgence in the state and you could be lucky enough to spot one these majestic birds. If you see one dive into the water, watch to see if it caught a fish. It is neat to watch them fly with a fish in their talons. The area is also home to one of the cutest birds out there; puffins have found a home on Eastern Egg Rock. Seals are like the puppy dogs of the sea because they can be so playful. Watch for their little heads to pop up in the water around you. One may even decide to get close enough for a photo op. Do not forget a dry bag for your camera because you will want to have it with you.
