3 Camden harbor cruises to enjoy

There are so many great ways to explore the “prettiest spot in Maine,” one of them being aboard a boat. Several companies in town offer wonderful Camden harbor cruises, allowing you to sit back and relax as you cruise the waterways with views of lighthouses, mansions nestled in the rocky coastline, wildlife and more.

3 Camden harbor cruises to enjoy

Schooner Surprise

The Schooner Surprise has been offering day sails and charters for 28 years. Climb aboard the completely restored, historic 57-foot vessel for a 2-hour cruise during which you’ll enjoy a view from the sea to the mountains. What will you see? The wind will decide whether you sail towards Isleboro Island or down the coast to Rockland. Either way, you’ll view summer estates perched on the coast, lighthouses, look for seals and other wildlife, and more.

The Schooner Surprise seats 18 passengers and offers five daily cruises. Each Friday in July and August, the schooner’s sunset cruise is transformed into a special event, complete with live music and homemade desserts. The schooner also offers Full Moon sails, complete with live music and homemade desserts, as well as special cruises to watch the fireworks on July 4 and at the end of the season in August.

Private cruises are also available aboard the Schooner Surprise. Please visit their website for more information, schedule and pricing.

Camden Harbor Cruises

The aptly named Camden Harbor Cruises offers 1-hour tours in its classic wooden motor vessel, during which you can enjoy a beverage as you cruise around to look at lighthouses, mansions, wildlife and more. Camden Harbor Cruises kicks off its season in late May. They offer three public tours:

• Lobstering and Lighthouse Harbor Cruise, a 1-hour tour that includes sightseeing and a lobster fishing demonstration.
• Eco-Tour, a 1 ½-hour cruise that includes sightseeing, a lobster fishing demonstration and extra time to watch for wildlife, including seals.
• Sunday Lighthouse Cruise, a relaxing 3-hour sightseeing cruise with snacks and refreshments.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or are traveling with a group, you may want to consider one of Camden Harbor Cruises’ private charters. For schedules, prices and more info, please visit the Camden Harbor Cruises website.

Schooner Olad

Climb aboard the Schooner Olad, a classic 1927 yacht, and set sail for a relaxing 2-hour sightseeing cruise. The Schooner Olad sets sail several times daily, each trip offering a little something different in the way of wind and wildlife. Morning cruises are best for viewing wildlife, mid-day sails offer the best chance to catch a strong wind, and afternoon/evening cruises are best for relaxing.

The Schooner Olad seats 22 passengers. Private cruises are available. If you’d prefer a smaller vessel, the company also offers several daily tours on its 6-passenger sailboat The Owl.

No matter which boat you choose, you’ll enjoy seeing Camden in a different light. As the wind guides your vessel past lighthouses, beautiful homes, be sure to look out for seals, shorebirds and more.

Be sure to visit the Schooner Olad’s website for information on schedules, tours and pricing.

THE HARTSTONE INN

The Hartstone Inn is an enchanting bed and breakfast hideaway in the heart of downtown Camden, Maine. Choose from 21 elegant guest rooms and suites, appointed with luxurious amenities, including soft robes, fine linens and down quilts and pillows. Enjoy gourmet cuisine morning, afternoon and evening, and maybe even try your hand at preparing a gourmet meal or two yourself with our Foodie Adventure Packages. Our Camden bed and breakfast is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Photo Credit: PopTech / Camden, Maine / Flickr