What to do and see in Maine, United States: The Best Eco Tours

A two hour sail and private charters out of Camden Harbor on the elegant Surprise, lets you experience both Camden and Penobscot Bay in a truly special and memorable way. See Mount Battie and Curtis Island lighthouse from a beautiful historical Windjammer

Sail the Maine Coast aboard Schooner Yacht HERON, a 65' John Alden designed Classic Schooner Yacht. Experience the thrill of sailing a classic wooden schooner. HERON is fast and steady as she sails among the pristine islands of Penobscot Bay. The Schooner Yacht HERON is truly the finest daysailer in the fleet. Quality sails offered daily from Rockport. Enjoy an educational Eco history wildlife tour with Bonnie, our environmental educator. Captains Twig and Bonnie can tell you all about the building of the HERON from John Alden's 1928 plans. For a relaxing sail with friends, try our Sunset Sail with happy hour snacks. The tranquility of Rockport Harbor at sunset is stunning. BYOB or purchase drinks on-board. Special Fireworks sails, Windjammer Parade of Sails and Photography cruises scheduled throughout the summer. Private sails, group and custom lunch and dinner charters also available for groups up to 30. HERON is family built, owned and operated by the Bower family of Camden, Maine.

Explore Camden, Maine and Penobsot Bay on the only schooner built and captained by her owner, Sean O'Connor. This is our 20th year on the water in Camden! Join us for a 2 hour day sail or your own private charter for an afternoon or an entire day. Sailing mid-May to October from the Public Landing in scenic Camden, Maine. Take a turn at the helm or just enjoy the beauty of Penobscot Bay. Keep an eye out for seals, porpoise, bald eagles and osprey while viewing the magnificent scenery. Children and dogs are welcome. We offer senior citizen discounts as well.

We guide spectacular Sea Kayak Tours on the coast of Maine. We are off the beaten path in the tiny fishing village of Port Clyde. On our tours you are likely to see porpoises, seals, osprey, bald eagles, sea ducks, and shore birds. We pride ourselves in 5 star service. All skill levels welcome. Please visit us!

Come sailing on Maine's last sailing wooden lobsterboat, the Sarah Mead! We will catch wind, laughter and maybe some lobster on your trip (it's called fishing for a reason). Seals, porpoise, lighthouses and other magnificent vessels around Boothbay Harbor are also typically visible. Now also offering island tours on a classic wooden Catboat, Paula Anne!

Discover the essential Lubec through our self-guided audio tours you can download to your mobile device or rent with MP3 player and speaker in Lubec. Walking on Water Street, Bogs and the Ice Age, Explore the Intertidal Shore.

At Midcoast Kayak we offer kayaking and stand up paddleboard tours, rentals and instruction on Muscongus Bay and the beautiful Damariscotta River Estuary. Our retail store is conveniently located in downtown Damariscotta and our touring base is located in Bremen, two miles north of Round Pond Village. Meet at our harbor location for full and half day sea kayak eco-tours, including Sunset Tours daily. Join a class taught by an ACA Certified Instructor. Family fun, beautiful sights, and a friendly learning environment await you at Midcoast Kayak!

Enjoy a cruise in Penobscot Bay aboard the lobster boat Lively Lady, a traditional wooden lobster boat. Cruise by surrounding lighthouses, yachts, windjammers and islands while watching for seals and other wildlife. Help the Captain haul a lobster trap and check for critters. Touch tank on board with an array of sea life. A wonderful, safe way to see the harbor, relax and learn about Maine's beloved lobster. We offer One-Hour lobstering and lighthouse cruises, 1.5-Hour Eco-Tours and a special 3-Hour Sunday Morning Lighthouse Cruise. Beer, Wine and soft drinks available on board. Owned and operated by Captain Dominic and Liz Gioia, Native Mainers and Camden locals.

Portland Paddle offers sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, tours and lessons. We provide paddling adventures for all skill levels, including complete beginners. We send out two-hour sunset kayak tours every evening and half-day kayak tours three mornings each week. Experienced paddlers can rent kayaks or SUPs and explore the Maine Island Trail. We're located at the East End Beach a short drive or walk from downtown Portland. Our site on the waterfront of Casco Bay is perfectly situated for paddling. Dozens of interesting islands are nearby and the waters near the beach are relatively calm and protected. We are a seasonal business open from mid-May to mid-October. Our hours may vary in the spring and fall.

People enjoy exploring the many tidal pools of Maine, but do you know about the amazing critters that actually live in between the tides? Coast Encounters will take you on a unique, hands-on excursion where you will roll up your sleeves, get your feet wet, and discover the vast array of marine life that lies just beneath your feet. Participants must be at least 7 years old and in good physical health to crawl over very slippery rocks and seaweed. Each excursion lasts about three hours and is scheduled around the low tide time for that day. Though based in Wells, excursions may be in Kennebunk or Ogunquit. If sitting on a boat for hours squinting to catch a glimpse of marine life doesn’t appeal to you, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll peek under rocks, identify over 30 intertidal plants and animals, and learn interesting facts about each one. Most importantly, you will learn how to explore life between the tides in a way that is safe and respectful of its inhabitants.