Getting out on the water is the quintessential way to enjoy the vast coastal length and inland waterways of the DownEast Acadia.

There are all kinds of fun things to do in and on the water. Enjoy a swim from our selection of striking sand or rocky beaches, or at one of our many public access areas around the lakes. There are plenty of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, on your own or with an excursion; some folks even cast a line into the harbor from their local pier.

Boats! We’ve got them all. Take a whale watch excursion, cruising as far as 20 miles offshore for guaranteed sightings of these great cetaceans, all the while catching glimpses of harlequin ducks inshore and playful seals and dolphins further out. We have excursions aboard schooners restored or replicating days of yore, genuine lobster boats—with pot-hauling demonstrations, and beautiful Friendship sloops—the original lobster fishing boats before the motorization. Many large excursion boats include naturalists who will narrate the sights, or even musicians singing chanteys; on smaller boats, you’ll enjoy getting to know the owner/operator regaling you with local knowledge. You’ll have your choice of morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises. But bring an extra jacket: Ocean air is much cooler than shoreside.

We have marinas and services for you to bring your own boat; or you can rent a small sailboat, kayak, or canoe; or charter a crewed or uncrewed yacht. You can hop on a ferry to the offshore islands, or take a lighthouse tour. And small boaters will be delighted to explore the Maine Island Trail, a 375-mile water trail from the New Hampshire border to Canada, connecting over 200 wild islands and mainland sites open for day use or overnight camping.