We took Balmy Day Cruises out of Boothbay to Monhegan Island, and it was an absolutely lovely…read moreexperience. We ordered both our outbound and return tickets online ($23 per person per leg of the trip, so for two people - after fees - it was close to $100), showed up to collect them at about 9:15, and got in the queue (I'd strongly recommend showing up even earlier than we did: the best seats are on the top of the boat, and they fill up very quickly). The whole process was super easy! The boat is for passengers only, departing Pier 8 at 9:30am and arriving back around 4:15/4:30pm. The boat ride is about 1 1/2 hours each way. At 2pm they offer a trip around Monhegan Island (it's $5 per person, cash only) that offers spectacular views of the entire circumference of the island; it's narrated with local history and nature facts (actually most of the boat ride to and from is), and when we went the captain also brought us over to Duck Rocks to see dozens and dozens of seals sunbathing. We also saw harbor porpoises on the ride back to the mainland! There are beverages available for sale (including adult options); there are bathrooms on board, as well. The staff is friendly, incredibly safety focused, and very quick to help when there's a sick passenger (after all, you're in the open ocean of the Gulf of Maine). I didn't know what to expect, but was impressed and satisfied with the entire experience. We're already looking forward to our next trip to Monhegan which we'll do through Balmy Day (who also offer harbor tours, private charters, sailing trips, mackerel fishing, and Burnt Island Lighthouse tours... something we're also interested in now too!). What an incredible way to explore coastal Maine from the convenience of Boothbay!

Great Captain honest day. The cocaptain was training a new hire. They were very emphatic on making…read moresure we were back well in time not to miss the trip. The water was safe safe and smooth. Entertaining dialogue from the captain throughout the cruise. It was a absolutely fun and rewarding day on the island.

What a great experience! I am so glad that my wife booked this trip for us. It was such a great…read moretime. The captain was great as was her first mate. She did a fantastic job sailing, having good conversation, and keeping things fun. She also knew a lot about sailboats in general and explained the differences in the other sailboats we passed. Lots of safety aboard and they do a great job having the visitors help with the needs of the boat. It was absolutely gorgeous that day and we could not have had better conditions to sail. Wind was good. Water was good. Times were good! We got to see a bunch of lighthouses and many wildlife too. All in all, a good way to spend a day on the water. They do sell booze if you want a drink. You only live once, do the things!! I would do it again in a heartbeat!! '26 - 32

I took my 1 year old grandson (and his parents..lol) on the Eastwind. We wanted a short trip…read moredue to his age and attention span. He had the best time and even got to steer the boat!! (long enough for a cute picture) Skipper and mate were amazing and the mate was an encyclopedia of local knowledge. I highly recommend this to anyone in the area.

It's nice that they have a puffin and whale watching combo cruise. Being short on time, it was nice…read moreto have the opportunity to do both in one half day. We had a naturalist/animal guide who was knowledgeable and very attentive at identifying birds. There were a decent number of puffins, though they didn't really get close enough to make out the finer details by naked eye, but there are binoculars for rent (not sure how helpful they are because I had my own camera). We unfortunately didn't see any whales, but we were each given a standby ticket for a future cruise. The instructions in the email confirmation weren't completely accurate -- it instructed to go to a different pier where the cruise was actually going to be. Thankfully, I was able to reach staff over the phone and clarify this quickly. Definitely dress in layers, because once the boat starts powering out of the bay, the wind chills the temperature down a good 20 degrees. They did have blankets available but I'm not sure if they're an additional cost. The inside of the boat is nice and toasty, but the views aren't as crisp. I'd heard parking was rough, but if you go before June 1, I noticed some lots nearby were free, and there is free 4 hour parking a short 6 minute walk away that is just long enough for the cruise.

We took the puffin watch cruise and has a great experience! The boat was clean and well taken care…read moreof inside and out. Great crew. An Audobon employee gave us a talk about the birds mammals we might see. Then she gave a history of the puffin breeding program. Fascinating! We saw floating and flying puffins even though it was a foggy day. Nice items to buy from Audobon on the way back. Snacks and drinks available on the inside of the boat.

This was a great experience with an abundance of food. All of the servers were friendly and…read moreattentive. The lobsters were larger than we expected. The meal was all generously portioned. The boat ride was enjoyable and everything was well-organized down to the last detail. Cool island setting with fantastic views.

This is like something in a book. You talk a 45 minute boat ride out to cabbage island while…read moregetting a history lesson about the area. You arrive to the island and it like you went to camp for adults all kinds of games and place to walk and see nature from unobstructed views. Then they call you for the first course which is an amazing fish chowder. The you hear the horn blow and everyone hurries to get the main course 2 lobsters baked potato corn on the cob clams and melted butter. Followed by coffee and blueberry cake. Unbelievable then as your leaving the two brothers say goodbye and thank you for coming

We booked this lobster boating tour months ago for my father's 70th birthday trip -- the main…read moreactivity he was excited about and something we were all looking forward to. We even confirmed the reservation just yesterday. We're staying at Spruce Point Inn and literally saw the boat leave this morning -- with a different group. We were told it was due to a new scheduling system, and that the other group's trip had been canceled the day before. But it's incredibly frustrating and hard to accept that our private charter, which had been booked far in advance, was the one that got bumped last minute. There was no meaningful apology. Just an offer to rebook us for tomorrow (when the weather looks terrible) or refund us. No real effort to make things right. This was supposed to be a highlight of our trip -- instead, it left us scrambling and disappointed on a very important and personal day. Totally unacceptable. I would not recommend trusting this company with your plans, especially if you're celebrating something meaningful.

A phenomenal experience. Learned a ton about old school lobstering in Maine and saw Boothbay from a…read morenew vantage point. Best thing we did all week and well worth the price. Highly recommended

This friendship sloop is one of the most fun trips out into the harbor in this small resort town…read more It is a replica of a lobster boat from pre-motorized days. The sailor we used to ride with died this past summer, so we can't speak for the skipper anymore (we are very sad to have lost this wonderful young man!!)!! He was great at giving anyone who asked for it; a ride to remember. He was a gifted sailor who could maneuver that boat between boats and buoys like noone's business! This smallish sailing vessel will give you the taste of sailing in Maine as it traces it's route to the outer harbor and back zigzagging between sailboats and lobsterboats. The sailors will tell you about the lobster business at the turn of the century, so it's an outting AND a history lesson.

We had a wonderful 2 hour cruise with the captain and first mate very helpful and fun. The cruise…read moreis around the harbor and it was just enough time to enjoy the scenery. Wind did pick up so we sailed at 5 knots nicely for awhile. It was also much cooler on the water than on land, so a welcome relief. All the sails went up, and the small size of the schooner was perfect. This is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours on the water looking at all the shorelines with houses you would not normally see.

To see the…read moresea The Lazy Jack is a 48 foot schooner that holds up to 14 people. Not exactly in comfort but you can find a comfy place on board to see everything that is going on. And a whole lot is usually going on this ship. The Lazy Jack was built in 1947 and is modeled after the great Gloucester fishing schooners of the last century. It was used for years to haul cargo from Massachusetts down to the Bahamas. Now the great ship is doing the work of hauling tourists around Boothbay Harbor. Under the skilled command of Caption Joe and his son Michael, the ship gives two hour tours around the harbor. Lots of great views of the islands, lighthouses and if you are lucky you might even see a seal, osprey or bald eagle. The two hour tour costs only 32 bucks for an adult and is an very cool experience. Capt Joe just doesn't prattle away the entire trip. He will point out various things of interest and answer all questions but he leaves enough quiet so the passengers can enjoy the sound of the ocean and wind. Unfortunately we didn't have a whole lot of wind so it wasn't as exciting as I hoped but it still was wonderful trip. Just so much to see and learn, the two hours went by so fast. You can bring you own booze and junk food on board and even take a turn at the wheel if you desire. These old schooners take a lot more sail management than the more modern sloops or catboats and just watching Michael and Joe constantly adjusting the sails was quite entertaining and educating. The tour runs from Memorial Day to the end of October and can also be chartered for all day excursions. A fantastic way to spend a couple of hours on the water and easily worth the 32 bucks. We returned all wind blown, a bit wet and a little sore but very, very happy.

Had a great Sushi cruise with Captain Jordan Caron tonight I highly recommend getting a reservation…read morefor one of these cruises lots of options not just all fishing!!

From the owner: We are a private fishing charter company located in Boothbay Harbor. We offer some of the best…read morefishing action around! We have the most comfortable charter boat in the boothbay harbor region and we know how to catch fish and have a lot of fun, giving you the best experience we can.

I chartered a San Juan 21 from Tim for a week and had a delightful experience from start to finish…read more Tim is knowledgeable and helpful - I would recommend West Harbor Recreation for a charter of any duration. I hope to return again soon. Sailing in Booth Bay and Linekin Bay is most beautiful and relaxing. As one of my family members said "sailing here restores my soul".

Highly recommend! Reservations were easy, boat was great, price is more than fair. The owners are…read moregreat and very down to earth, very helpful with giving advice as to where to go for the most enjoyment. Very happy with the day these people made possible, thank you!