BOOTHBAY HARBOR PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sunrise, Sea Spray and a Staircase to the Light: Maine Open Lighthouse Day at Burnt Island
A one-day program on September 14, 2024 that lets you climb Burnt Island Light, join a 2½-hour sunrise photography cruise aboard Balmy Days II, or take an all-day outing to Monhegan Island—essential details for planning your visit.
Sunrise, Sea Spray and a Staircase to the Light: Maine Open Lighthouse Day at Burnt Island.
Maine Open Lighthouse Day in Boothbay Harbor concentrates the coast’s compact drama into a single calendar day: ascend the Burnt Island light tower, ride a short water taxi across the harbor, or board Balmy Days II for a sunrise photographic circuit of at least four lighthouses or an all-day run to Monhegan Island—each option built around clear departure times and local access to island trails, galleries and food.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Climb Burnt Island Light
Spend an hour or so on Burnt Island on Open Lighthouse Day: climb up into the light tower and take in the harbor and ocean views. A water taxi links the mainland and island with short 15-minute crossings beginning mid-morning.
Sunrise Photography Cruise with a Pro
A 6:00 AM, 2-1/2 hour cruise aboard Balmy Days II circles the Boothbay region to frame at least four lighthouses in early light. Host Michael Leonard will be on board offering photography tips while you photograph shoreline scenes and wildlife.
All-day Trip to Monhegan
Depart on the morning outbound at 9:30 AM aboard Balmy Days II for Monhegan Island, where the museum and lighthouse are open and visitors can hike scenic trails, visit galleries and shops, and sample island fare.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a punctual, schedule-driven coastal outing: dawn light and camera work on a compact 2½-hour cruise; a string of half-hour water taxi departures to and from Burnt Island for guided climbs of the light tower; or a full-day crossing to Monhegan that leaves mid-morning and returns later in the afternoon—each option delivering steep coastal views, close-in lighthouse passages and island-side walking.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Climb Burnt Island Light
Spend an hour or so on Burnt Island on Open Lighthouse Day: climb up into the light tower and take in the harbor and ocean views. A water taxi links the mainland and island with short 15-minute crossings beginning mid-morning.
THE SUNRISE
Sunrise Photography Cruise with a Pro
A 6:00 AM, 2-1/2 hour cruise aboard Balmy Days II circles the Boothbay region to frame at least four lighthouses in early light. Host Michael Leonard will be on board offering photography tips while you photograph shoreline scenes and wildlife.
THE ISLAND
All-day Trip to Monhegan
Depart on the morning outbound at 9:30 AM aboard Balmy Days II for Monhegan Island, where the museum and lighthouse are open and visitors can hike scenic trails, visit galleries and shops, and sample island fare.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this day—and who should consider a different outing.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Open Lighthouse Day is Saturday, September 14, 2024. Sunrise Photography Cruise departs at 6:00 AM for a 2-1/2 hour trip. Monhegan outbound departs at 9:30 AM. Burnt Island water taxi service runs from 10:00 AM every half hour until 1:00 PM; returns begin at 11:15 AM with the final return at 2:15 PM.
Balmy Days Cruises operates the listed outings aboard Balmy Days II for the sunrise cruise and the Monhegan outbound; water taxi and island landing details are part of the Open Lighthouse Day schedule.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is Maine Open Lighthouse Day?
Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Can I climb Burnt Island Light?
Yes — Burnt Island Light is open on Open Lighthouse Day and visitors can climb up into the light tower during the island visit.
What time is the Sunrise Photography Cruise and how long is it?
The Sunrise Photography Lighthouse Cruise departs at 6:00 AM and is a 2-1/2 hour trip aboard Balmy Days II.
When does the Monhegan trip depart and what is open on the island?
The outbound to Monhegan departs at 9:30 AM on Balmy Days II; on Open Lighthouse Day the Monhegan Museum and lighthouse will be open.
What are the Burnt Island water taxi hours and return schedule?
Water taxi service to Burnt Island begins at 10:00 AM and runs every half hour until 1:00 PM. Returns start at 11:15 AM and run every half hour with a final return scheduled for 2:15 PM.