SACO SAILING FIELD GUIDE
A Private Sail to the Heart of Wood Island Lighthouse
A four‑hour intimate sailing trip from Kennebunkport that includes a rare, guided tour inside the restored Wood Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s House.
A Private Sail to the Heart of Wood Island Lighthouse.
Set out from southern Maine aboard a 40' sailboat for an intimate tour that blends hands‑on sailing with a private visit to Wood Island Light Station. The voyage takes you across Saco Bay to a half‑mile wooden boardwalk, up the lighthouse’s 60 circular stairs to the lantern room, and through the two‑story restored Keeper’s House led by a Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse guide.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One of the few island lighthouses you can enter
This is a rare chance to step ashore and tour a restored island light station—one of only a handful in Maine that are both on an island and open for interior tours—led by volunteers from the conservation group that maintains the site.
Lantern‑room panoramas and coastline vistas
Climb the 60 circular stairs to the lantern room for panoramic views across Saco Bay; on a clear day the White Mountains are visible from the tower and the sail presents uninterrupted ocean vistas and views of Maine’s longest beach from the water.
Restored Keeper’s House with period details
Explore the two‑story restored Light Keeper’s House with carefully researched period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of the station’s life and upkeep.
What the day feels like
How the trip feels
The outing moves at a measured pace: a short coastal sail across Saco Bay aboard a 40' vessel, a dinghy landing and a half‑mile walk along the wooden boardwalk to the Light Station, an inside tour of the tower and Keeper’s House led by FOWIL, then a return passage with stories of the bay and its islands shared by your captain and crew.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
About 4 hours.
Departures originate from Kennebunkport, Maine; confirm exact pier and timing with the operator.
Be prepared to step in and out of a dinghy and walk a half‑mile on a wooden boardwalk; footwear such as closed shoes is required on the island—bare feet, flip‑flops or clogs are not allowed. No prior sailing experience is necessary.
There is a four‑guest minimum to run a tour; most season days operate two sailboats with a capacity of six each—parties larger than six must book two spots.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
About 4 hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet in Kennebunkport, Maine; your operator will confirm the exact launch point and time.
Is the 2024 season still booking?
The 2024 season is complete; contact the operator for 2025 inquiries.
What is the minimum or maximum group size?
Tours require a minimum of four guests. Boats typically hold up to six passengers; groups larger than six will need to make multiple bookings.
Are children allowed to climb the lighthouse?
Children are welcome, but must be at least 10 years old to go up the lighthouse tower.
Are there footwear or on‑island rules I should know about?
Yes—on Wood Island bare feet, flip‑flops and clogs are not allowed. All guests must comply with Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse on‑island rules and the general release.
Is gratuity included?
No; gratuity is optional and can be added by card, Venmo, or given in cash at your discretion.
When do departures run?
The schedule varies by day—Sundays and Mondays generally run twice daily, Tuesdays through Thursdays once in the afternoon, and exact times vary with sunset times; the operator posts a daily schedule.