BOOTHBAY HARBOR SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A One-Hour Loop of Lighthouses, Lobster Boats and Squirrel Island
A narrated, one-hour scenic mailboat cruise aboard the Novelty that circles Boothbay Harbor with brief stops at Squirrel Island and close views of lighthouses, the working waterfront and local sea life.
A One-Hour Loop of Lighthouses, Lobster Boats and Squirrel Island.
Embark on the Novelty for the One Hour Scenic Mailboat Tour: a narrated sweep of Boothbay Harbor that compresses the coast’s essential elements—lighthouses flashing over rocky shores, lobster boats and yachts in the busy harbor, an active working waterfront and brief landings for Squirrel Island passengers—into a tidy, memorable hour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lighthouses, Rocky Shorelines and Sea Breezes
The cruise brings you close to Maine’s iconic rocky shores and lighthouses and delivers the smells and sounds of the coast—gentle sea breezes, the cry of seabirds and, at times, light fog—creating the coastal atmosphere people travel for.
A Portrait of a Working Maine Harbor
Expect views of lobster boats, yachts, sailing craft and the elements of a busy waterfront—shipyards, fishing piers, a Coast Guard presence, marinas and even an oceanographic research lab—framed by the rhythm of vessels coming and going.
Narrated Stops and the Squirrel Island Drop
The tour is narrated and includes several quick stops for Squirrel Island passengers, offering a compact, narrated introduction to the Harbor’s islands and everyday marine life.
What the day feels like
What the Hour Feels Like
Over the course of one hour aboard the Novelty you skim the harbor’s active waterlines, listen to narration about local sights and pause briefly at Squirrel Island; the pace is brisk but panoramic, designed to show lighthouses, rocky shores, boats of every kind and the working waterfront in a single, waterfront-rich circuit.
THE LANDSCAPE
Lighthouses, Rocky Shorelines and Sea Breezes
The cruise brings you close to Maine’s iconic rocky shores and lighthouses and delivers the smells and sounds of the coast—gentle sea breezes, the cry of seabirds and, at times, light fog—creating the coastal atmosphere people travel for.
THE WORKING HARBOR
A Portrait of a Working Maine Harbor
Expect views of lobster boats, yachts, sailing craft and the elements of a busy waterfront—shipyards, fishing piers, a Coast Guard presence, marinas and even an oceanographic research lab—framed by the rhythm of vessels coming and going.
THE ROUTE
Narrated Stops and the Squirrel Island Drop
The tour is narrated and includes several quick stops for Squirrel Island passengers, offering a compact, narrated introduction to the Harbor’s islands and everyday marine life.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most from this short, narrated harbor cruise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise runs rain or shine; expect gentle sea breezes, occasional fog and the ambient sounds of an active harbor.
Prepare for sea breezes and changing conditions—the operator runs the tour in most weather.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Scenic Mailboat Tour?
The tour lasts one hour.
Where can I book one-way trips to or from Squirrel Island?
One-way trips to and from Squirrel Island can be booked at the Pier 8 ticketbooth.
Are the cruises narrated?
Most sailings are narrated; however, the 7:00 AM and 9:30 PM departures are not narrated.
Do trips operate in poor weather?
The operator runs the cruise rain or shine.
What are the fares for adults and children?
Adult fares are listed at $26; children ages 3–11 are $13; children 0–2 ride free.
Will I see wildlife and coastal landmarks?
Yes—expect views of sea life, lighthouses, rocky shores and the busy harbor during the narrated circuit.