Chartering in Maine offers a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and luxurious escapism. Explore the serene coastal gems, from Portland to Bar Harbor, aboard your private yacht with a hand-picked guide to this East Coast haven.
Diamond Island
The city of Portland, Maine, serves as the jumping off point for your journey, where you can enjoy dining at such local favorites as Becky’s Diner, Street & Co, and Fore Street Restaurant, before boarding your yacht charter. From there, your first destination is Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, one of the most picturesque spots in the state. This jewel features picnic areas and hiking trails that allow for taking in the island beauty as well as an inn, a five-star restaurant, and marina. Biking or getting around the island via golf cart is de rigueur as no gas-powered vehicles are allowed. During your travels, you may hear of literary greats that frequented the island such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow or Harriet Beecher Stowe. Or, maybe you’ll learn the history of the island as a military base during the 19th century and note the attention to preserving the architectural integrity of the time.
Boothbay Harbor
Sailing along the mid-coast of Maine brings you to the charming seaside spot of Boothbay Harbor. Littered with cozy boutiques, quaint shops, and hidden gem dining spots, Boothbay Harbor has been called the boating capital of New England, making it a perfect yacht charter stop. Backed by emerald greenery and hemmed by rocky coast, Boothbay Harbor has a divine connection with the sea. The up-close views of whales, puffins, and honking seals on dazzling boat tours, the lip-smacking seafood served in the restaurants, the feel of the salt-whipped air, and the sounds of clanging fishing boats, create a heady experience for those who adore sailing life. Days in Boothbay are best spent lobstering, lighthouse touring, and kayaking. Enjoy dining at the Thistle Inn Restaurant for a true taste of local cuisine.
Somes Sound
Stretching on for five miles, the Somes Sound is considered to be one of the only fjord-like bodies of water on the East Coast and cleaves Mount Desert Island and the Acadia National Park almost in two. At its deepest, darkest point, the Sound ducks down to almost 175 feet. Sailing the Somes Sound gifts charter guests the chance to cruise the picture-perfect harbors and villages that dot Mount Desert Island. From lighthouses to the vintage homes of the Northeast Harbor, there are plenty of opportunities to learn all about the history of the area while drinking in those sweeping mountain vistas and keeping a keen eye for seals and harbor porpoises along the way. Be sure to visit Acadia National Park to explore its natural wonders.
Mount Desert Island
The cruise from Somes Sound to Bar Harbor offers a scenic and memorable journey along the picturesque coastline of Mount Desert Island. It is a popular excursion for visitors seeking to explore the natural beauty and charming towns of the region. As you embark on the cruise, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline, towering granite cliffs, and pristine waters. The cruise offers panoramic vistas of the Acadia National Park, its forested slopes, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain, creating a dramatic backdrop as you glide through the waters.
Bar Harbor
The largest town on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor bustles in the summer with keen visitors eating ice cream and strolling the sun-soaked sidewalks. Adorned with historic homes, a thriving arts scene, and the national park right on its doorstep, Bar Harbor has that welcome mix of outdoor wonders and timeless vacation vibes. Swimming, hiking, fishing, and scenic boat tours should certainly be on the charter itinerary for guests who want to gulp in the fresh salt air and lose themselves in the lush mountains and craggy coast. Sailing Frenchman Bay is a must, as is a visit to the Abbe Museum to find out more about the native communities that have long called these shores home. Dining options abound with places like Leary’s Landing Irish Pub, Side Street Cafe, Cafe This Way, Atlantic Brewing Midtown, and Black Friar Inn & Pub offering delicious meals.
