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Local’s Guide to the Best Kennebunkport Boat Tours

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If you ask a local in Kennebunk or Kennebunkport , “what’s the best way to see this coastal village,” they’ll tell you to get on a boat! They might even suggest you get wet… ‘cause locals are fresh and like to be funny.

Shore enough ( I’m a local – forgive my Maine humah), the best scenery happens when you get aboard a boat – a  kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, or even better – a tour boat or sailboat leaving the Kennebunk River heading to the open seas.

Where the waves crash at Blowing Cave and Thunder Hole near President Bush’s summer home, Walkers Point, is spectacular. Granite cliffs meet gorgeous greenery along the coastline framed by sparkling blue waters.

Long stretches of sand beaches at Gooch’s, aka Kennebunk Beach, and Goose Rocks Beach beyond Cape Porpoise are stunning landmarks, as is Goat Island Light as you cruise by on a boat. From Kennebunkport, there are lots of ways to get out on the water.

Here are some of the best boat tours in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport departing daily in season, weather permitting of course, out of the Kennebunk River.

Lobster Boat Tours

A  Lobster Boat Tour  is fun, especially for families. Picture yourself on a 1-1/2 hour boat cruise up the Kennebunk River past the fishing wharves, the beautiful hotel grounds and grand seaside homes, and out the breakwater to the open Atlantic.

Your friendly Rugosa boat Captain and First Mate will take you on a pleasant boat ride past The President’s “Summer White House” at Walkers Point, inside the US Coast Guard markers, and as you head toward Cape Porpoise you will have wonderful views of Goat Island Light. You may even see a seal or porpoise popping their heads up out of the water.

Part of the Kennebunkport Lobster Boat tour is the hauling of a live lobster trap. If kids are on board, they will love the opportunity to see what they caught, a fresh lobster, even get to touch the crustacean and band their big crusher claw before putting the lobster back in the water – saved from the boiling pot for another day.

The  Rugosa Boat Tour  is affordable family fun on a 1961 classic 38′ wooden lobster boat, without committing to a full day out at sea. The pretty red-hulled lobster boat named for Maine’s native sea roses, The Rugosa departs from The Nonantum Resort and docks several times daily in season with up to 25 passengers.

Sail Boat Tours in Kennebunkport

Sailing is magical, with the wind powering you through the mighty sea, no motor noise – just the rustle of sails. If you have your sea legs and the love of full sails and the breeze in your hair, then  The Pineapple Ketch  is the best sailboat tour in the Kennebunks. Departing from The Nonantum you board this beautiful black-hulled wooden sailboat.

A tour of the River whets your appetite as you head beyond the breakwater and watch as the gorgeous blood-red sails are hoisted and filled. You can book a sailing trip aboard the Pineapple Ketch for two hours during the day or sign up for the sunset tour or arrange a private sailing charter – very popular for parties, intimate weddings, and small groups.

The Captain and crew might even let you hoist a sail or steer at the helm for a moment.  Sailing on a schooner like The Pineapple Ketch should be on everyone’s Kennebunkport bucket list.

Paddling Tours in Kennebunkport

You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle up and down the Kennebunk River, or try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). The further upriver you go, under the Dock Square Bridge, for example, the more pristine and natural the surroundings, you can paddle past Cape Arundel Golf Course(where President Bush plays golf) all the way to Picnic Rocks, Doanes Bridge, and the Landing School.

Turning around and heading out the Kennebunk River, the closer you get to the breakwater and mouth of the river, the more you will encounter boat traffic, and a different kind of beauty as the outlying sea comes into view.

Just remember to stay out of the way of all boats including commercial fishing vessels, lobster boats, and pleasure boats in the main channel of the River.

For kayak and SUP rental, Kayak Excursions offers rentals and guided tours all along the Southern Maine Coast including Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. They’ll even deliver a kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard to the launch place of your choosing and pick you up after your day touring.

Maine Whale Watching Tours in Kennebunkport

Whale watching can be amazing, but it’s a long day at sea, and folks who get seasick should be warned about this. Whale Watch Tours departing from Kennebunkport, like Nick’s Chance, head out to sea for 4-1/2 hours in the open sea to Jeffrey’s Ledge where whale sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

If you don’t see a whale on your boat trip, the whale watch company will let you go again another day for free – kind of a rain check whale check.

Fishing Charters on the Kennebunk River

There are several fishing charter outfits on the Kennebunk River that will take you out sport fishing and deep sea fishing, for bass, tuna, swordfish, and striper. Our advice: pack lots of sunscreen, layers, and drinks, so even if you get skunked, you don’t get burned or parched.

If you don’t catch a fish, you can at least catch a buzz… that’s more local humah for ya. They say “Kennebunkport is a drinking village with a fishing problem.” 

Explore Kennebunkport Boat Tours

See our list of boat tours, SUP, kayak and canoe rentals, boat charters, fishing and sailing adventures departing from the docks of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk’s Lower Village on the Kennebunk River. “Sea” ya on the river, enjoy your time in Kennebunkport.

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Sea Turtle Coastal Cruises

Kennebunk/kennebunkport, me, let's go sailing....

​Let us take you on a relaxing cruise aboard the sailing catamaran Sea Turtle! For the summer and fall months, we are located in Kennebunk, Maine. Book a sailing cruise and explore the beautiful Maine coast.

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Coastal Cruise

Sail along the beautiful Maine coastline!

Kennebunk Sundowner Cruise

Sail along while watching the beautiful sunset!

About Our Cruises

Sea Turtle Coastal Cruises is a private sailboat charter operation. We offer private sailing charters for groups of up to six passengers on our sailing catamaran Sea Turtle. We think you will enjoy the more intimate nature of our cruises over that of the larger cruise offerings where you are amongst a big group of virtual strangers.

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Shore Excursion Details

Kennebunkport & scenic cruise, portland, maine.

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• 4 3/4 hrs Estimate Duration

Visit the charming coastal village of Kennebunkport and embark on a 50 minute scenic cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Walker’s Point and Maine’s famous rocky coast. Located just 45 minutes from Portland, enjoy a scenic drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning mansions that were built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700’s and 1800’s. The historic and charming coastal village of Kennebunkport gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of former President George H. Bush and his family. A stop will be made in the center of town at Dock Square to embark on a 50 minute scenic cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Walker’s Point and Maine’s rugged rock coast. You’ll have some free time to stroll the picturesque streets lined with shops, galleries, unique boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and pubs before your return to Portland. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

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Check out the, activity attributes, excursion type:.

Scenic & City Tours

Activity level:.

• 3 Challenging

BOOK YOUR KENNEBUNK OR PORTLAND TOUR BEFORE SUMMER SLIPS AWAY!

Kennebunk, Maine Boating Adventures

See the crown jewel of coastal new england on our exciting, eco-friendly maine adventure boat tours and whale watching excursions.

Your family doesn’t want to be crammed onto a crowded big boat tour of the Southern Maine Coast or whale watching tour. You want to have the time of your life exploring Maine’s most postcard-perfect historic villages and surrounding islands, lighthouses, coves, and bays in a small, select group with a front row seat.

Only New England EcoAdventures blends education, excitement, and adventure into each Kennebunk and Kennebunkport whale watching excursion and scenic boat tour, and offers first-class accommodations that let you see and sustain the stunning Southern Maine ecosystem.

Upcoming Kennebunk Boat Tour Adventures

• Star Outline Whale watching
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Map Marker Kennebunk

The Ultimate Whale Watch – Kennebunkport, ME

This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! From the sightseer, the thrill-seeker to the marine lover, our Ultimate Whale Watching tour in the Gulf of Maine is the way to go!

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Kennebunkport Scenic Adventure

The entire Kennebunkport Coastline in an epic 1 – Hour adventure. This tour has it all – Walkers Point, Seals, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and if time permits, Goose Rocks Beach. You get all this while enjoying your own personal front-row seat!

The captain will make every effort to take requests and will tailor the tour according to the weather.

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• Star Outline Lighthouse tour
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Nubble & Boon Island Lighthouses

Explore Boon Island Lighthouse and Nubble Lighthouse on this tour that cruises up the coastline. See these historic lighthouses first-hand. Join us today!

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Private Tours Activity

Looking to take a private charter boat tour around Southern Maine and New Hampshire? New England EcoAdventures can customize any adventure to your liking or you can choose from one of our many tours.

• Star Outline Seal watching , Lighthouse tour , Scenic cruise
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Boon Island Light Seal Watch

Be one of the lucky few who get to see Boon Island Lighthouse up close on this scenic tour! Cruise the water on our eco-friendly vessel and take in the sights. Book your cruise online!

Boon Island Light Sunset Seal Watch

Hop aboard the only boat in the area that will take you to Boon Island. You’ll be one of the lucky few who gets to see Boon Island Lighthouse, the tallest in New England, and hundreds of seals up close with this 1.5-Hour Sunset Tour!

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport New England EcoAdventures let you learn, live, and love the Maine life like a local.

Our premium RIB boat takes you to Kennebunkport’s grandest waterfront estates, vibrant seal colonies in Cape Porpoise and the Gulf of Maine’s whale feeding grounds, charming boutique shopping and restaurant districts, and remote island lighthouses.

We get there faster. We stay longer. And we go places other boat tours can’t reach—in a style they can’t match.

Salty breezes and brilliant sunsets. Fresh, buttery lobster, blueberry pie, and craft beers. Shoals of playful dolphins and pods of majestic whales. Gentle cruises through scenic vistas and adrenaline-fueled, wind-whipped speedboat runs across sparkling waves.

We give you so many wonderful ways to truly experience the southern Maine lifestyle—and every guest gets a front-row, 360-degree view and in-depth insight into the wonders all around you.

Our Customers Rave About Us

The boat ride was so much fun and so much more intimate than a big boat. It can def. get a bit choppy at times but the seats are well cushioned which makes for a great adventure. Captain and staff are very nice and experienced. We saw some seals and 2 humpbacks which def. gave us a great show smacking their fins into the water. We would highly recommend this adventure. Regardless of what wildlife you will sight the boat ride on its own is worth the trip. Thx again.

It included stopping at an area to watch seals, a lighthouse and the history, seeing the Bush estate and their boat, and tons of thrills riding the waves! It was not rough as we thought and you don't get soaked; just a little bit of sea spray which was nice on a hot day. Captain Gary was knowledgeable and fun by throwing in humor now and then. We were glad for the little pockets in front of our seats to put our phones and jackets. We'll be back for another tour next summer and we really want to experience their Hampden Beach location.

We had a great time on our hour long scenic thrill ride! My husband and I took my dad as a belated Father’s Day gift (he loves a good rush) and we were not disappointed. The seats were neat. They were three vertical rows that you had to straddle. There was a handle bar in front of you. We felt safe and comfortable. It was a tremendous thrill. My only complaint is that I wish it lasted longer! Because of this, I’m excited to book another trip with them in the coming years, whether it’s the whale watch or the lighthouse tour. My family and I stay in Ogunquit nearly every year and this was a great new activity to try in the area! Highly recommend!! Thank you for a great time!

• Chevron down What To Expect
• A first-class adventure tour without any crowds
• A narrated ocean adventure
• Amazing wildlife and scenery
• Amazing photo opportunities
• Custom POD seats for maximum comfort
• 360 Degree views for everyone
• Educational face to face interactions
• A knowledgeable captain
• Chevron down What's Included
• Complimentary water
• Cooler with ice
• Motions sickness wristbands
• Chevron down What You Need to Bring
• Your camera (make sure it’s charged)
• Warm clothing (dressing in layers is always smart)
• Sturdy Footwear (flip flops are fine)
• Chevron down What Not to Bring
• We also recommend NOT wearing a dress
• Chevron down Important Information

After you Book your Tour

• You will be emailed a receipt immediately after you book. The receipt will contain all the necessary information that you will need.
• YOU DO NOT NEED A PHYSICAL TICKET.
• Please meet at our ticket booth below Federal Jack’s on the ground level, on the river side of 8 Western Ave. 20 minutes before your scheduled trip for check-in.
• There is very little storage aboard the boat – please no large bags or coolers.
• If you are taking a child, we have life jackets for children that are between 50lbs and 90lbs.
• If you are pregnant or have a history of back or neck problems, we recommend another tour.

Parking – Traffic can be very bad in Southern Maine in the Summer, please give yourself plenty of time.

(1) There is a pay lot located at 8 Western Ave. where we meet for the boat. The rates are $5 an hour or $20 for the day. This lot fills up quickly.

(2) There is a pay lot located at 169 Port Rd. This is about a 6 minute walk to the boat but there’s usually spots available. The rates are $5 an hour.

(3) There is FREE street parking along the street but it’s in high demand and can be tough to find.

• Chevron down Additional Information

Browse our  Frequently Asked Questions  for any additional information you may need.

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Kennebunkport & Scenic Cruise

Portland, Maine, US

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Local Sightseeing,25,All

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Meals Included

Meals not included

Kennebunkport , a charming coastal village, is located 45 minutes south of Portland and gained worldwide exposure as the summer home of President George H. W. Bush.

The drive to Kennebunkport offers beautiful views of Maine's rocky coast. Approaching the town, you will view the elaborate Federal- and Victorian-style mansions built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700s and 1800s.

Your guide will show you Walker's Point -- the Bush estate and former Summer White House. Stretch your legs at Dock Square in the center of Kennebunkport, with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and upscale stores.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride , plying the waters of Maine for a panoramic view of the rugged, rocky coastline and a waterside glimpse of Walker's Point.

You will pass a number of picturesque villages on your journey back to Portland and the ship.

KYLIE’S CHANCE SCENIC LOBSTER TOUR MAINE

SEE BEAUTIFUL KENNEBUNK FROM THE SEA!

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 1.5 Hours

For ages 15 and above

Under 5 years old, scenic lobster tour kennebunkport.

Vacations are for sightseeing, why not see the sights of Kennebunkport from the water.

Kylie’s Chance is a 65ft. boat built and launched in 2002 for the sole purpose of giving visitors a boating adventure. She is one of the largest sightseeing vessels on the New England coast.

Want to know how Maine Lobsters are caught, we will show you how it’s done. Did you ever want to see the oceanfront estate of a former President, the view from the water is better than the land view and you may even see President Bush 41 and the Secret Service out fishing. If you wave he does wave back. Seals in their natural habitat on Bumpkin Island, yes you can see them too. Houseguests, wedding parties, anytime you need an activity, the 1 ½ hour trip is packed full of fun.

Come aboard. The captain and mate will be happy to answer your questions and fill you in on the lore of the Kennebunkport coastline. Kylie’s has one third of the seating under cover for those who don’t want to be in the sun.

What to bring

• Any snacks or non-alcoholic beverages
• Bring your camera
• Light jacket
• Closed toed shoes
• and be ready to have a good time

RELATED ACTIVITIES

• Clock 2 Hours

Blue Angel Private Coastal Evening Cruise

Go by and see the Kennebunk’s and Cape Porpoise from the water on board The Blue Angel a 43’ Tiara.

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• Clock 4.75 Hours

Nick’s Chance Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy Kennebunkport while taking in the breathtaking sights of Whale’s surfacing and jumping from the water.

Sail with us this summer - Book Now for 2024!

Evening Sail Kennebunkport

Public and Private Options Available

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Users Capacity: Up to 12 people

Private Charter

Up to 12 people, kennebunkport, maine sunset cruise.

Come aboard The Pineapple Ketch for the perfect end of your day in Kennebunkport. This romantic hour and a half sail will take you out the mouth of the Kennebunk river and up the rocky coast of Kennebunkport. These trips are not only for couples but anyone who dreams of sailing with soft light bouncing off the water and illuminating our stunning shoreline.

Evening sails depart from the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. We find great sailing during the hours prior to sunset. Complimentary soda and water are provided but we encourage you to bring whatever snack or beverage you would like to enjoy on your trip. Perhaps something bubbly to toast the end of another perfect day in Maine?

Related Trips

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Users Up to 12 people

Morning Sail Kennebunkport

Enjoy Pineapple hospitality while you soak up the sun and salt air. You are welcome to help haul line, set sail or take a turn at the helm.

Private Boat Charter Kennebunkport

Any of our regularly scheduled sails on the calendar can be booked as a private charter as long as no other guests are already scheduled.

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Dock Side Charters

Fishing Charters and Family Fun Excursions, Kennebunkport, Maine

Our Services

We can squeeze a lot of fun into a 2 or 3 hour Family Fun Excursion! Depending on your group’s interests, we can visit local islands where seals are abundant, haul lobster traps, try our luck at mackerel fishing, see area lighthouses, and more.

The Southern Maine coast is home to many fish species, including Striped Bass, Pollock, Mackerel, and Bluefish. Captain Dave’s fishing knowledge and experience helps him find some of the best fishing hot-spots in the Kennebunkport area.

There is no better way to explore the Kennebunk area than taking a scenic boat tour. Relax for an afternoon or evening and observe wildlife, rugged coastline, lighthouses, working fishing vessels, Walker’s Point, and dramatic sunsets.

Our Charter Services

Thank You for a Great 2023 Season! Our 2024 Calendar is Now Live and Bookable Online.

Coastal Lobster Tour

Quick details.

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.25 hours
• User Ages: 6+

Ages 6-12, children under 6 not permitted

Adults only, private charter, a hands-on lobster boat tour in kennebunkport, maine.

In a fun-filled 1.25 hour trip, you take a tour of the Kennebunk River, enjoy a scenic tour of the beautiful coastline, and watch us haul our lobster traps. Sit back and relax or roll up your sleeves and join in the fun!

Special Charters

• Private charters are also available for $900 for a 1.25-hour charter May through September.

Where to Find Us

• Park anywhere in any of the parking lots for free. Then walk behind the hotel across the lawns to the marina, right there on the river. The boat is at the marina.
• Chevron down What to Bring

Even if it is warm, a jacket or sweatshirt is recommended because it can be cool on the water. Note: There are no heated cabins on the boat!

Part of the seating area is covered, providing shade for our passengers. However, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen may still be good to have with you.

No food or drinks are served on board; however, passengers are welcome to bring items with them (glass containers are discouraged).

Sea bands are provided (to borrow) at the beginning of every cruise at no additional cost. These are little wristbands that work on a theory of acupressure and are helpful for passengers with a tendency for motion sickness. This product can also be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies if passengers would like their own.

Cameras are welcome. However, filming or other recording of the lobstering part of the cruise is not permitted.

• Chevron down Comfort

All passengers are seated on cushioned bench seating throughout the cruise.

Although Rugosa is equipped with a marine head (toilet facilities) for emergencies, our passengers are permitted (and encouraged) to use the restrooms available in the pier area just before and/or after the tour.

• Chevron down Safety

U.S. Coast Guard-certified as an inspected small passenger vessel and fully insured, the Rugosa is outfitted with modern safety, navigation, and communication equipment that meets or exceeds U.S. Coast Guard regulations. On board, you can find:

• Adult and child Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for all passengers and crew
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Cellular phone

Note: Captains without a U.S. Coast Guard license or vessels not properly equipped cannot be insured or legally o perated.

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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See photo of the meeting point