As the weather starts to warm up and more boats are visible in the Camden Harbor, one starts to long for the top water activities in Camden, Maine and the surrounding area.
The two most popular things to do when you visit Camden between May and October are hike Mount Battie overlooking the Penobscot Bay and get out in a boat on the Penobscot Bay.
Sailing on the Penobscot Bay
There are a multitude of ways to go out out sailing in the Penobscot Bay.
Schooners are large wooden vessels with two or more masts. There are many schooners in the Camden and nearby Rockport and Rockland Harbors. Each run a variety of different types of sails. They each can accommodate between 16 and 50 people per trip. Our favorite schooners to go out on are the Schooner Olad and the Schooner Surprise. The captains and crew on both vessels are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to share their local and away stories.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, there are smaller, faster, sailing vessels that carry between 6 and 8 people. Check out Owl, Sloop Anjacaa, or Sloop Heritage. Each experience has it’s own appeal. You can surely find one to suit you.
If you think you might like a longer excursion try a multi-night cruise on a windjammer. A windjammer is a large merchant ship propelled by sails. The Windjammer Association consists of 8 ships that sail out of the Camden or Rockland harbors.
Other Options on Penobscot Bay
What if sailing is not your thing, but you want to get out in the Bay? There are a few other alternatives.
Or you can try the Stella Di Mare, a classic 1979 58ft Hatteras Motor Yacht, with multiple cruising and charter options.
You can also go out on a lobster boat tour and learn about the lobster industry in Maine….as well as seeing other wildlife or lighthouses.
Another option is to take a ferry out to one of the many coastal islands such as Islesboro, Vinalhaven or Mohegan. Explore island living.
Oaring/Paddling/Rowing
So you are a “do it yourself”er. You can rent a row boat and row out to Curtis Island with a picnic lunch and hike the island.
There are multiple guided kayak tours available in the Camden area. You can also rent sea or lake kayaks from Maine Sport Outfitters and kayak on your own. You can also rent a Stand Up Paddle Board from Maine Sports Outfitters. This fast growing sport give you a full-body workout while enjoying any one of a number of local bodies of water.
Station Maine offers Community Rowing for free throughout the summer to both midcoast residents and summer guests, at all ages and skill levels, with children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. Megunticook Rowing also offers rowing lessons and opportunities for a fee.
Swimming
Although the ocean along the coast of Maine stays quite cold for most, there are still some people who enjoy a refreshing swim. Laite Beach is located on Bay View Street in Camden
For a refreshing yet warmer swim, head to Barrett’s Cove Beach on Megunticoook Lake. It is a 10 minute drive up Route 52 from Camden.
One can also swim
After you have had your fill of fun water activities, come stay at the Hawthorn Inn. You can sit by the firepit and enjoy watching the activity on the harbor.
Be sure to check out our Promotions to check out the latest seasonal packages.