Real Mainers say the best way to see the coast is by boat! We agree… it’s amazing everytime you can get out on the open water. Kennebunkport is a bustling seaside harbor with several tour boats on the Kennebunk River to get you on board and out on the water, see seals, lighthouses, lobsters, Walkers Point and so much more!
So what’s the best Kennebunkport tour boat or charter?
Depends on how you like to boat. Do you want to sail, or just cruise, pull up a lobster trap, pass by the Bush Family compound at Walkers Point, or sail by a Lighthouse at sunset. Or maybe you want to “sea” all of the above. You can also rent a kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) to explore the waterways under your own paddle power.
Here are the best boat tours and ways to get on the water in Kennebunkport!
Everyone wants a lobster when they visit Kennebunkport. Even cooler is to see and learn firsthand how lobstermen catch lobsters. Rugosa Tours gives a great lobster boat tour. Leaving several times daily from the Nonantum Resort marina docks – on Ocean Ave, your Captain will take you on a 1.5 hour boat ride out the Kennebunk River, beyond the Breakwater and out to sea. Rugosa’s Captain and crew will show you how to pull up a lobster trap, and demonstrate what makes a lobster a “keepah” for Maine lobster fishermen to harvest and sell to local restaurants. Your ride on the beautiful Rugosa red lobster boat also likely includes spotting of seals, maybe a trip to Cape Porpoise to see Goat Island Lighthouse, and a spectacular view of Walkers Point – the Bush family presidential peninsula from the water. A boat ride aboard the Rugosa is fun, affordable, family friendly, and you will get photos holding a lobster if you like. Rugosa departs daily in season from Nonantum Resort, 95 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, reserve your spot on Rugosa’s lobster boat online or by calling 207-468-4095.
Sailing out of the Kennebunk River is magical. The Pineapple Ketch is the best sailing excursion from Kennebunkport, with its signature red sails and black hulled ketch – she’s a beauty. Join Captain Justin Troiano on a 1.5 hour sail out of Kennebunk Harbor along the Southern Maine Coast. Aboard The Pineapple Ketch, sailing tours can be as hands-on or as laid-back as you would like; haul lines, raise sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, enjoy a drink (byob – soft coolers only) and take in the beautiful views and fresh ocean air. Pineapple Ketch departs daily in season from Nonantum’s Marina, with day sailing trips, and sunset cruises. You can also charter the sailboat for a private yacht party, bachelor or bachelorette, or wedding photo shoot. Book your Kennebunkport sailing trip by calling 207-888-3445 or at Pineapple Ketch’s web site.
Thrill seekers and folks who wanna’ go fast on a boat – New England Eco Adventures is your ticket to ride out to sea on a fun RIB boat with your friends, or soon to be deck mateys. New England Eco Adventures offers small groups (just 21 people) a blend of boating adventure and marina education in one fun, fast, amazing trip, along with great photo opps. After a scenic cruise out the River, zip around Kennebunkport’s ocean harbor, by Kennebunk Beach, then along the Maine coast toward Wells Beach and Cape Porpoise where you’ll see Goat Island Lighthouse. You may spot seals, whale, sunfish, and you are “shore” to have splashy fun (maybe get a little wet) on this boat ride. NE Eco boating also offers a 2-hour Nubble and Boone Lighthouse adventure, cruising by Maine’s most photographed lighthouse, and its most haunted! For whale watching, a 4-hour boat tour is amazing, getting up close with whales in their habitat. Private boat outings can be chartered for a sunset adventure with your friends. Reserve your Eco boat trip by calling 207-502-8040 or booking online. New England Eco Adventures depart from the Docks at 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk.
Paddle your own boat, rent a Kayak or SUP in Kennebunkport. Kayak Excursions and Southern Maine Kayak offer Stand Up Paddleboards and Kayaks for rent. This is Kennebunkport’s original Kayak rental since 1995, simply the best in Kport. You can choose from guided SUP or kayak tours, or simply rent your kayak or SUP and paddle for a half day or whole day, or the week. They also rent bikes. Your personal vessel will be delivered to your vacation rental, hotel, or one of the many public launch sites in the area. Paddling the beautiful waterways of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport is by far the best way to get up close and personal with the pristine natural beauty of the rivers, bays and beachfront. Reserve your kayak or SUP by calling 1-207-204-8888 or book online at Kayak Excursions. PS: They also rent bikes locally.
After a fun, informative day on the water, you will be so happy, and hungry for some fresh local Maine seafood – maybe that lobster you saw in the trap. Dine poolside at Latitudes at Nonantum Resort on a lobster roll, lobster stew or clam chowder. That’s a pretty perfect day in Kennebunkport!
See more Ocean Recreation in Kennebunkport
Biking and Bike Rentals in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport Sightseeing
Where to stay in Kennebunkport
Where to Dine in Kennebunkport
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