One of the biggest perks of coming to Maine is the ability to hop on a boat and take off into the bay. Luckily, there are a plethora of unique opportunities to tap into your inner seafarer. Check out some of our favorite ways to navigate the waters.
Whether you’re jumping on a two-hour public sail, attending one of their many fun & educational events or scheduling a private charter for you and your crew, you’re sure to have a blast on these beautiful hand-crafted wooden windjammers. These boats can date back to the early 1900s and have the old-school craftsmanship and attention to detail that is rare to come by these days. Bring a picnic lunch and set sail into the bay for an unforgettable Maine experience.
Looking for an intimate experience with your travel companion(s)? Don’t want to worry about food and drink during the ride? Casco Bay Custom Charters might just be the fit for you. Offering private charters for small or large groups, these charters offer 2 hour rides with optional upgrades like all-inclusive drinks and catered food—from charcuterie spreads to lobster rolls and more!
Do you consider yourself a wine aficionado? Maybe you enjoy learning about and experimenting with different grape varietals? Or maybe you simply just love to drink wine! No matter which category you find yourself falling into, Wine Wise Wine Sails would be right up your alley. Join classically trained sommeliers out on the water for an educational wine tasting, each time featuring a different region of wine. Enjoy complimentary charcuterie boxes and taste your way through Spain, France, Italy & more!
Sail Portland Crown Jewel Flappy Hour
Looking for a destination at the end of your boat ride? Look no further. Hop on the Calista Ann picnic boat with Sail Portland and take off for Crown Jewel—a restaurant that feels like a tropical escape off the New England coast—for a ‘Flappy Hour’ cruise with wine and guaranteed reservations, as well as a return trip. Sail Portland also offers private charters through the Casco Bay if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.
Join Casco Bay Lines, 98.9 WCLZ and Three of Strong Spirits for a fabulous evening on the water with some of Southern Maine’s best local talent. Enjoy live music out on the calm waters of the bay with a cash bar to fuel the night. What could be better than a night of drinks & dancing on the sea? If you’re looking for something for the whole family, we recommend their Mail Boat tour which takes you island-hopping through the bay and is the best way to see the full scope of this magnificent coastline.
Looking for even more unique aquatic experiences? Fogg’s Water Taxi hosts several exciting rides from Beer, Wine & Oyster to Live Music Sunset Cruises and more. A local favorite, these rides are sure to be a good time. They also offer charters that you can customize to the experience you’re seeking. From cruising around to anchoring in a cove to do some swimming, you can choose your own adventure.
As you can see, there are so many amazing options to get out on the water this summer during your stay at The Francis. Make the most of your Maine experience and be sure to book a sea sail!