Boothbay Harbor: Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour

Boothbay Harbor: Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour — An In-Depth Look

If you’re heading to Maine and have a taste for the mysterious, the Boothbay Harbor: Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour offers a compelling mix of local legends, historic haunted spots, and a dash of Maine’s maritime folklore. For just about an hour and a half, you’ll stroll through the charming harbor, guided by a knowledgeable local who brings these stories to life (or death). Starting at the cozy footbridge, the tour takes you past landmarks like the Boothbay Shipyard, haunted inns, and even two restaurants with ghostly reputations, all culminating at the lively Footbridge Brewery.

What we really loved about this tour is the authenticity of the stories — told by a local guide, these tales aren’t just made-up legends but often rooted in real history and eyewitness accounts. Second, the variety of haunted locations—from old captain’s homes to bustling restaurants—gives each stop a different flavor of Maine’s maritime ghostly past. However, potential visitors should keep in mind that this is a walking tour covering about half a mile on uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet.

Overall, if you enjoy stories with a maritime twist, appreciate a good ghostly yarn, or simply want a fun, spooky way to explore Boothbay Harbor’s historic streets, this tour is well worth the modest price. It’s especially suited for adults and older children (over 8) who can handle a little walking and a few spooky tales.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic local stories: Guided by a Maine resident, the tales feel genuine and grounded in history.
• Diverse haunted sites: From old shipyard ghosts to haunted inns and restaurants, there’s a variety of spooky stops.
• Short walk with a lot of history: About 1.5 hours of walking, perfect for a manageable yet immersive experience.
• Family-friendly with caveats: Best for children over 8, as stories involve supernatural themes that might scare younger kids.
• Excellent value: For the price, you get a mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and local history.
• Weather considerations: The tour is outdoors and on uneven terrain, so dress comfortably.

An In-Depth Review of the Boothbay Harbor Ghost Tour

What to Expect From the Tour

This ghost walk is designed to be both entertaining and informative, taking you through some of Boothbay Harbor’s most historically haunted spots. Starting at the Footbridge, you meet your guide, who will be dressed in a Mysterious Harbor Tours shirt, signaling their role as storyteller and local historian. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with a focus on storytelling rather than long bus rides or museum visits.

Throughout the walk, you’ll visit a lineup of charming and historic sites, each with its own ghostly tale. Some of the stops include the Coastal Maine Popcorn Co., Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, and several iconic inns and buildings like Captain Sawyer’s Bed and Breakfast, Admiral’s Quarters Inn, and the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard.

The Haunted Locations and Their Stories

The Old Sea Captain’s Homes are a recurring theme, with tales of ghostly seafarers still lingering in the shadows of these historic houses. For instance, your guide may tell you about the house haunted by Captain Black, a former sea captain whose presence is said to be palpable. These stories often involve unexplained noises, sightings, or objects moving on their own — classic ghostly phenomena that keep the imagination running.

The Boothbay Shipyard, dating back to 1869, is also a highlight. Here, the ghost of a former owner is said to still be hard at work, polishing ships in the dead of night. Such stories add a tangible sense of history and ongoing mystery.

Restaurants like Tugboat and Kaler’s are also among the haunted hotspots. These establishments have had their share of paranormal encounters, making them not just places to eat but part of the ghostly fabric of Boothbay Harbor. The Admiral’s Quarters Inn and Captain Sawyer’s Inn, both old sea captain’s homes turned inns, are known for their hauntings, with guests and staff reporting strange noises and apparitions.

The spooky legends of sea serpents and encounters with unidentified sea creatures add a layer of maritime lore that truly reflects Maine’s seafaring roots. The tour doesn’t shy away from these tales, which add an eerie, adventurous touch to your walk.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Final Stop: Footbridge Brewery

The tour culminates at the Footbridge Brewery, where you’ll hear about Boothbay’s most grisly murder that has left a lingering haunted house nearby. This final story ties together the harbor’s layered past — both lively and spectral — and leaves you with a memorable, slightly spooky ending.

What the Tour Feels Like

Walking through picturesque Boothbay Harbor, with its colorful buildings, bustling harbor, and scenic views, the stories add an intriguing layer to the scenery. We loved how the guide’s storytelling brought the history to life, making each spot more than just a photo opportunity. The storytelling style is engaging, balancing creepy tales with historical context, which keeps things lively without becoming overly spooky or frightening.

Practical Details and Value

The tour is priced reasonably and includes stops at various landmarks that wouldn’t be as memorable without the ghostly stories. The group size tends to be small, fostering an intimate atmosphere where questions are encouraged. Since it involves standing and walking on uneven terrain, comfortable shoes are a must, and those with mobility issues may find it challenging.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

One of the biggest strengths of this tour is its local flavor. The stories are told by someone who genuinely knows Boothbay Harbor’s haunted past, not just a scripted script. Travelers have commented on the “authenticity” and “entertaining” nature of the stories, which are delivered with humor and a dash of Maine charm.

On the downside, if you’re traveling with very young children or are sensitive to supernatural themes, this might not be the best fit. The stories can be spooky and are best suited for those over 8 years old who will appreciate the ghostly tales without fear.

Why It’s Worth It

Compared to other sightseeing options, this ghost tour combines history, storytelling, and local lore at a modest price. It’s a fun way to see the harbor at dusk, when the shadows grow longer, and the stories become more vivid. The guide’s local insights give you a deeper understanding of Boothbay’s maritime past and its ghostly legends, enriching your visit beyond the usual sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy ghost stories with a maritime twist, have an interest in local history, or seek a different way to explore Boothbay Harbor after the daytime attractions. It suits adults and children over 8 who are comfortable on their feet and aren’t easily frightened. It’s especially good if you want an experience that combines storytelling with a bit of Maine’s seafaring mystique.

FAQs About the Boothbay Harbor Ghost Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 8 years old, as the stories involve supernatural themes that might be a little spooky for younger kids.

How long does the tour last?
The walking ghost tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering about half a mile on uneven terrain.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour involves standing and walking on hilly and uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the benches near the Bridge House, at the central wooden footbridge connecting the harbor’s east and west sides.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for daytime. It’s outdoors, so dress accordingly.

What is included in the price?
The ticket grants access to the guided walk and storytelling. No additional fees are mentioned.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s typically a small group, led by a local guide, which encourages questions and interaction.

Are there any food or drink stops?
The tour ends at Footbridge Brewery, where you can enjoy a drink if you wish, but there are no formal stops for food or beverages during the walk.

What makes this tour different from other sightseeing options?
It offers an immersive experience combining history, local stories, and Maine’s maritime folklore — all told by someone who knows the area well.

Final Thoughts

For anyone curious about Boothbay Harbor’s spooky side, this Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour provides a memorable blend of history and ghostly tales, all set against the scenic backdrop of Maine’s coast. It’s a well-paced, engaging experience that reveals the harbor’s haunted past in a way that’s both fun and educational.

It suits those who enjoy a good story, appreciate local lore, or simply want a different perspective on a familiar seaside town. The stories are genuine, the atmosphere charming, and the ending at a lively brewery makes for a perfect way to wind down after a spooky adventure. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it’s a fun slice of Maine’s haunted maritime culture that shouldn’t be missed.

In summary, if you’re after a lighthearted, atmospheric walk with a dash of Maine’s ghostly history, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and keep an open mind—boos and brews await you.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby