Camden, Maine, is a small coastal town packed with charm, and its true appeal lies in its spectacular waterfront, historic lighthouses, and nautical traditions. For travelers looking to experience the area from the water, Camden offers a variety of sailing tours that showcase its rugged coastline, summer estates, and maritime heritage. We especially love the Camden: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip, which combines the romance of old-fashioned sailing with stunning scenery. Whether you want a lively afternoon sail or a romantic sunset cruise, Camden’s tours promise a memorable adventure on the water.
Camden’s tours stand out because they blend authentic maritime experience with breathtaking views. From hoisting sails to spotting wildlife, each journey offers a chance to connect with Maine’s maritime culture. This guide will help you navigate your options, whether you prefer a group outing, a romantic sunset, or an intimate private sail in this picturesque harbor.
Quick Overview
Camden’s best sailing tours include day sails, sunset cruises, and personalized excursions. The Camden: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip provides a classic schooner experience sailing past Camden’s landmarks. For a sunset experience, the Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Wooden Schooner offers spectacular views as the sun dips behind Mount Battie. Those seeking a more intimate experience might opt for the Camden, Maine: Day Sails aboard Schooner Surprise, which limits groups to just 18 passengers. Finally, the Camden: Schooner Surprise Sunset Sail provides a relaxed evening on the water, perfect for a romantic outing. For those interested in a small-group, personalized sail, the Camden, Maine: Day and Sunset Sails on Sloop Anjacaa offers a swift, customizable experience for up to six guests. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail.
1. Camden: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip
Sailing aboard the Appledore II, this 2-hour day sailing trip offers a classic Maine experience. Departing from Camden, you’ll cruise through Penobscot Bay, passing famous lighthouses, lobster boats, and summer estates. What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to participate actively—you can help hoist the sails or take the wheel, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 179 reviews, this trip is praised for its authentic sailing experience and friendly crew. The Appledore II is a beautifully maintained wooden schooner, giving you a glimpse into Maine’s rich maritime past. While you’ll enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks (available for purchase), the real highlight is the scenery—cruising past rugged coastlines and wildlife. This tour is ideal for those wanting a hands-on sailing experience with an emphasis on photo-worthy vistas.
Bottom line: A great value at $60 per person, this tour offers a lively, engaging day on the water perfect for first-time visitors or maritime enthusiasts.
2. Camden: Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Wooden Schooner
For around $65 per person, the Sunset Sailing Cruise offers a magical hour aboard the Appledore II. This 2-hour cruise departs in the late afternoon, giving you front-row seats to Maine’s spectacular sunset as it dips behind Mount Battie. The cruise’s focus is on relaxation and scenery, with the fiery sky reflecting on Penobscot Bay and Curtis Island Light guiding you home.
Reviewers love the casual atmosphere, and many mention the appetizers served during the sail—perfect for a light snack while soaking in the views. You can purchase cocktails for an added touch of celebration. This trip is well-suited for couples or anyone looking for a romantic, picture-perfect experience.
While the trip is short, it’s packed with stunning vistas and the chance to unwind with a drink as the sky transforms. The limited reviews praise the friendly crew and the scenic beauty, making it a great value for a memorable evening.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a romantic experience with fantastic sunset views, all at a reasonable price.
3. Camden, Maine: Day Sails aboard Schooner Surprise
Offering a more intimate sailing experience, the Schooner Surprise provides 2-hour guided day or sunset sails. With a maximum of 18 passengers, this tour focuses on personalized service, allowing you to get close to the Curtis Island Lighthouse and wildlife sightings. Its highlight is the comfortable cushioned seating and the chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of Penobscot Bay without the crowds.
Rated 5 out of 5 from just three reviews, this tour is praised for its friendly captain and the up-close views of lighthouses and shoreline cottages. The small group size means everyone can ask questions, take photos, and truly appreciate the scenery. The sunset option provides a peaceful end to your day, with the Camden Hills in the background.
The price of $75 per person reflects the more personalized experience and the smaller group size. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, boutique sailing experience with some of the best views in the area.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a more private, guided experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for the intimacy.
4. Camden: Schooner Surprise Sunset Sail
The Schooner Surprise Sunset Sail offers a similar experience to the daytime sail but emphasizes the peaceful beauty of the sunset. For $75 per person, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour cruise as the sun dips behind Camden Hills, illuminating the shoreline, private yachts, and wildlife.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from two reviews, this tour emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere where you can choose to sit back and enjoy or participate in raising the sails. The vistas of lighthouses and the distant mountains make this an ideal choice for photographers. The crew will point out landmarks like the Curtis Island Lighthouse, adding a layer of local knowledge.
This trip is suited for those seeking a romantic evening or a serene way to end a day of exploring Camden. The limited reviews suggest it’s a favorite for couples looking for a gentle, scenic experience.
Bottom line: A peaceful and beautiful way to watch the sunset with a small group and stunning views.
5. Camden, Maine: Day and Sunset Sails on Sloop Anjacaa
For a personalized, fast-paced sail, the Sloop Anjacaa offers 2-hour trips for $120 per person. It’s the most exclusive option, with only six passengers on board, and includes the option to customize your experience. Whether you want to sail swiftly, help raise the sails, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery, this tour caters to your preferences.
The professional captain and crew help craft a tailored experience in Penobscot Bay, with the Camden Hills providing a stunning backdrop. The speedy sailing makes it an exciting choice for those who want a bit of thrill combined with scenic beauty. This tour is especially good for adventurers and those looking to maximize their time on the water.
While it’s pricier, the small group size and flexibility provide a premium experience. The cushioned cockpit ensures comfort, and the personal attention makes it ideal for special occasions.
Bottom line: Best suited for sailing enthusiasts ready for a fast, customizable trip with a small, private group.
$120 per person
How to Choose the Right Camden Maine Tour
Picking the best sailing adventure depends on your budget, interests, and desired experience. If you’re after an authentic, lively day sail, the Camden: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip offers great value with its participatory nature. For those seeking a romantic sunset with stunning views, the Sunset Sailing Cruise provides a relaxing evening. Want something more private and tailored? The small-group tours like the Schooner Surprise or the luxury Sloop Anjacaa are excellent choices.
Think about how much time you want to spend on the water—most trips are around 2 hours—and whether you prefer an interactive sailing experience or a more laid-back scenic cruise. Budget-wise, prices range from $60 to $120, but the more personalized options deliver a premium experience worth considering if your budget allows.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and experience.
Final Thoughts
Camden’s sailing tours offer a fantastic way to see Maine’s coast from a different perspective. The variety—from lively day sails to intimate sunset cruises—means there’s a perfect match for every type of traveler. If you’re new to sailing, the Camden: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip is a reliable choice. For romance, the sunset cruises offer unbeatable views, while seasoned sailors will appreciate the personalized experience.
Whatever you pick, booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable water adventures. Camden’s maritime charm truly comes alive on the water, making any of these tours a highlight of your trip.