Five Islands
We begin our cruise from Bath down the Kennebec River to see Bath Iron Works production of ships. Our journey continues along the Sasanoa River where we navigate through Upper Hell Gate to Hockomoc Bay, a beautiful area of flora and fauna. Continuing through Lower Hell Gate, we cruise by scenic homes in Nubble Bay to Riggs Cove where a variety of pleasure and working boats are moored in Robinhood Marina. A brief passage through Goose Rocks leads us to Little Sheepscot River, between Georgetown and MacMahan Island, and eventually to Five Islands, perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in Midcoast Maine.
Our return journey takes us across the Sheepscot River to Hendricks Head Lighthouse and continues to Middle Mark Island where a seal colony often is seen. Enjoy the breathtaking views as we return to Bath.
Allow 2 Hours (Add 1 hour for seafood at Five Islands Lobster Co.)
Richmond & Swan Island
The Kennebec River between Bath and Richmond is breathtaking and full of wildlife. We will travel through Burnt Jacket, past the site of former Boothbay Camp and Burnt Jacket Tidal Mills. We will visit with a large family of seals at Lines Island and continue past Chopp’s Point into Merrymeeting Bay. This is where the Androscoggin, Cathance and Muddy River’s meet the Kennebec.
As we travel north, we will pass many signs of the past history of this river then we will approach Swan Island. If the tide permits we will pass between Swan and Little Swan Island and onward to Richmond. Richmond has a beautiful Waterfront Park where we can visit as desired. There is a take-out store, restaurants, and The Old Goat tavern close by.
Once underway we will continue through the back pass of Swan and Little Swan Island (tide permitting) and return to the main waterway. Heading south we will pass Beans Rock and visit our favorite Eagles nest.
Allow 2 Hours (Add 1 hour for an Annabella’s or The Old Goat dining experience.)
Around Arrowsic
Travel on three distinctively different rivers as we circle Arrowsic Island. We will depart Bath and travel down the Sasanoa River, home to many Osprey as well as Bald Eagles, and a famous stretch of water called Upper Hell Gate before entering the Back River. The Back River between Georgetown and Arrowsic Islands is one of Maine’s best-kept secrets, a narrow pass with protected land on both sides and home to abundant wildlife. You will want to have your camera ready. This portion of the trip requires 3/4 to full high tide.
We will pass under the Georgetown Bridge, exit the Back River at Crow Island and enter the Kennebec River to circumnavigate Perkins Island Lighthouse. Heading north on the Kennebeck, we will pass Squirrel Point Lighthouse to starboard and Phippsburg Center to port. Lee Island and its history is worth a brief discussion as we take a heading to the Kennebec River Range Lights. Returning to Bath we will have close-up views of Fiddler’s Reach Fog Station, Doubling Point Lighthouse, and Bath Iron Works (BIW) the only ship building company remaining in Bath.
Allow 2 Hours
Boothbay The Back Way
We will depart Bath on the Kennebec and travel down the Sasanoa through Upper and Lower Hell Gate, then through Riggs Cove and Goose Rock Passage into Sheepscot River. After a brief rendezvous with a seal population at Middle Mark Island we will pass Isle of Springs, Sawyer Island, cruise through Townsend Gut, and circumnavigate Boothbay Harbor. We will afford different scenery on our way home by crossing the Sheepscot to Five Islands, then navigate the Little Sheepscot, Sasanoa and Back Rivers to Bath.
Allow 3 Hours
Option 1: Add Lighthouses
From Boothbay Harbor to Burnt Island Light, Ram Island Light, around Squirrel Island, The Cuckolds, around Southport to Hendricks Head Light and then to Five Islands.
Add 1 Hour, weather permitting
Option 2: Add More Lighthouses
After Hendricks Head, we will continue out around Griffiths Head to the Mother of all lights, Seguin Island Light. Then we will enter the mighty Kennebec River at Pond Island Light, proceed past beautiful Fort Popham, Perkins Island Light, Squirrel Point Light, The Kennebec River Range Lights, and Doubling Point Light.
Add 2 Hours, weather and seas permitting
THE GRAND TOUR
Conditions permitting, this cruise will encompass most all of the sights of all the trips above. Includes a 1 Hour Rest-Stop in Richmond or Five Islands.
Allow 7 HRS
