Aboard or Ashore, a Harbor for All
Whether it’s your first visit or you are dropping anchor here for the 50th time, we are delighted to share with you the constant (and constantly changing) connection that this lively harbor community has long held with the sea’s changing tides.
Boothbay Harbor has long been considered by mariners to be the finest deep water port north of Boston with many calling it “The Boating Capital of New England”. As a mid-Maine stopping point on the passage between Casco Bay to the southwest and Penobscot Bay to the northeast, its beauty and quiet ambiance have no equal. Among yachters, visitors will find camaraderie among those who return year after year.
Boothbay Harbor is bound by the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. Tucked in and around the harbor are low-lying islands, promontories off the mainland, and pockets of water like Linekin Bay, Townsend Gut, Mill Cove, and many other gunkholes that beckon exploration. The harbor’s V-shape creates idyllic, flat waters for sailing, with the sea breeze coming in at midday. But keep an eye on the charts because tidal shifts can exceed 13 feet and while you navigate the harbor be sure to watch out for lobster pots.
At the height of summer, the harbor remains relatively un-crowded, offering plenty of room for boats of all sizes, even mega-yachts. Spring and autumn are also phenomenal times to visit with a consistent autumn breeze and water temperatures hovering in the 60s. The harbor’s deep water and protected anchorages lend themselves to a relaxing stop and worry-free overnights aboard your vessel. When the fleet of lobstermen returns home each day, you’ll likely find them willing to sell you our signature crustaceans straight off the dock!