Sailing Around Camden

Several sailing ships make Camden their home base, and it’s a rare treat to come and go from this harbor, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state.

For a classic Maine sailing experience, few outings rival a trip aboard the historic Schooner Olad ( tel. 207/236-2323). Built in 1927 and beautifully restored, the 22-passenger schooner departs daily from Camden Harbor for two-hour sails along Maine’s rocky coastline from mid-May through mid-October. Guests can also book private charters, lighthouse cruises, island lobster bakes, and special-event sails throughout the season.

For a more intimate excursion, the sister vessel Owl—a six-passenger Alden-designed cutter built in 1941—offers smaller day sails and customizable overnight adventures to islands, inns, and remote campsites throughout Penobscot Bay. Both boats are captained by lifelong Mainer Aaron Lincoln, who shares local history, maritime lore, and stories from Maine’s schooner tradition along the way. Tours range from about $35 to $85, depending upon length and which vessel you choose.

Modeled after the Gloucester fishing schooners of the late 19th century, the Schooner Lazy Jack II (tel. 207/230-0602) has been plying the waters since 1947. The ship goes out on four 2-hour cruises per day on weekends from May through mid-September, then three per day through October. The tours cost $50 per adult, $40 per child under age 12; BYO wine, beer, and snacks.

For a more intimate view of the harbor, Maine Sport Outfitters (tel. 207/236-8797) daily offers three sea-kayaking tours of Camden’s scenic harbor, from June through August (but no tours Mon in June); the tour lasts 2 hours, costs $60 adults ($50 children 10–15), and takes paddlers out to Curtis Island at the outer edge of the harbor. It’s an easy, delightful way to get a taste of the area’s maritime culture.

If inland waters are more your style, take a 4-hour guided paddle on Megunticook Lake, just west of town, in the shadow of Mount Megunticook’s dramatic forested hump ($100 adults, $90 children).

Maine Sport’s flagship shop, located on Route 1 in Rockport (a few minutes’ drive south of Camden), has a broad selection of outdoor gear and is worth a stop if you’re gearing up for some local adventures or heading up to Acadia. Sign up for a tour either at the store or at the Camden boathouse, which is located at the head of the harbor near the town park.