Lighthouses are an iconic symbol of Maine, part of the seafaring history and culture. Today, lighthouses are the more popular attractions for Maine visitors touring the coast. Few lighthouses in Maine are stationed with lighthouse keepers, many are now automated, but they continue to serve as beacons to guide boaters, sailors, fishermen and pleasure yachts safely back to their Maine harbors. Read on for coastal boat tours offering lighthouse sightseeing.

Ogunquit

Ogunquit is best known for its immaculate sandy beach, vibrant art community,  dining and shopping scene, this coastal town also offers coastal boat tours. Cruises will depart from Perkin’s Cove and travel south along the coast to see Cape Neddick’s Nubble Lighthouse by sea in York and Boone Island Lighthouse out to sea.
Discover more on Ogunquit and things to do: Ogunquit Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Ogunquit Beach Lodging

Kennebunkport

Take a scenic Lobster boat tour from the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, head out the Kennebunk River to Cape Porpoise to see Goat Island Light, and you will pass Walker’s Point on the way, home to Presidents Bush, #41 and 43. Board the Rugosa Boat Tour or the Pineapple Ketch for a scenic sail – both offer beautiful cruises from Kennebunkport out to Goat Island Light.

Portland

Several boat cruises provide lighthouse tours from Portland. Taking the Casco Bay Ferry Line you can cruise out to sea and see Portland Harbor Breakwater Light (Bug Light), Spring Point Ledge Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, and the famed Portland Head Light, even Twin Lights at Cape Elizabeth. Scenic lighthouse boat tours also give travelers the chance to view the idyllic Islands of Casco Bay.
Discover more on Portland and things to do: Portland Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Portland Lodging

Bath

This quaint coastal town, while small, is a setting for a quiet Maine vacation as well as a slew of ocean excursions. The boat tour will travel through finger-like peninsulas and islands of Maine’s Midcoast offering varied ocean views and inspiring curiosity around every corner. Lighthouse tour includes: Sequin Island Light, Pond Island Light, Perkins Island Light, Squirrel Point Light, The Kennebec Range Lights, Doubling Point Light, Hendricks Head Light, The Cuckholds Light, Ram Island Ledge Light, Burnt Island Light.
Things to do in Bath: Maine Maritime Museum
Find places to stay: Bath Lodging

Boothbay Harbor

Aside from the on land attractions in Boothbay Harbor, there are many boat tours which offer fantastic lighthouse sightseeing along the Midcoast. Lighthouse tour includes: Burnt Island Light, Marshall Point Lighthouse, Southern Island Light, Rams Ledge Light, Whitehead and Two Bush Light.
Discover more on Boothbay Harbor and things to do: Boothbay Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Boothbay Harbor Lodging

New Harbor

The drive out Pemaquid Peninsula to New Harbor provides calm and quiet, yet stunning coastal vistas. Pemaquid Point Light and its home on land is a grand observation by sea. Pemaquid Point Light is one of the most idyllic lighthouses with commanding views of the Atlantic. Lighthouse boat tours from New Harbor can take you out to the remote  Monhegan Island and see its pinnacle Mohegan Lighthouse.
Discover more on New Harbor and things to do: Pemaquid Peninsula Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Boothbay Harbor Lodging

Rockland

Home to the largest fleet of Windjammers in the United States, it’s little surprise that Rockland is an ideal location for coastal sailing tours and viewing Maine lighthouses. Lighthouse tours can include: Rockland Breakwater Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and Owl’s Head Light. Travelers can visit Brown’s Head Light and Goose Rocks Light during their cruise to Vinalhaven Island and around beautiful Penobscot Bay.
Discover more on Rockland and things to do: Rockland Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Rockland Lodging

Rockport

Well known home of Andre the Seal, this little gem of a town is also a significant provider of great lighthouse boat tours along with interesting seafaring history. Lighthouse tours include: Indian Island Lighthouse, Owls Head, Rockland Breakwater Lighthouses, Curtis Island Lighthouse.
Discover more on Rockport and things to do: Rockport Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Rockport Lodging

Camden

Lighthouses easily viewed from Camden include: Brown’s Head Light, Curtis Island Light, Goose Rocks Light, Grindle Point Light, Heron Neck Light, Isle au Haut Light, Manticus Rock Light, Owls Head Light, Rockland Breakwater Light, Rockland Harbor Southwest Light and Saddleback Ledge Light.
Discover more on Camden and things to do: Camden Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Camden Lodging

Stonington / Deer Isle

Lighthouse tours out to the islands of Stonington and Deer Isle include views of Robinson Point Light, Saddleback Light, Brown’s Head Lighthouse, Goose Rocks Light, Heron Neck Light, Pumpkin Light, and Mark Island Light, Dyce Light in Castine
Things to do: Island Heritage Trust and Shore Acres Preserve
Find places to stay: Deer Isle Lodging and Castine Hotels and BnBs

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor has so many boat tours leaving the bustling sea village on Mount Desert Island. A lighthouse tour on a boat is  a must do to see Acadia’s astounding mountainous landscapes competing against the ocean. You can see a dozen lighthouses on a tour from Bar Harbor. Lighthouses include Baker Island Light, Egg Rock, Great Duck Island, Mount Desert Rock Light, Burnt Coat, Robinson Point, Saddleback, Matinicus, Heron Neck, Brown’s Head, Goose Rocks, Deer Island Thorofare, Blue Hill Bay, Bass Harbor, and Bear Island Lights.
Discover more on Bar Harbor and things to do: Bar Harbor Maine Vacation Guide
Find places to stay: Bar Harbor Lodging

Enjoy your tour of the coast and visiting some of the 70+ lighthouses in Maine.

See our Maine Lodging Guide

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