If your passion is kayaking, or you want to try the sport, kayaking in the Midcoast of Maine is a dream destination. The coast of Maine offers endless opportunities to test your skills, with its rugged, finger-like peninsulas stretching out toward the ocean and countless offshore islands to explore.
River, lake, pond, or sea, a kayak adventure in Maine should be on everyone’s bucket list. Slide into a single or tandem kayak, slip silently into the water powered only by paddle, and set off for a day of fun on the water in mid-coast Maine. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are just some of midcoast Maine’s top outdoor activities.
Beginning Kayakers
Firstly, if kayaking is a new experience, you’ll want to go with an expert guide to learn the ropes and ensure your party’s safety. Several outfitters are within easy access of our Inn, offering group or private tours of varied lengths and destinations. Choose from nature tours, full moon and sunset trips, or a natural history excursion where you’ll be introduced to the region’s ecology and learn about local wildlife and marine birds.
Port Clyde Kayaks
Port Clyde Kayaks, located in the quaint fishing village of Port Clyde, has been taking folks on Maine kayak adventures since 2004. The protected harbor offers spectacular sightseeing opportunities, from a frequently photographed lighthouse to osprey and eagles soaring above. Daily scheduled tours are available, and private tours and instruction can be arranged by phone.
Maine Sports Outfitters
Maine Sports Outfitters in Rockland specializes in outdoor adventure, including backpacking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Their Camden Harbor tours are top-rated, cruising around Curtis Island, past million-dollar yachts. They also have sailing schooners with views of the Camden Hills as a backdrop.
The Harbor-to-Harbor tour takes in the bounty of two exquisite ports with a gourmet picnic. For a full-day excursion beyond the pale, sign up for the Muscle Ridge Tour, exploring the rugged archipelago rarely seen by tourists.
Breakwater Kayak Co.
Another option is Breakwater Kayak Co. in Rockland, Maine. They serve a full menu of kayak trips, ranging from short 2-hour paddles to longer half- and full-day ocean excursions. For a freshwater adventure, book the Lake Megunticook Tour. This change-of-pace paddle is perfect for spotting loons and discovering the undeveloped shoreline of Fernald’s Neck, home to wildflowers and freshwater wildlife.
Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP)
Additionally, you may want to try paddleboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding is a relatively new and growing sport that expands your opportunities to get out on the water in the Midcoast of Maine. A SUP is a flat board you balance and navigate with a single, long-handled paddle. Taking a quick dip in warm weather is easy because you can hop on and off the board.
And, whether standing or sitting on a board, your vantage point to take in your surroundings is far superior. All in all, you enjoy more freedom of movement on a paddleboard. Most kayak outfitters also offer the option of paddleboarding, so the choice is yours.
Best Fresh Water Spots to Kayak or SUP in Midcoast Maine
Megunticook Lake in Camden stands out as the top spot for freshwater kayaking or paddleboarding. The largest lake in the county is a surefire destination for a peaceful paddle, with gorgeous views of the towering cliffs and plentiful flora and fauna to admire. Bring a picnic and beach at Barrett’s Cove with its sandy shoreline, perfect for a quick dip before heading off to explore the rest of the lake. Two public launching points offer easy access for launching your equipment, and nearby outfitters offer rentals and guided tours.
Ocean or Sea Kayaking
The island-dotted expanse of Muscongus Bay and the sheltered coves of Jones Bay offer exceptional opportunities for sea kayaking. Local outfitters provide 2-hour eco-tours or half-day trips for a more complete exploration of the area.
Water Walker Sea Kayak & Basin Pond Outdoors offers tours for both beginning and experienced paddlers. The Owls Head tour cruises around the harbor filled with lobster boats, past Owls Head Light, and the islands of Monroe and Sheep. For a more challenging sea kayak adventure suitable for experienced paddlers, sign up for their South Thomaston tour. On this adventurous tour, you may spot ospreys, eagles, blue herons, seals, and ducks.
The waters surrounding Rockland, Camden, and Rockport are some of the most beautiful to explore. On any given day, you may encounter seals and porpoises frolicking in the waves, pass windjammers in full sail, or lobster boats hauling in the day’s catch. Summer and early fall are peak seasons for kayaking in Maine, and local outfitters, from novice to expert, are well-equipped for all kayak excursions.
Whatever floats your boat, getting out on the water is an absolute “must-do” when visiting Maine’s Midcoast region.
Book your next stay at the Berry Manor Inn in Rockland, Maine, one of the coolest small towns in America. You’ll be in the heart of the Midcoast, with access to bountiful options for kayaking in the Midcoast of Maine.
Published March 2024
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