There’s no other place in America that can boast that they have more Islands than that of Maine.  Maine ’s Coast is sheltered by as many as 4613 Islands, according to Maine State Planning Office’s Maine Coastal Program.  Some of these Islands are inhabited, some not, but most agree, they are all beautiful.  The best way, and almost the only way to get to these Islands is by boat.  In Portland, you can catch the Casco Bay Ferry if your looking for a direct and timely arrival, or you can take the meandering approach to view or enjoy your trip aboard a vintage schooner such as the vessels Portland Schooner.  Try the Sunset Lighthouse Tour with Portland Discovery aboard the infamous Islander or Bay View Lady.  From Kittery to Eastport there is a boat waiting in a harbor to take you on a fish, cruise, sail,  or just take you to another coastal town. Check out the links below and tell them mainethingstodo.com sent ya.

Casco Bay Lines

The Maine Island Trail is a 350-mile-long waterway along the coast of Maine that connects approximately 150 islands and mainland sites available for day visits or overnight camping. The trail is operated by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), a non-profit organization based in Portland, Maine with almost 4000 members. Through partnerships with the State of Maine, as well as land trusts, non-profit organizations, and generous private property owners, MITA ensures access to these sites for visitors in kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, and other watercraft. The annual MITA guidebook, distributed in the spring to MITA members, describes the location of each site on the trail.

The trail was established in 1988 and has since become the largest water trail in the United States. The trail begins in Cape Porpoise Harbor, near Kennebunkport, Maine and ends in Machias, Maine, with an additional collection of ten islands in the Passamaquoddy/New Brunswick region of Canada. Maine Island Trail Association

Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine; separated from the mainland by Frenchman Bay, Mt. Desert Narrows, and Western Bay. The island’s rugged topography is a result of glacial action. It is almost equally divided into east and west halves by Somes Sound. A chain of rounded granite peaks dominates the island, culminating in Cadillac Mt. (1,532 ft/467 m high). The peaks were named Monts Deserts, meaning “wilderness mountains,” by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who landed on the island in 1604. The first French Jesuit mission and colony in America was established there in 1613; the first permanent English settlement began in 1762. The island developed as a fishing and lumbering center, and by the end of the 19th cent. it had become a famous resort area. A forest fire in 1947 damaged much of the eastern half of the island. The main towns are Bar Harbor, whose downtown and coastline homes were spared by the fire; Southwest Harbor, which manufactures yachts; Northeast Harbor; and Bass Harbor, a fishing community. The major part of the island is in Acadia National Park.

Enjoy a traditional lobster bake on beautiful Cow Island when you join Portland Schooner Co. and Rippleffect, a local nonprofit, for an unforgettable experience. Your transportation? Bagheera or Wendameen. Your mid-morning sail takes you to scenic Cow Island, where you will partake in a delicious lobster bake. Return to the mainland in the afternoon refreshed, enlightened and richer for this quintessential Maine experience. Price is $105 per person. Child discount available. 10 AM to 2 PM. Please call or email us
for reservations.

Casco Bay Lines

Casco Bay Lines has been providing year-round ferry service since 1878, carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight between Portland, Maine and Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, and Cliff Island.

Each island has something that makes it unique to visit, including restaurants, bike rentals, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and beaches.  Casco Bay Lines is located at 56 Commercial Street in downtown Portland in the heart of the Old Port District.

Casco Bay Lines also offers a variety of daily scenic cruises with different destinations, durations and departure times. Pack a boxed lunch; bring your camera, binoculars and a sweater. See all the Maine coast has to offer!

Scenic Cruises

2011 Casco Bay Lines Cruise Schedule

• • Mailboat Run
  • Sunset Run
  • Sunrise on the Bay
  • Diamond Pass Run (Click Photo Album to see cruise pictures)
  • Moonlight Run
  • Bailey Island Day Cruise (Click Photo Album to see cruise pictures)
  • Bailey Island Noontime Cruise

Year-Round Cruises
Seasonal Cruises

For a schedule and rates please visit www.cascobaylines.com

Phone: (207) 774-7871

LIGHTHOUSE LOVERS TOUR

Enjoy this narrated 90 minute scenic cruise through the busy harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds. Four lighthouses can be seen up close with as many as seven in view during the cruise, including a closeup view of Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse, Portland Head Light! So come aboard, take in the salt air, and spectacular sights, while enjoying the best narrated cruise around!

SUNSET LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A 90-minute cruise offering our guests a chance to relax and unwind as we cruise around the inner islands and the lighthouses of the bay at dusk. A great way to end a hectic day or begin a romantic evening! We have a full bar on board as well.

EAGLE ISLAND TOURS

This island adventure includes a narrated cruise through beautiful Casco Bay; plus an opportunity to explore Eagle island. While en route to the island we’ll cruise through scenic back channels and quiet coves, past island cottages and quaint fishing villages. On the island you will have a chance to tour the former summer estate of the famed artic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary, the first man to reach the North Pole. There is also time to walk the picturesque nature trails or enjoy a shoreside picnic. Departs at 10:00 a.m. from Long Wharf, returns to Long Wharf at 2:00 p.m.

LOBSTER BAKES ON CASCO BAY

For a truly memorable experience, we offer full lobster bakes on board the Bay View Lady. Available in two and three hour blocks, come with us and enjoy Maine’s most treasured delicacy while cruising picturesque Casco Bay.

Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours

207-784-0808

www.portlanddiscovery.com

explore wild islands, observe native wildlife, and hike scenic coastal trails with maine coast heritage trust

Links Maine Islands- click below