Maine Sailing Charter

Everything you need to know

Important information!

Hand pointing to the right.
Hand pointing to the left.

This is where we meet-

our ship’s store at 172 Clark Point Road in SOUTHWEST Harbor

*Please note that I only have a short time between sails, so I’ll meet you just before we are due to depart. There is parking in designated spots in front of our store, and if none are available there is public parking close by. Please give yourself time to find us and park your car if you are unfamiliar with the area.

 

This is how we get aboard the Ambergris

The Ambergris will be waiting for us on her mooring out in the harbor. To get out to her, we’ll take our ship’s boat, which was originally a lifeboat for a fishing boat from Newfoundland. To get aboard the Ambergris, we’ll climb a short ladder up the ship’s side.

If you are unsure about your ability to board the Ambergris please give us a call!

We'll do everything we can to accommodate folks with limited mobility.

weather

Safety is our top priority and if we determine that sailing would be unsafe we will cancel the trip and give you a full refund.

We don’t want to sail in bad weather any more than you do, but fog and the occasional wet day are a fact of life in Maine.

If there is a 100% chance of rain we will cancel the trip early but if the rain is interment we will wait until 1 hour before our scheduled departure to cancel our sail. (The mountains affect the local weather and often it will be raining on one side of the island and clear on the other.)

Maine often has fog and we have a radar to help us navigate. On those days we usually will sail up Somes Sound where the fog often clears we can sail close to the deep cliff lined shore.

We do not cancel trips for light winds.

pets

On a private charter you are welcome to bring any pet you’d like aboard. On a shared trip we ask that you leave your furry friends ashore out of respect for the other passengers.

The “head”

Yes- there is a bathroom aboard! (Known as the ‘head’ on a boat.)

What to bring on your sail

  • Best to dress in layers and bring some warm clothes. Even if it is warm ashore it is often cooler in the ocean breeze.

  • Feel free to bring any food or drink that you’d like. Alcohol is allowed in moderation. We have a refrigerator aboard if you would like to keep anything cold.

  • Sunscreen.

  • Your camera!

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the time of your trip and receive a full refund. If you fail to show up at the time of boarding or decide to cancel after 24 hours before our departure you will be charged the full price of the trip.

If we have to cancel the trip for any reason we will give you a full refund.

  • Ambergris sailing through Acadia National Park with a sea breeze on a scenic afternoon adventure.

    An afternoon sail

    The afternoon is usually the windiest part of the day, making for a brisk sail as the land heating up draws in a sea breeze.

    Departing from Southwest Harbor we’ll sail through the majestic Acadia National Park and the surrounding islands.

    Feel the refreshing sea breeze and keep an eye out for wildlife like seabirds, seals, and maybe even a whale. Whether celebrating a special event or just wanting to enjoy nature, an afternoon sail aboard Ambergris is a unique way to experience Acadia.

    Join us to see why Mount Desert Island is a gem on the Maine coast!

  • The Ambergris glides through the waters of Acadia National Park during a sunset cruise.

    The sunset cruise

    Enjoy the beauty of Acadia National Park on the traditional schooner Ambergris with our sunset sail. Our small group size offers a cozy setting, letting you fully appreciate the peaceful landscape.

    Join us for a memorable experience—perfect for a romantic night, a relaxing family outing, or quiet reflection.

    Watching the sun set over the mountains as we make our way back into the harbor is a perfect way to end a day in Acadia.

  • A traditional schooner with its sails unfurled, navigating through calm waters on a sunny day.

    Island Exploration

    On an Island Exploration trip, we’ll have the opportunity to sail further afield and explore the outer islands of Maine.

    We can anchor the Ambergris securely and venture out to a serene, remote beach for a lobster bake or we may visit the charming small island community on the Cranberry Islands, where we can also have a delightful meal at the popular Islesford Dock Restaurant.

    Alternatively, we could sail out the Western Way towards Bass Harbor and the islands found in that area.

    Island Exploration trips are offered as a full day private charter. The Ambergris is yours for the day so give us a call to plan your adventure!

Have any questions?