damariscotta river cruises reviews

Damariscotta River Cruises

Review Highlights

“ Seals, bald eagles and other wildlife are often in camera range. ” in 3 reviews

“ Don't be afraid to ask questions of the Captain or Olga . ” in 2 reviews

“ No osprey and no seals/could have been the time of day or year. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Damariscotta, ME 04543

Other Boat Charters Nearby

Balmy Day Cruises

13.5 miles away from Damariscotta River Cruises

See Maine from the Sea with All Kinds of Boat Trips. Call or book online. read more

in Boat Charters, Boating

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Captain Chip Holmes C.

Business Owner

Discover the Damariscotta River where 80% of Maine oysters are farmed and harbor seals, ospreys and bald eagles soar above the coves. * Oyster Farms & Seal Watching Tour * Oyster & Wine Tasting Cruise or Oyster & Beer * Happy Hour and Sunset Cruise * Oyster Farms & Fall Foliage Cruise Relax with a drink and sample the freshest oysters on the 49-passenger River Tripper, or learn from experts about how to pair the sumptuous oysters with wine. Available for private charters. Just two min from Route 1, in Midcoast Maine. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Damariscotta River Cruises .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

This was a good trip and I Learned much about the oysters! It was a lovely day for the cruise!

This was the worst boat tour I have ever experienced. And most of the patrons on the boat around me would agree. The girl next to me even said, "I will never get those two hours back". Our captain was extremely difficult to understand and did not give us the informational, fun tour we were expecting. It was boring, over priced and disappointing. Plus, sitting sideways on a smelly boat and breathing in exhaust doesn't really quench my appetite for oysters. Ugh- wish I could ask for my money. Save yourself the trouble- drive to Boothbay Harbor, and enjoy ANY of Cap'n Fish's tours!

So fun- went on the champagne and oyster cruise. 6 oysters and 7-8 types of sake, champagne and wine. Open boat. Saw all the locations of the oysters as you ate them. Good cheese board. Not super crowded but would have been if fully booked. Not kid friendly on oyster cruise.

Terrific 2 hours on the river eating oysters with my parents in their 80s, and my wife. Olga, the host, was terrific. She shucks oysters in front of you and runs the cash bar. We saw a bald eagle, osprey, six seals, and acres of oyster farming. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the Captain or Olga. They are super knowledgable. We met other locals and tourists on the ride. Better than expected.

A delightful float down the river on a beautiful day. We learned a ton about oysters. Great information. On time. Another review talked about not being able to understand the captain and host. She has an accent and the captains speech SEEMS to be a tiny bit impaired by a medical condition. We understood him just fine/would have liked to perhaps interact w him more. We DID see bald eagles. No osprey and no seals/could have been the time of day or year. Bar on board w opportunity to buy to buy fresh oysters was great/no fear, not a booze cruise;). Host handed out bingo cards for kids to identify things from the boat. Well worth it!

Charged my five month year $21 to listen to some super slow talking captain drive up and down a river. Zero seals. Everything extra. Tourist trap. Had to Apologize to the family. Terrible. Worst event ever

Ever wonder how an oyster is farmed? Take this lovely, lively and informative two hour tour from the dock at Schooner Landing. Seals, bald eagles and other wildlife are often in camera range. They usually have upwards of a half dozen different varieties of oysters to share and compare, along with a remarkably well stocked bar, all onboard ship. The boat is very stable, has a restroom, and is handicap accessible. A relaxing tour unlike any other, I think there's few better ways to spend an afternoon in vacationland. Catch this experience while you can, who knows how long it may be around!

2017 season

Wine & Oyster Pairing cruise

This is the absolute #1 thing you should have on your Maine bucket list. Seriously, Chip and Olga provide an educational and entertaining, and (if you like oysters) delicious tour of the Damariscotta river, all at a very reasonable price. Chip knows about oyster framing and gardening not only in Maine, but around the world. He is witty and friendly, and happy to sit around after the cruise and answer even more questions. Bring your family (there are fun activities for kids as well as adults on the cruise) and friends! Convenient web site offers credit card reservations. Suggest doing this because on our trip, we waited for a couple who had signed up but arrived late due to some traffic.

We had a great time on the cruise, the captain was very witty as he explained oyster farming and the history of the river. One of the nice things about the cruise was that the Captain did not talk constantly allowing us to enjoy the sound of the wind and the water and enjoy the views, we even saw some seals on the way back!! We met some friendly people and had some nice conversation as well.

Just returned last evening from the wine and oyster tour. It was WONDERFUL! Fresh fresh fresh fresh Damariscotta River Oysters and all kinds of different wines to taste and they weren't stingy with any of it. Just loved it and highly recommend this cruise.

2 other reviews that are not currently recommended

People Also Viewed

Cap’n Fish’s Cruises

Camden Harbor Cruises

Cabbage Island Clambakes

Hardy Boat Cruises

Windjammer Angelique

Schooner Olad

Breakwater Kayak

Schooner Surprise

Lazy Jack Cruises

Best of Damariscotta

Things to do in Damariscotta

People found Damariscotta River Cruises by searching for…

Oyster Wine Cruises Damariscotta

Boat Rental in Damariscotta

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Other Places Nearby

Find more Boat Charters near Damariscotta River Cruises

Find more Historical Tours near Damariscotta River Cruises

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Boudoir Photography

Bounce House Rentals

Event Photography

Valet Services

Videographers

Town Car Service

• 7 More Cost Guides

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Damariscotta River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Damariscotta River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Damariscotta River

Last edited by:

• June 2, 2023

Maine , Midcoast

Photo: Ram Island Light at Damariscotta River entrance - by Paul VanDerWerf

Described by many as one of Maine’s most scenic estuaries, the Damariscotta River is also a place of peaceful beauty, especially on a day with foggy or stormy conditions on the ocean just outside. It has also gained notoriety for high quality oysters with many oyster aquaculture farm operations in the upper reaches.

As one approaches the Damariscotta River, it becomes evident that Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the southwestern coast of Maine have all been left behind. The scenery and general conditions are more typical of what lies farther east. While there are some rocks and ledges along the way, with careful attention and planning, there should be no problem navigating in these waters.      

Extending just over 14 miles from the river entrance to the town dock in Damariscotta, the river changes character several times, progressing inland through narrows, open vistas, and steep-to shores,  becoming more peaceful farther inland and generally calm above Glidden Ledge. On a thick day outside, it may scale up to be sunny and warm by north of Fort Island, only a few miles inland. A dip in Seal Cove will likely be brisk, but the water is warm farther inland, and a real swim can be a pleasure at Dodge Point.    

Approach & Cautions

Photo: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse at sunrise by Andy Thrasher

From the south – A quick introduction to scenic Maine and some of the hazards off Damariscove Island will be apparent. Bantum Rock breaks in almost any sea. It marks the entrance to Damariscove Island – an intriguing harbor itself and highlighted in a separate entry on this website. Though the prevailing SW wind may be blowing into the anchorage, the underwater land configuration attenuates the seas to a remarkable degree giving a calm anchorage. Leaving the ledges of Outer Heron and the White Islands to starboard, make sure to leave the day marker (RW H), just south of the Hypocrite Islands, to port and then on to the mid-channel RW Buoy “HL,”  bringing the entrance to the river into View.

From the west – Passing Seguin, the Cuckolds, and Boothbay to Fisherman’s Passage, the ledges are well marked and should be no problem even in thick weather with a sharp lookout.

From the East  – Pemaquid Point Light stands as the entrance to the Damariscotta area. Make sure to honor R2,  and in heavy weather, to stand off outside and below the GRC “PL”  can to the south to avoid seas that build on those ledges. Weather permitting, head NW through outer Johns Bay to the “Thread of Life,” south of Shipley Point and Christmas Cove. While the chart may make you think twice, this is not to be missed – being narrow but deep. A weatherly boat can short tack through. If coming from well outside, you may choose to enter by passing Thrumcap Island and enter leaving Inner Heron Island and N2 to starboard.

See General Navigation Tips at bottom of page

Click the chart to open Navionics.

Not to be used for Navigation.

Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings

Little River – An inlet near the mouth of the Damariscotta, access is limited to settled weather and moderate size boats. The anchorage is tight, with 10-15 feet at low and 5 feet at the dock. There are no moorings, only short-term dockage. Lobster may be available, but not much else. However, if you are gunkholing, it is a pretty 30-45 minute tour.

Christmas Cove – Captain John Smith dropped anchor in a beautiful, protected cove on Christmas day in 1614 and aptly named it Christmas Cove. Today the cove abounds with summer activity and is home to many types of boats, both sail and power.

The approach to Christmas Cove is reasonably straightforward. Leaving Foster Point to port, stay in the middle of the channel. Proceed toward the two daybeacons which mark the ledges that protect the cove. Red day beacon #2 will be on your right; however, be careful as a ledge extends 50 feet out into the entrance. Green daybeacon #2 marks the edge of the shoal water to port. Pass about halfway between the two marks and you will enter the inner mooring field.

Christmas Cove is home to the Christmas Cove Improvement Association .  Founded in 1900, the CCIA operates a summer program for children with sailing, swimming and tennis lessons as well as holding regattas for all day sailors, including the Christmas Cove 21, the club’s one design. The club also provides a family-oriented social center.  It’s located to the east as you enter the cove.

Coveside Marina and Restaurant (207 644 8282), on the northwest side of the cove, is the prominent landmark ashore. A very popular restaurant offering great seafood as well as a traditional menu, it has waterfront dining, both inside and out. Enjoy The Burgee Bar with its great Dark & Stormy and live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. On Sundays, their deck party with live music and dancing is not to be missed! Check their website for the latest menu and hours. Coveside moorings and slips are available on Dockwa . Ice and some supplies are available.

East Boothbay – Ocean Point Marina (207-633-0773) has deep water on the approach and 15 feet alongside. While usually calm here, there may be wakes from river traffic, and a swell can make in when a sea is running from the south on the outside. The tide is quite strong here and will frequently cause the boat to rest contrary to the wind direction. Fuel, water,  moorings, dockage, ships store are all available. We recommend calling ahead.  Lobsterman’s Wharf restaurant is the next pier over. Hodgdon Yachts and Washburn & Doughty boatyards are adjacent, but do not provide chandlery services. All manner of interesting vessels may be on their rails. Hodgdon was recently well known for building magnificent mega sailing yachts but have moved operations elsewhere in the area and now focus on making luxury megayacht launches. Washburn & Doughty is known for making hi-tech tugs and ferries.

South Bristol – The Gut is a narrow protected harbor that runs from the Damariscotta River to Johns Bay, separating Rutherford Island from the mainland. South Bristol has a busy lobstering and fishing fleet, some of which operate year-round. All of the moorings are dedicated to the commercial fleet and are not available to visiting cruisers. As you enter from the Damariscotta River the historic Gamage Shipyard (207 644 8181) is on your left, directly across from East Boothbay on the east side of the river at Bristol Gut. It has a reported depth of 10 feet; they offer some transient dock space and moorings, fuel and water, a lounge, wifi, laundry & showers, plus a travel lift, repairs, and can be available on call.  Hail them on 9 or 68, or call ahead.

There’s also a small grocery in the village. Proceeding through the bascule bridge leave the red day beacon “2” well to starboard and as you approach the bridge give wide berth to day beacon “3”. The bridge opens on call 24 hours a day and can be reached on channel 9. The water depth is 4 feet at mean low tide and the current can be significant and varies based on the tide. The overhead power cables have been raised and are now reported to be 70 feet above high water.  Passing through the bridge stay in the middle of the channel as there is a three-foot ledge protruding from the south side just below the water at low tide.

Entering the Gut, Osiers Wharf (207-644-8101) is on the north side offering gas and diesel, plus beer, ice, wine, groceries and some marine supplies. They are a convenience store/deli and serve food all day, closing at 6:00 pm.

Bittersweet Landing Boatyard (207-644-8731) is a full-service boatyard and services diesel, gas and outboard motors. They have 5 moorings and possible slips available with Wi-Fi; it is best to call ahead.

South Bristol Fisherman’s Co-op (207-644-8224) is on the north side of the Gut and sells both gas and diesel 7 days per week. They sell live and cooked lobsters and clams, marine supplies and have picnic tables overlooking the harbor. Open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Entering or exiting from the Johns Bay side is straightforward–however–staying between the red nun “2”at McFarlands Ledge and green can “1” at Corvette Ledge is important.

See Anchorages below and More Harbors Upriver at bottom of page

Getting Ashore

Photo: Mark Myers

Anchorages     

East Boothbay – Relatively deep in Meadow Cove. See notes re: Ocean Point for general conditions.

Fort Island – Minding the Western Ledges, the anchorage behind Fort Island reportedly has good holding and is sheltered in a northerly. It used to be refuge while waiting for fair current in the narrows.

Seal Cove – While there may be hundreds of Seal Coves in Maine, this is still a hidden gem with almost no indication of civilization once inside, until you go deep in the cove. Cell service may be weak or absent depending on your provider; AT&T users generally have more issues than others in the area in general. There is good holding in mud anywhere in the middle carrying 20 feet at low. A dinghy cruise around Hodgson’s Island or the unnamed island to the east is always a hit – check the tides, as the passages can be very thin or even dry out at low. Or continue deep into the cove over the 5-foot bar to the inner harbor to anchor in 12- 15 feet — although there are now quite a few houses, and it doesn’t feel as secluded as outside the bar. Well named, seals are often seen here, especially on the ledges in the inner harbor.

Johns Bay , “next door” to the Damariscotta River, offers three options for an overnight  stay: Pemaquid Harbor, the South Bristol Gut behind Witch Island and the East Branch of the John’s River. Also, the best beach east of Reid State Park on Georgetown Island, near Seguin (which is hard to access while cruising) and west of Penobscot Bay, is Pemaquid Beach, easily accessible by foot from Pemaquid Harbor. It has good facilities with male and female changing and shower areas, chair/parasol rentals and a very good snack bar. It’s an option for those with members of the crew who like those alternative activities or who have to entertain young “future sailors.” (Watch out for the seagulls. They have no compunction in stealing a perfectly good and uneaten sandwich right out of your hand!)

See More Anchorages Upriver at bottom of page 

General Navigation Tips  [Followed by MORE Harbors & Anchorages]

• The river entrance is wide open in any weather and runs deep to the Narrows at Fort Island.
• The Narrows – favor the Fort Island side of the marked channel, where the current can run up to 5 knots at springs.
• After the Narrows, the river widens, and the course is up the middle – line up for the center of Miller Island and Carlisle Island as the ledges on the ends make out a bit. There are many pot buoys in this stretch but staying in the center yields a thinner density field as opposed to the west side.
• Approaching Merry Island, R14 deserves some room to the west. Note that the shallows are south of the mark.
• Glidden Ledge is covered at high water and runs across from the eastern shore – give the day marker R16 a bit of room — the channel is deep; however, the current runs hard through this narrows.
• After Perkins Point (G19), the channel narrows and requires close attention to your GPS or at least depth finder. Note, you cannot run directly from mark G17 to R20 because the channel is “S” shaped north of G19; however, there is a safe passage all the way to Damariscotta village. At mid-tide and lower, the water is very shoal (exposed mud on a moon tide) to the west side of the channel just south of G21.

More Harbors Near Top of Damariscotta River

• Damariscotta and Newcastle – At the head of navigation, the channel is narrow above Hall Point (also known locally as Cottage Point) up to N24. The current runs hard past the mooring field, so this would be a problematic anchorage. If you are planning to anchor, it is best to stay opposite Hall Point. Riverside Boat Co. on the west shore, the Newcastle side, (207-563-3398) has repair capabilities and rents moorings. The harbor master is Eric Peters (cell: 207-380-8158). For larger vessels, one large mooring may be available near Hall Point; you may inquire with the owner by email at [email protected] . There is a town dinghy basin on the east side (Damariscotta side). It has outside floats reporting 5 feet at low and a two-hour limit. No fuel is sold here; however, a gas station is less than 50 yards walk across the town parking lot. Schooner Landing Restaurant on the river has no transient slips (207-563-7447). The town offers numerous services and pleasant cafés,  restaurants, quality gift shops, and a few galleries for this size village. In Damariscotta, there is a large Hannaford, approximately 1.5 miles east with Rising Tide Co-Op organic foods and other groceries choices, Main Street Grocery (IGA), as well as a Walgreens, about 0.5 miles west. Damariscotta Hardware, and a NAPA halfway between these and the Hannaford. In town, there is a laundromat across Main Street, a Reny’s (“♪A Maine Adventure!♪”–clothing, food, camping equipment, toys and and a slew of other “necessities”), kayak rentals, river tours, etc. Waltz Soda Fountain and old-time luncheonette is not to be missed for a lime rickey. Weatherbird , a gourmet shop at 72 Courtyard Street, has fresh baked goods, cheeses, wines; plus the Riverside Butcher Co. and  Simmons Seafood are both first-rate.
• For urgent healthcare needs, seek out LincolnHealth Miles (Hospital) Campus. 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, Phone: 207-563-1234. There is a 24-hour physician-staffed emergency department.

More Anchorages Upriver

Moving up the river past Carlisle and Miller Islands, there are several possibilities for anchoring. Between Carlisle Island and the shore, the bottom is rocky, so using a tripline is advised. Take care not to find the rock at the south end of the island or the shallows off the mainland.

• Clark Cove – This is a more open anchorage on the eastern shore — good for settled weather.
• The mid-river above Miller Island has several possible anchorages from long and narrow and deep to some a little more than a scallop in the shoreline.

• Pleasant Cove – Scenic at high tide and open to the east, this changes character as the tide recedes, with large areas of flats. It offers good protection from all winds when anchored deep in the cove.
• Wadsworth Cove –  Past can #13, there is good mud and protection from Carlisle Point to the south.
• Darling Marine Center , Wentworth Point   – Managed by the University of Southern Maine  dmc.masine.edu , 207-563-3146, Call for possible moorings and current programs.
• Salt Marsh Cove – While the inner cove dries out, there is thick mud at the 13-foot spot.
• Mears Cove – Snug in NE corner and reputed to be the best holding and out of the current.
• Fitch Cove – Above Glidden Ledge, there’s reportedly good holding in mud on the eastern shore near Brick Hill Rd. Shore access may be available to the oyster farm near here.
• Dodge Point – South of the point anchor in 12-14 feet with good mud. There’s access to Dodge Point Park and several trails – a nice walk in the woods or running path. The park provides a pier and float for landing a dinghy.
• Hall Point – good views and good dingy access to town, Bald Eagles on Hog Island will be soaring, and an easy dingy ride back to Dodge Point too. Note: there is a big mud flat that extends SW from the southern C21 all the way up to the west side of C23.

OUR REVIEWS

What CCA Members are saying:

Got some feedback or notes for this page?

Send us your input., 2024 storms have wreaked havoc on the maine coastline., click here to learn more about how we are updating our pages to reflect the changes affecting cruisers., subscribe to our newsletter for updates your inbox.

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Tours and Schedule 2024

Oyster farms & seal watching tour.

Discover the Damariscotta River’s wildlife and history, and its new role in oyster farming that makes this tidal river world famous. See the harbor seals in action or basking on the ledges, while oyster farmers raise very tasty oysters.

Adult tickets $40 & Children $28

Happy Hour & Sunset Cruise

Join us aboard The River Tripper for a relaxing ride with a cocktail in hand and enjoy the life of the River unfolding in the glow of evening sunlight. Savor local oysters and drink specials at the Boat Bar while making some new friends.

Buy Tickets

Oyster & Wine Tasting Cruise

Sample Damariscotta River oysters as you cruise past the farms they were harvested from, and pair them with sensational wines, bubblies, sake, or varieties of beer. A fun sommelier will answer all your questions. An unforgettable ride!

Tickets $100

Fall Foliage Cruise

Join us for a leaf peepers cruise to find out how oyster farmers prepare the farm equipment and sow the world-famous Damariscotta River oysters in the fall, while bald eagles, ospreys and migratory birds hover around.

• Calendar / Schedule
• Holiday Specials

Damariscotta River Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

DAMARISCOTTA RIVER CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go