Comfortably cruise the Kennebec River aboard Merrymeeting, our 50-passenger tour boat.

Image Credit: Two Adventurous Souls

Cruises at Noon, 2:00, & 3:30 pm

Museum admission is included with your ticket. In-person ticket sales end 20 minutes prior to departure; boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.

Please plan your arrival accordingly. The boat leaves on time, and we will leave without you.

  • Two people on a boat observing the river and forested shore; man pointing.

    1-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | Noon & 2:00 pm Daily

    Explore the Kennebec River, where shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today. Cruise downriver to enjoy a water view of the museum’s historic shipyard and two of the Kennebec’s famed lighthouses: Doubling Point Light and the Kennebec Range Lights. Then cruise past Bath Iron Works and see spectacular views of the Navy’s most advanced ships taking shape.

    Daily mid-May to late October
    Noon only on August 14, no trips August 15

    Adults $44; 6–17 years, $21; under 6, $6

  • Scenic view of a small lighthouse on a pier by a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

    2-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | 3:30 pm

    See some of the Kennebec’s most beautiful lighthouses!  During this cruise, you'll see up to six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light.  

    Mondays & Wednesdays mid-May to late October

    Adults, $52; 6–17 years, $27; under 6, $6

  • Tour boat "Merrymeeting" on a calm river with passengers on board, surrounded by water and trees.

    3-Hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise | 3:30 pm

    Travel the Kennebec River for views of Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light on the horizon. Then travel the winding Sasanoa River with its pristine shores and abundant wildlife!

    Tuesdays & Thursdays mid-May to late September

    Cruise does not run Thursday, September 10

    Adults $58; 6–17 years, $30, under 6, $6

  • Person placing oysters on a paper plate during a boat cruise.

    Oyster Tasting Cruise (2.5 Hours)

    Learn about oyster farming from some of Maine’s premier oyster growers on this tasty coastal cruise! Hear how oysters are cultivated, harvested, and taken to market, and discover why the watersheds where they are grown impact their flavor. Each guest will receive a ticket for a dozen oysters on the half-shell and a beverage of choice, including selections from our beer and wine list. With scenic views, wildlife sightings, sit back and learn about Maine’s oyster industry, then sample some of the tastiest treats the Maine coast has to offer. Additional oysters can be purchased aboard for $3 each. Tickets for ages 6 & under include ½ dozen oysters and a beverage.

    Sundays, May 24, June 7, August 16, September 20, October 4 & 18

    Adults, $90; 6–17 years, $65; under 6, $40

  • Group of people looking at a naval ship near cranes at a shipyard.

    The Bath Iron Works Story: By Land & Sea (2.5 Hours)

    Experience the full Bath Iron Works package! The tour begins in the immersive exhibit BIW: Building America’s Navy. From there, you’ll board the trolley for a narrated tour. Finally, the trolley will drop you off to board the museum’s cruise boat Merrymeeting for a one-hour cruise featuring a spectacular, close-up look at naval destroyers in the water.

    Tours (2.5 hours) begin at 12:30 pm, Select Weekdays, May 19–June 12; Monday–Friday, June 15–October 23.

    Adults: $65; Children 17 & under: $37

    The City of Bath Trolley is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. Golf cart rides are also available between tour locations.

  • Child looking out onto the water from a boat

    Mini Mariners (30 Mins)

    These morning cruises will follow our monthly free Story Time with Splash, the friendly sea monster. Board our cruise boat Merrymeeting to see Bath Iron Works and downtown Bath from the water, pass under the Sagadahoc and Carlton bridges, and keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, eagles, and maybe even a seal!

    Select Tuesdays May 19, June 16, July 14, August 11, September 1, October 6, 11:00 am

    Adults, $12; Under 17, $6

  • Bald eagle in flight against a blurred forest background.

    Six Rivers of Merrymeeting Bay (3 Hours)

    The namesake of our cruise boat, Merrymeeting Bay, is a unique confluence of six Maine rivers, all converging to form a truly rare ecosystem. Pass through the swirling eddies of Chops Point into the serenity of the bay, one of the best places in the state to view bald eagles and waterfowl.

    Sundays, May 17, 31, June 14, 28, July 5, September 6, 13, 27 & October 11, 3:30 pm

    Adults, $58; 6–17 years, $30; under 6, $6

  • Person on a boat deck with sun shining, wearing a cap and looking at the water.

    Autumn Golden Hour (2 Hours)

    See some of the Kennebec’s most beautiful lighthouses in the splendor of fall! During this autumn cruise, you’ll see up to six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light.

    Select days beginning in September

    Adults, $52; 6–17 years, $27; under 6, $6

  • Lighthouse with white walls and red top, surrounded by green shrubs and tall grass, under a clear blue sky, with a person wearing a teal jacket and brown pants walking along a trail.

    Burnt Island Lighthouse Adventure (4 Hours)

    Cruise the winding Sasanoa River through both Upper and Lower Hell Gates and Townsend Gut to Burnt Island at the head of Boothbay Harbor. Spend at least 30 minutes ashore exploring this historic five-acre island’s nature trails, the 1857 keeper’s house, and the still-active 1821 rubble stone light tower (open for the duration of the visit), or simply bring along a late-day lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables and marvel in the beauty of the island. The return trip will pass two additional lighthouses, Cuckolds Island Light and Hendricks Head Light, weather permitting.

    Sundays, June 21, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 23, 30

    Adults, $80; 6–17 years, $40; under 6, $10

  • A boat with passengers sailing on a wide river during daytime, surrounded by tree-lined banks.

    Lighthouse Lovers (4 Hours)

    On one of our most beloved cruises, see up to 10 of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island & Light, Pond Island & Light, Seguin Island & Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, and Hendricks Head Light.

    Saturdays, 3:30 pm, May 23–August 29,
    Except August 15

    Adults, $66; 6–17 years, $35; under 6, $6

  • Fireworks display over a boat on the water at night.

    Fireworks Cruise

    Cruise along the Kennebec River’s Long Reach and see Doubling Point Lighthouse, the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, and Bath’s colorful waterfront. Enjoy your favorite beverage and spectacular on-the-river views of the annual Heritage Days fireworks!

    July 4, 8:00–10:00 pm

    Adults, $95; 6–17 years, $48; under 6, $10

  • Child in a red raincoat on a boat looking through binoculars, with a circular mirror reflecting their image.

    Membership Discount

    Museum members receive a 20% discount. Register or log in today to conveniently receive your discount online. For assistance with your purchase, please call any day between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm.

ALL YOU CAN CRUISE (TITLE)

For the museum member looking to get out on the water more this summer—introducing All You Can Cruise, our new cruise season pass!

Let us be your captain for summer fun, including trips to Burnt Island, our daily 1-hour cruises, the combination trolley and boat tour dedicated to the history of Bath Iron Works, and cruises for our littlest visitors. Perfect for entertaining out-of-town guests and friends from further afield. Don’t sleep on this new opportunity—there is a limited supply!

A white boat with blue and red accents cruising on calm water near a forested shoreline under a clear blue sky.

All You Can Cruise Details & Exclusions

  • Unlimited cruises during the 2026 season from May 16–October 25

  • Available to current museum members ages 18+

  • Exclusions apply—Oyster Tasting Cruises, Fireworks Cruise, and private charters or groups cruises are not eligible, but all our other cruises are!

  • Blackout dates: Friday, July 10; Friday, July 17; Saturday, July 18

  • Member must be present on the cruise for discount to apply

  • Subject to ticket availability; advance reservations are encouraged but not required

  • Excessive cancellations, repeated no-shows, or unsafe conduct on board may result in suspension or revocation of a season pass

  • Full terms and conditions are available online.

When purchasing your season pass, please use today’s date.

The required fine print.

Tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of a weather cancellation. Online ticket sales end 2 hours prior to departure, in-person ticket sales end 20 minutes prior to departure; boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. Please plan your arrival accordingly—we will leave without you.

Merrymeeting is a 56′ motor vessel with a covered lower deck and open upper deck. Cruises run in light rain and other moderate weather conditions. Cruises may be cancelled in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions or unmet minimum ticket sales, and cancellations are made by the Captain on the day of the cruise. If the museum cancels a cruise, we’d be happy to reschedule or issue a refund.

Only service animals are allowed on board. Pets and support animals are restricted to the south end of campus and not permitted on cruises or in any building.

The temperature on the water can vary throughout the day. Please come prepared with extra layers. Access to the boat requires negotiating a ramp down to the float. Merrymeeting is wheelchair accessible, but the two small bathrooms on board are not.

Passengers will remain on the boat for the length of the cruise, with the exception of the Burnt Island Lighthouse Adventure. Merrymeeting’s professionally trained crew provides fascinating narration and a safe, comfortable cruise.

We’re pleased to offer a snack bar onboard with Flight Deck beer, wine, soda, and light snacks. Merrymeeting passengers are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard.

The purchase of tickets is subject to Terms & Conditions.