Lighthouse & Nature Cruises
2019 Cruise Schedule Coming Soon!
Board Merrymeeting for an up-close look at some of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses and abundant wildlife. You’ll cruise comfortably on board our 75-passenger vessel, which offers an open upper deck and enclosed lower deck. All cruise fees include two-day admission.
Shipyards & Lighthouses Cruise (1 hour)
Members $29; nonmembers $36; 6-12 years $20; under 6 $6
Explore the lower Kennebec River where American shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today! Cruising past BIW, you’ll see spectacular views of the Navy’s most advanced ships taking shape and learn about the radical new design of Zumwalt Class destroyers, the Navy’s most technologically advanced stealth ships. Heading down river you’ll enjoy a water view of the museum’s historic Percy & Small Shipyard with its life-size evocation of the colossal wooden schooner Wyoming and two of the Kennebec’s famed lighthouses: Doubling Point Light and the Kennebec Range Lights. There’s something for everybody on this cruise!
Midcoast Lights and Rivers (3 hours)
Members $38; nonmembers $47; 6-12 years $30; under 6 $6
Travel the Kennebec River with its magnificent system of river lighthouses. On this cruise you’ll see six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light on the horizon. You’ll then travel the winding Sasanoa River with its pristine shores and abundant wildlife.
Weather permitting, we’ll also cruise the Sheepscot River past Hendricks Head Lighthouse.
Lighthouse Lovers Cruise (4 hours)
Members $42; nonmembers $52; 6-12 years $35; under 6 $6
See up to 10 of Maine’s finest lighthouses the way they were intended to be seen – from the water. The cruise features Doubling Point Light, the 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.
Six Rivers of Merrymeeting Bay Cruise (3 hours)
Members $38; nonmembers $47; 6-12 years $30; under 6 $6
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 virtually untouched serenity of the bay. This is one of the best places in the state to view bald eagles and migrating waterfowl. Narrators from local environmental organizations will share information about the unique flora and abundant wildlife of the bay that creates stunning backdrops and mystical views so make sure to bring a camera!
This program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Merrymeeting Bay Trust.
Autumn Lights Cruise (2 hours)
October 8 – 25
Members $34; nonmembers $42; 6-12 years $27; under 6 $6
See some of the Kennebec Historic Waterway’s most beautiful lighthouses in the splendor of fall! During this autumn cruise you’ll see up to six lighthouses the way they were meant to be seen – from the water. Up-close views of Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light sitting majestically on the horizon. There will be plenty of scenic viewing and photo ops, so make sure to bring a camera!
October 14, 21, 28; 2 pm
Members $38; nonmembers $47; 6-12 years $30; under 6 $6
Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the Kennebec River into one of Maine’s premier birding locations, Merrymeeting Bay, an inland, freshwater river delta encompassing 9,600 acres of wetland habitat. Join Doug Suitor from the Merrymeeting chapter of Maine Audubon as he helps spot and shares information about species sighted. Likely sightings may include eagles, buffleheads, greater yellow legs, Hudsonian Godwit and migrating waterfowl.