Camden Maine: Windjammer Day Sail & Penobscot Bay Sights

Summary

Classic schooner sailing from Camden past Curtis Island Light into Penobscot Bay with crew stories, wildlife and salty breeze

You’ll join a small group for a classic windjammer day sail from Camden Harbor, helping raise sails if you want or just relaxing on deck as you pass Curtis Island Light into Penobscot Bay. Watch for seals, ospreys, and lobster boats while crew share stories over drinks. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s that feeling of salt air in your hair and old wood under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand on the deck of a real wooden schooner, sails snapping overhead? That’s what got me booking this day sail from Camden, Maine — well, that and my friend’s obsession with old ships. We met the Appledore II at Bayview Landing, and right away you could smell that mix of seaweed and old wood. The crew was already joking around as we stepped aboard. One of them — I think his name was Ben — handed me a thick rope and said, “Wanna help hoist?” I didn’t expect to actually work, but it felt good to pull alongside everyone else. My hands smelled like hemp after. Not sure if that’s romantic or just... nautical.

The wind picked up as we left Camden Harbor behind, passing Curtis Island Light (it’s smaller than I thought but somehow more dramatic in person). Our guide pointed out Mount Battie off to the side — apparently you get a killer view from up there too. The water in Penobscot Bay was this deep blue-green under the sun, and every so often someone would shout when they spotted an osprey or a seal flopping onto a rock. I tried to catch a photo but ended up just watching instead. There were these fancy mansions along the shore that looked straight out of some 1920s novel; meanwhile, lobster boats bobbed around looking like they’d been there forever.

I grabbed a beer from the little bar (they’ve got wine and cocktails too), sat back against the rail and listened to one of the crew tell stories about sailing down to Key West twice a year. He said sometimes dolphins follow them for miles — didn’t see any this time but honestly I was happy enough with the salty air and all that space. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the creak of wood and slap of water against the hull. Kind of stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay

• Depart from Bayview Landing
• Help raise sails and steer ship
• Sail past Curtis Island Light lighthouse
• Enjoy views of Penobscot Bay islands
• Spot wildlife like porpoises and eagles
• See Camden Hills and coastal mountains
• Watch lobstermen and elegant mansions
• Purchase drinks onboard
• Return to Camden Harbor

Top questions

How long is the Camden windjammer day sail?

The exact duration isn’t specified but it is a daytime cruise departing from Camden Harbor.

Can I help sail the Appledore II schooner?

Yes, passengers are welcome to help raise sails or even take a turn at the wheel under crew supervision.

Are drinks available during the cruise?

Cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase onboard during your sailing cruise.

Is this Camden boat tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What wildlife might I see on Penobscot Bay?

You may spot porpoises, seals, ospreys, eagles hunting fish, guillemots with red feet, and sometimes whales.

Where does the tour depart from?

The day sail departs from Bayview Landing in Camden Harbor.

Is lunch included on this sailing tour?

No meals are included; however drinks are available for purchase onboard.

What landmarks will we see during the day trip?

You’ll pass Curtis Island Light lighthouse, Mount Battie views, historic inns, summer mansions, and coastal mountains dropping into Penobscot Bay.

What’s included

Your day includes sightseeing cruise aboard Appledore II with participation in sailing activities if you wish; drinks are available for purchase onboard; all ages welcome with adults accompanying children; departure is right from Camden Harbor at Bayview Landing before returning to port after exploring Penobscot Bay together.