Frequently Asked Questions

You can book online at amorninginmaine.com through our FareHarbor booking system. We recommend reserving in advance, especially during peak season — the boat fills up quickly! Walk-ups are also welcome at the ticket booth on the dock when space is available, with payment by cash or card.

Yes. All passengers, including small children, count toward our strict passenger limit and must have a ticket to sail.

Cancellations with at least 72 hours’ notice receive a full refund. You’ll also receive a full refund if we cancel due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice and no-shows are charged the full price. To cancel or rebook, contact us at (207) 691-7245 or reply to your confirmation email.

Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase on our website — a great present for any Maine coast lover.

We cannot accommodate dogs on any of our shared public sails, however we allow dogs on private charters on a case-by-case basis.

Yes!  We have free parking directly adjacent to our ticket booth for passengers on a first-come-first-serve basis.  When parking in a two-hour or time-limited space by the harbor, ask our ticket booth staff for a guest parking pass.  PARKING IS NOT AVAILABLE DURING THE MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL (the last week of July/first weekend in August), and may be limited during the North Atlantic Blues Festival (the second weekend of July) and Maine Boat and Home Show (the 2nd weekend in August).

All of our sails are BYOB, so feel free to bring drinks and a snack. Please use plastic or cans rather than glass whenever possible, and drink responsibly — the boat is often moving. Dress in layers: Maine coastal weather can be cool even in summer, and evenings especially call for a jacket.

We don’t provide food or beverages, but you’re welcome to bring your own. BYOB is encouraged!

Comfortable, casual clothing and soft-soled shoes are best. A windbreaker or light jacket is recommended for all trips, and especially for the sunset sail. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must on sunny days.

None at all — just show up ready to enjoy yourself! Our experienced crew handles everything. That said, if you’d like to get involved, you’re welcome to lend a hand with the sails or even take the helm.

Absolutely. We welcome guests of all ages. The 10am morning trip is especially great for families with small children, as conditions tend to be calmer with lighter winds and smaller waves. Children 12 and under are required by Maine state law to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on board.

Penobscot Bay is rich with wildlife. On most trips guests spot harbor seals, bald eagles, and porpoises, along with views of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Owls Head Lighthouse, and the historic Maine windjammer fleet.

The 2-hour sailing trip is $65 per person (age 11 and up) and $50 for children age 10 and under. Other trip options have their own pricing — see the full list at amorninginmaine.com.

We accept credit cards and cash, both online and at the dock.

The crew works hard to ensure a safe, fun, and informative experience on our vessels. Tips are not included but are always warmly appreciated by the crew!

We operate May through October.

We typically offer four departure times, each with its own character:

• 10am — Usually the calmest of the day; great for families with young children and wildlife viewing.
• 1pm — Your best chance for a strong breeze and an adventurous sail, sometimes reaching the outer waters of Penobscot Bay.
• 4pm — Starts breezy and mellows out — a relaxed way to wind down the afternoon.
• 6:30–7pm (sunset, seasonal) — Calm winds, beautiful light, perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy a drink at sunset.

Your safety comes first. If we need to cancel due to weather or other circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund. We are not responsible for delays caused by traffic or travel providers, so please plan ahead and leave yourself plenty of time.

We have two vessels at A Morning in Maine Sailing Tours.

Morning in Maine is a classic 55-foot coastal ketch designed by the renowned Pete Culler and built in 1970. She has a 12-foot beam, weighs 17 tons, and is constructed of oak frames and Atlantic cedar planks. She’s been lovingly maintained over her 50+ years on the water and has been sailing out of Rockland for over two decades.

Sarah Mead is a 42-foot Friendship Sloop built in 1965 at the Newbert & Wallace Shipyard in Thomaston, Maine. Carrying two headsails and a gaff-rigged main, she is built in traditional Maine fashion with cedar planks over white oak frames. After spending the last two decades showcasing the history of Maine lobster boats on Muscongus Bay, Sarah Mead brings her legacy back to her original home waters on Penobscot Bay.

Morning in Maine can carry up to 21 passengers. Sarah Mead carries just 6 passengers.

We offer both open (shared) sailing trips and fully private charters. Visit the Private Charters page on our website for details on booking the boat exclusively for your group.