Here are some “destination ideas” as you put together your plans for chartering with Ellis Boat Charters.
LOBSTER BAKE ON MERCHANT’S ROW
The perfect Maine day. Merchant’s Row is a collection of islands right off the coast of Mount Desert Island that includes some of the most beautiful islands on the East Coast. Treat your group to a day on the water by setting off from Southwest Harbor or Northeast Harbor in your Ellis Boat charter, motoring by the famous Bass Harbor lighthouse, and casting anchor close to one of the islands.
EXPLORE BAKER’S ISLAND, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Baker’s Island is part of Acadia National Park and home to the famous Baker Island Lightstation, which marks the entrance to Frenchman’s Bay. The famous Baker Island “Dance Floor” is a series of huge slabs of granite found on the south shore, smoothed flat by the tides. Explore this historic island and enjoy a picnic lunch, while overlooking Mount Desert Island’s rugged coastline.
DINNER OR LUNCH AT ISLESFORD DOCK
Dock your Ellis Charter boat at the storied Islesford Dock Restaurant, where you can enjoy classic Maine fare, as well as the works of local artists at the Islesford Artist’s Gallery.
SOMES SOUND
Explore what is arguably the only Fjord on the East Coast. It is a body of water running deep into Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Its deepest point is approximately 175 feet (50 m), and it is over 100 feet (30 m) deep in several places. The sound almost splits the island in two. Somes Sound was named for Abraham Somes, who was one of the first settlers on the island. Ask your captain to bring you here to view beautiful ocean-front houses and Acadia’s mountains.
MARSHAL ISLAND
Great Island hiking and a wonderful less-known sand beach, with a picturesque cove (Sand Cove) for anchoring. Take the tender ashore for a short picnic on the beach. If you want a bigger adventure, book the boat for two days with a Captain and camp out on the island overnight. Your captain can pick you up the next day to continue your adventure. Details about booking campsites on the island are here: https://mcht.org/preserves/marshall-island
BAR HARBOR TOUR
Want to check out Bar Harbor but take the scenic route? Tour along the Eastern part of Mount Desert Island and up to Bar Harbor, where she can dock while you explore Bar Harbor. If you have plenty of time, you could even stop by Schoodic Point or Winter Harbor.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
The waters around Mount Desert Island are filled with spectacular wildlife viewing. If you’d like to search for whales, porpoises, or various birds, look no further!
HARBORS and MORE
Common harbors to visit include Camden, Rockport, Rockland, Belfast, Tenants Harbor, Vinalhaven, Frenchburo, Monhegan Island, and Bucks Harbor. Optionally plan a more extensive multi-week cruise throughout New England and Canada. Your adventure begins with a one-on-one tutorial on the operation of the vessel out of Southwest Harbor, Maine, near Somes Sound surrounded by Acadia National Park.