The Coast of Maine...a Sea Kayaker's Paradise!          

3500 miles of jigsawed coastline smattered with dramatic headlands, numerous islands, and rocky shoreline provide an incredible backdrop for your sea kayak adventures.  Sandy beaches in the southwest soon fade away as the bold and rugged coastline emerges from the ocean depths bringing with it a plethora of islands, ledges, and peninsulas.  Quaint fishing communities, New England summer homes, and more than 60 lighthouses can be seen as you journey along the coast, yet the remoteness of many of Maine's coastal islands gives one a sense of solitude and tranquility hard to find anywhere else. It's a beautiful coast but one to be respected and taken seriously - the ocean temperatures hover between 50-65 degrees F during the summer months, the tides rise and fall bewteen 10'-15', and the fog can be "as thick as pea soup". 

We would like to introduce you to the fantastic paddling to be experienced on the Coast of Maine and have developed two ways to help you get your paddles wet - The Coast of Maine in Three Consecutive Sections and The Coast of Maine Highlights, a sampling of shorter trips that represent the best of Maine's coast!  If you are an experienced paddler, consider signing up for our NEW "Coastal Maine in Three Consecutive Sections" trips.  If you are looking for something shorter in duration and distance and perhaps better for a beginner paddler or a family get-together, check out our "Maine Highlight" trips.  And, if you don't see what you are looking for, give us a call and we will be glad to customize a trip for you, your family, group of friends, or your business outing.

2008!

Coastal Maine in Three Consecutive Sections....

Our intent with the Coast of Maine three-part series is to give you an opportunity to "paddle the coast" section by section and witness for yourself the dramatic changes as you stroke from southwest to northeast, otherwise known as heading "Downeast".  We have set up three point to point trips, each covering a span of 5-7 days in order for us to take into account bad weather, etc..  We'll be camping along the way sometimes at shoreside campgrounds and of course, on the islands. These trips are designed for paddlers with experience in a variety of conditions that may occur throughout the trip:  3'-4' waves, 4-5 knot currents, 15-25 knot winds.  You must have solid paddling skills to handle these conditions and possibly help others.  During the trip we will provide coaching as needed on navigation, seamanship, paddle strokes, etc...  Our goal is to maximize your fun and create a positive experience for your adventure on the coast.  You must have previous experience with us, equivalent experience, or take one of our instructional workshops.* What we suggest will depend upon your individual skills. The trip leader reserves the right to refuse any person he/she feels is not at a skill level necessary for this trip.

Individually priced at $895. Register for two sections and save 10% or register for all three and save 15%.* Trips must fall within the same calendar year to receive the discount and the discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.)

SECTION I:

From the Eastern Reaches of Casco Bay to the Penobscot Bay Gateway

Begin the first leg of your Coast of Maine journey from our dock on Orr's Island.  At the start, we will paddle under the unique Cribstone Bridge, the only one of its kind in the world, heading East under early morning's light. After crossing open water for the beginning part of the day, we'll round the Small Point peninsula and enjoy the 3+ miles of paddling along one of Maine's few sandy beaches that exist northeast of Portland.  A highlight of the trip will be a stop at Fort Popham, built during the Civil War at the entrance of the Kennebec River.  A short paddle up the river brings us to our campsite for the night.  Waking early the next morning, we'll ride the tide out the river and continue East across Sheepscot Bay, keeping an eye peeled for harbor porpoises traveling upstream.  Soon we'll round the southern tip of Southport Island recognized by the neighboring light, the Cuckolds, and enter the thriving waterfront community of Boothbay Harbor.  Schooners, large pleasure boats, tour boats, and of course, the working lobster boats can all be seen busily going about their day.  A short skip and a jump across the bay soon takes us out of the hustle and bustle and up the Damariscotta River, passing the quieter village of East Boothbay before stopping for the night on Fort Island. Our final couple of days will take us around Pemaquid Point, through Muscungus Bay splattered with colorful lobster buoys and interesting islands, past Marshall Point lighthouse in Port Clyde and onward to our final camping destination just south of the scenic Camden area.  The total distance is between 65-70 miles but it could be more depending upon the route we choose to follow.   Pre-registration required.

May 19-23, 2008

Begin paddling on the morning of the 19th and finish afternoon of 23rd

$895 per person.

Save 10% if you register for two sections; 15% if you register for all three sections.

   Last glimmer of sunset, completing another fine day of paddling!                                        Photo by: Fran Digiano

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SECTION II:

From Penobscot Bay's Archipelago to Acadia National Park's Mountainous Peaks

Smooth granite boulders, hidden pocket beaches, and clear emerald water are characterisitic of this coastal region well known for its large island complexes rich in history, folklore, and maritime travel.  Penobscot Bay is favored by many as a destination not to be missed, which is evident by the frequency of windjammers and schooners sailing its waters as well as the number of kayakers exploring the many uninhabited islands. We'll paddle through some of the more remote sections of the bay, crossing 2-3 mile stretches  of open water in some situtaions to visiting some of the less traveled islands.  As we depart the Camden area we'll be faced with our first open water crossing to the Vinalhaven-North Haven area situated in the middle of the Bay.  From here we'll make our way East to the Stonington archipelago, leisurely paddling around these impressive islands as we make our way closer to Mt. Desert Island. A stay on a small island just offshore of Swan's island will set us up nicely for our final paddle into Somes Sound, the East Coast's very own fjord. All in all we will cover at least 78 miles on this sojourn and get to experience another great and unique area of the Maine Coast.   If you have a couple of extra days we highly encourage you to stay and enjoy Acadia National Park - rent a bike, go for a hike, or simply drive around and take it all in.     Pre-registration required.

May 26-30, 2008  

Begin paddling on 269th and finish afternoon of 30th.

$895 per person.

Save 10% if you register for two sections; 15% if you register for all three sections.

                Happy campers, Tom Boghosian and his son Jeff enjoying a moment together after dinner

                                                                                                                                                Photo by:  Cathy Piffath

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SECTION III:

The Downeast Finale...from Acadia's Schoodic Peninsula to the Blueberry Barrens of Machiasport

Remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful are words that characterize this stretch of the Maine Coast. Bald eagles, osprey, and a variety of seabirds frequent these nutrient-rich waters which are carried in and out each day by the region's large tides.  And, it is not infrequent to experience thick fog in this region of Maine but this won't stop us from paddling and making our way Downeast.  A double check on our bearings and a more conservative route will allow us to continue moving forward under the blanket of fog. Or, making the best judgement call, we'll wait it out.

Our travels will begin with a couple of bay crossings and a rounding of the Petit Manan peninsula, a section of the coastline we'll treat with a great deal of caution. Once around the peninsula, we'll paddle to Bois Bubert, a large and wild island, for our first night camp. A few more bay crossings await us in the morning but soon we'll work our way into the Jonesport area with its multitude of islands just offshore.  A stay on one of these remote islands will rejuvenate us and prepare us for the paddle on to the Roque Island complex, located 2-3 miles east of Jonesport. This circular island chain creates a unique eco-system within its boundaries and a protected area that is a rare paddling experience.  We'll stay on the outer most island of this chain which has significant vertical elevation on its west end offering fantastic 360 degree views.  What a place to be on a starry night!  Our final day of paddling will bring us up the Machias river, paddling amongst the rocks and ledges along the way. Marvel at the colorful swirled stones that cover the beaches, bordering the small village of Machiasport.  The final tally for this trip is 50+ miles, again depending upon our final course.

Pre-registration required.

June 23-27, 2008

Begin paddling on 23rd and finish afternoon of 27th.

$895 per person.

Save 10% if you register for two sections; 15% if you register for all three sections.

                                      A view from Bois Bubert island, that captures the essence of sea kayaking along the Coast of Maine

                                                                                                                                                                                               Photo by:  Fred Sico, Jr.

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The Coast of  Maine Highlights ...

            ...and shorter trips along our Spectacular Coastline

Exploring Casco Bay's Eastern Fringes - The Harpswells
Summer homesteads to once-famous authors, poets, and explorers await your visit to this intriguing area known as the Harpswells. Encompassing open ocean, protected sounds, and a myriad of islands, this popular paddling destination will thrill you with its beauty, history, and interesting landmarks. A visit to Eagle Island, the summer home of the Arctic explorer Admiral Peary, or a stop for a picnic lunch on nearby Pond Island, home to buried treasures, are just a couple of the highlights in this area, not to mention the curious harbor seals, soaring osprey, and the flocks of Eider ducks, that are frequently seen here. And, best of all, this section of the Maine Coast is only 2 1/2 hours away from Boston and a mere 50 minutes from Portland so it is easily accessible for a weekend getaway. The trip begins and ends at our dock located on the south end of Orr's Island and is ideal for all levels of paddlers.   Pre-registration required.

2008 Dates:

     July 3-5

     July 18-20

     August 1-3

     September 5-7

$425 per person.

Price includes kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with lunch on first day through lunch on the final day. We will meet at 9 AM on the first date listed at our Orr's Island HQ and be off the water at 4 PM on the last day.

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                 View from Thief Island in beautiful Muscungus Bay, Maine
Click here to see more photos from "Discover Picturesque Muscungus Bay"

Discover Muscungus Bay's Hidden Gems
Gear up for this exciting adventure along mid-coast Maine. The long narrow bays fed by abundant rivers provide the adventurous paddler with much to see and explore. This area boasts some of Maine's warmest waters, a haven for lobsters, as is evident by the colorful display of lobster pots seen everywhere throughout the bay. Sprinkled with dozens of spruce-covered islands of all shapes and sizes, countless rocks and ledges, and a picturesque lighthouse guarding its entrance, Muscungus Bay sparkles as a destination.  We'll begin and end our trip at Round Pond, a tiny fishing community nestled in a protected harbor on the west side of the bay.  Highlights for this trip certainly include seeing an abundance of harbor seals frolicking in the sea or lounging on the ledges, and watching the mighty osprey soar overhead in search of its prey. The paddling opportunities are diverse from protected shoreline explorations, to island hopping across the bay. And, depending upon the conditions and the abilities of the group,we may even venture out to Eastern Egg rock, located on the outskirts of the bay, a frequent stopping ground for the rarely seen Atlantic Puffin.  This trip is appropriate for all levels of paddlers.  Pre-registration required.

2008 Dates:

     June 19-22

     August 18-21

$575 per person.

Price includes kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with lunch on first day through lunch on the final day. We will meet at 9 AM on first morning at Round Pond and be off the water by 4PM on the last day.

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Enjoying the crystal clear waters off the eastern shore of Isle au Haut                        Photo by: Cathy Piffath

2008 Dates:

    July 6-10

    August 28-Sept. 1

$595 per person.

Price includes campground fee, kayaks, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with the first morning's breakfast through lunch on the final day. We will meet the first evening at the Old Quarry Campground in Stonington, Maine, begin paddling on the next day and be off the water by 4PM on the final day.

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Exploring Halifax Island's rocky shoreline                                                                                     Photo by: Elana & Stewart Uretsky

Click Here For Photos From "Downeast Maine Coastal Expedition"

Sample Downeast Maine's Dramatic Coastal Islands

Rugged, remote… simply beautiful. Open stretches of sea, majestic headlands, rustic fishing villages, and undeveloped shoreline are just some of the reasons why we like this area. Experience large tides, currents, and the possibility of navigating through the fog as we explore the island archipelago just offshore of the Jonesport area.   Keep your eyes peeled for the curious harbor and gray seals oftentimes basking on nearby rock ledges or ever-so-cautiously following from behind.  Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and a variety of seabirds are plentiful in this area so keep your camera at the ready. If you're looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten track place to explore, this trip is sure to fill the bill. We recommend this trip to intermediate paddlers looking for the most remote section of the Maine Coast, an area that demands respect with its large tides and often foggy conditions.  The trip begins and ends from the Henry Point campground in Jonesport.

  Pre-registration required.

August 24-29, 2008

$795 per person

Price includes campground fee for first night, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the first day through lunch on the final day.We will meet at the Jonesport Campground the evening of the 24th, begin paddling the 25th and be off the water by 4 PM on the 29th .

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Sea Kayaking North of the Border...Canada!

 
Pendleton Island, one of the many wild islands in the Fundy area.                           Photo by: Bob Anderson
Click here to see more photos from our "Fundy Isles" trips

The Mystical Waters of the Bay of Fundy

This area is best characterized by its dramatic tides, cold arctic waters, and breath-taking views.  The constant movement of the water rushing in, out, and around the numerous islands provides for some interesting and challenging paddling as we navigate the archipleago that sits between Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy.  The beauty here is unparalleled - immense cliffs buffering hidden pocket beaches, bald eagles perched on stately evergreens or soaring high in the sky, and the unmistakabale landmark of East Quoddy head light shining brightly at the northern tip of Campobello.  As we navigate these waters you'll be sure to see porpoise, gray and harbor seals, and with some luck Minke, Fin, or Humpback whales. Of course, numerous seabirds thrive in these nutrient-rich waters as well.  This is really a magical destination, one in which you'll soon become part of the rhythm of the movement and a place you'll hate to leave. We'll begin and end our trip from the eastern shores of Campobello from the Herring Cove Provincial Park.  Due to the challenging conditions in this region, this trip is only recommended for people who have solid paddling skills to deal with the constantly changing conditions. If you are not sure of your skills give us a call. Pre-registration required

Location: Bay of Fundy, Canada & Maine
Sept. 1-6, 2008

$795 per person

Price includes campground fee for first night, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the first day through lunch on the final day.  We will meet at Herring Cover Provincial park campground the evening of the 1st, begin paddling on the 2nd and get off the water the afternoon of the 6th.

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(Photo by Reed Markley)

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Click here for detailed itinerary

Exploring Québec's Saguenay Fjord, Canada

A true wilderness experience offering panoramic views of one of the few natural North American fjords. Edged with towering cliffs of 1000 feet, this 70 km voyage along the river Saguenay is a journey worth undertaking. This point-to-point trip begins at St. Rose du Nord, a picturesque village situated on the fjord's northern shore, and ends at Tadoussac, the site of the first trading post in the early 1600s. It is here that the Saguenay mixes with the arctic waters of the mighty St. Lawrence, yielding a nutrient-rich eco-system that supports four to five species of whales, including the much loved and endangered Beluga, Minke, Fin, Humpback and even the gigantic Blue Whale.  As we travel down the fjord, we'll encounter breath-taking views both ahead of us and behind us.  The well-maintained and thoughtfully planned campsites located perioidically along the way, offer fresh water, tent platforms, and privies, basic comforts you're sure to appreciate at day's end. This is indeed a unique trip well worth the drive.  Pre-registration required.                                      

Location: Saguenay Marine Park, Quebec, Canada
August 2-9, 2008  

$975 per person

Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day.  We will meet at the campground in St. Rose du Nord on the 2nd , paddle the 3rd-8th, depart the morning of the 9th.

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Massive cliffs dominate Cape Breton's Western Shore

Cape Breton Highlands - Sheer cliffs, Sea caves and Rock spires

Reminiscent of northern Scotland with its massive cliffs and unobstructed views from up high, this northeastern point of Nova Scotia is probably one of the most impressive coastlines this side of the Atlantic. We'll plan to paddle along the western shore from Cheticamp, the largest Acadian village in Nova Scotia, to Meat Cove, the northernmost community in Nova Scotia, a distance of about 25 miles.  Our journey will take us beneath massive sandstone and granite cliffs, into sea caves, and near large rock pinnacles protruding from the sea. Seabirds abound, pilot whales surface nearby, and, if we're lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of a black bear on shore.  To get the full experience we will don our hiking boots one day and trek up onto the plateau, enjoying a totally different perspective of this incredible coastline as we traverse the Highlands.  This trip is for the experienced paddler who has the skills to handle 2-3' following seas, reflected waves, and moderate surf.  Should the weather look unfavorable for paddling the western shore, we can always opt for a route along the eastern shore or on Lake Bras d'Or, a large saltwater lake occupying much of the interior of Cape Breton. 

 Pre-registration required.

Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
July 13-19, 2008 (the13th and 19th are travel days)

$975 per person

Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day. We will meet the evening of the 13th, paddle the 14th -18th, and depart mid afternoon on the 19th.

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Click here to see more photos of "Anticosti"

Anticosti: Quebec’s Undiscovered Island Paradise: Wild and remote, the island of Anticosti rises out of the sea at the mouth of the St. Lawrence waterway. 48 km offshore from mainland Quebec, it’s a paradise of clear running rivers, cascading waterfalls, deep canyons, and majestic headlands. In fact, it is often called “Paradise Island” by those who live there. There is only one small village at the eastern end of the island; what remains is over 1,000 square miles of pristine wilderness. Its cliff shore and coastline is bordered by beaches of fossilized sandstone, the shades of gray offset by the turquoise waters that surround the island. You’ll spend 5 days sea kayaking along the coastline, paddling beneath its towering cliffs as a wide variety of sea-life swims beneath you and your boat. These arctic waters are home to seals, whales, and other inhabitants of the deep, even a few shipwrecks. Of course, eagles, guillemots, deer, fox and moose can often be glimpsed as they observe you, the visitor to their home. This is an absolutely breathtaking experience because there are very few visitors to the island. Sylvie Marois, our star Canadian guide, knows the ins and outs of this locale. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of the last untouched islands on the North American coast.

Location: The island of Anticosti, Canada
2008:  Scheduled by demand, call for a custom quote.

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Click here to see more photos from our "Prince Edward Island" trips

Prince Edward Island's North Shore, Canada

Come explore the country where Cathy's better half of the family originated. PEI...a land of rich red soil, striking cliffs, expansive beaches, and a picturesque patchwork quilt of farmland; this is a great getaway. Situated in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, PEI is surrounded by warm water, a real treat for this far north.  Our journey will take us along the north shore of the island, passing tiny fishing communities and harbors, state parks, and miles of red sandy beaches offering plentiful campsites.  Although the water is warm, the winds can be strong bringing with it, another set of challenges that we'll deal with should teh opportunity present itself.  Each evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy the sunset, and indulge in the fresh "fruits de la mer".   This is a point-to-point trip following the north shore of the island and is open to all levels of paddlers.  Pre-registration required.

Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada
2008:  Scheduled by demand, call for a custom quote.

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   FALL 2008 TRIPS

Paddling towards Mt. Kineo, Moosehead Lake

Click here to see more photos from our "Moosehead" trips.

Paddling Maine's largest lake, Moosehead 

One of our favorite lake adventures is exploring our state's largest lake, Moosehead Lake, in Greenville, Maine. This is a car-camping trip so bring your Westfalia camper if you have one! This is a great opportunity to see Maine's famous moose, deer and smaller game as we paddle Maine's largest lake exploring its tributaries and surrounding marshes. Take a break from paddling and indulge yourself with a scenic hike up Mt. Kineo to capture an unbelievable view of the Moosehead Lake region. Pre-registration required.

Location: Northern Maine
September 18-22, 2008

$495 per person.

Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day.  We will meet at Lily Bay campground on the evening of the 18th, paddle the 19th-22nd, and depart late afternoon on the 22nd.

 

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Click here to see more photos of the "Saranac Lakes"

Saranac Lakes Exploratory, New York

This intricate network of undeveloped lakes, islands, and meandering rivers offers tranquil paddling opportunities surrounded by the brilliance of fall colors. Cool crisp nights coupled with warm fall days make for a perfect Adirondack autumn experience. Great camping, relaxed paddling and unspoiled views along the pristine shoreline make the Saranac Lakes a wonderful refuge from the day-to-day grind. If we're lucky we may hear the song of the loon before their southern journey begins. Pre-registration required.

Location: Lake Placid area, New York
September 25-28, 2008

$595 per person.

Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with lunch on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day.  We will meet morning of the 25th, paddle the 25th-28th, and depart the mid afternoon on the 28th.

 

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Fall Paddling on Lake George

Click here to see more photos from our "Adirondack" trips

The Adirondacks' Picturesque Lake George, New York

Enjoy one of our most popular trips as we experience the fall foliage of New England while paddling the glistening waters of Lake George in the Adirondack Wilderness.  Explore bays, inlets, and islands that make up this 32-mile long lake and experience the stark beauty of the majestic mountain ranges that border this historical waterway.  Each Day will consist of leisurely paddling, great company, and hearty meals prepared by H20's Head Honcho, Cathy Piffath.  Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Lake George offers great paddling, fantastic views, and a vacation to remember!  Pre-registration required.

Location: Lake George, New York
October 10-13, 2008

$595 per person.

Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with lunch on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day.  We will meet in Lake George on the morning of the 10th to start paddling and depart mid-afternoon on the 13th.

 

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