Boat Tours Great Way to See the Downeast Coast
by N.L. Hastings, Downeast Coastal Press July 6-12, 2004
Getting out on coastal Washington County's waters during the summer months is a real treat, and touring aboard a customized lobster boat or small cruiser offers a close-up view of the islands and shoreline and an intimacy with marine life and seabirds that larger vessels can't really provide.
Try a trip with Capt. Jamie Robertson of Robertson Sea Tours in Milbridge. He offers cruises from the Milbridge Marina Sunday through Tuesday aboard the Mairi Leigh, a 30-foot lobster boat built in Jonesport.
Robertson's customized vessel is designed so that the engine
noise and fumes that might be found on a traditional working boat
are eliminated. Even the exhaust has been designed for a quiet
approach that allows for a closer look at seals, porpoises and other
bird and marine life.
Up to six passengers can take a two- to two-and-a-half-hour cruise or a three-hour trip to Petit Manan Island with its lighthouse and nesting Atlantic puffins. Passengers may request the lighthouse cruise to visit Pond Island Light (built in 1853), Nash Island Light (built in 1873) and Petit Manan Light (built in 1854).
Robertson, who is often accompanied by his wife, Kandi, when she
is free from her graduate classes in Orono and her busy work
schedule, will custom-design tours to match the needs of his
passengers.
And even a gray day shouldn't be discouraging the mood of the coastline changes with the weather and can be a relaxing and peaceful place to spend a morning or afternoon in sunny weather or under cloudy skies.
Robertson also offers cruises around the Schoodic peninsula and Frenchman Bay, leaving Wednesday through Saturday from Bunker's Wharf at Bunker's Harbor, next to Birch Harbor off Route 186.
