The farthest-flung of the New England states, Maine has a wild character all its own. The sun rises in the U.S. here first, gleaming gold over the Atlantic Ocean to delight early risers atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Maine’s crenellated coastline covers 3,478 miles—more than California's—and that’s not counting its 4,600 islands offshore. To explore it properly, it’s essential to slow down, weaving in and out of its long, narrow peninsulas, indented coves and rocky headlands guarded by historic lighthouses. Wander trails through hardwood forests, nature reserves and wildlife habitat protected by land trusts committed to conservation. Sail from scenic harbors on a chartered schooner and lobster boat. This is where Maine’s magic lies—in a deliberate, up-close encounter with its natural features. Join us Down East for a classic New England idyll—Nat Hab style!
Trip Highlights
Discover the Maine Coast on Private Excursions
Savor classic coastal highlights during Maine's most colorful season, including a private schooner sail in Penobscot Bay and a chartered boat trip to Isle au Haut
Retreat to Peaceful, Less-Visited Deer Isle
Spend two nights at a historic 18th-century inn on quiet, out-of-the-way Deer Isle, and explore some of the island's dozen nature preserves and protected wild beaches
Explore Acadia National Park by Land & Sea
Survey Acadia's granite highlands, ocean vistas and vibrant hardwood forests, including sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain and a private lobster boat cruise around Mt. Desert Island
Find a More Authentic Experience of Maritime Maine
New England travel, especially during the autumn "leaf-peeping" season, is big business for bus tours. And that’s the way most travelers see Maine—from a motorcoach, covering lots of ground in a short time, jockeying for views with scores of others. In contrast, we’ve gone to great lengths to create a far more intimate and in-depth experience of Maine’s coastal beauty—the way it ought to be experienced. Learn more:
An In-Depth Week on the Maine Coast
If you compare New England trips, you’ll often see an itinerary that swings hurriedly through four or five states, skimming the surface of the same few destinations. In contrast, this trip provides an immersive encounter with maritime Maine at a pace that allows you to explore mindfully.Encounter Maine Less Traveled
While we don’t skip essential highlights like Acadia National Park, we’ve crafted this itinerary to share places and experiences off the standard tourist track, for a more peaceful encounter—including two nights on peaceful Deer Isle, home to more than a dozen nature reserves.Three Private Boat Trips for Intimate Exploration
Most Maine visitors who want to see the coast from offshore are packed aboard tourist vessels that cater to dozens of passengers at a time. In contrast, we've included three different private cruises aboard craft chartered exclusively for our small groups: sailing Penobscot Bay aboard a historic schooner, a lobster boat cruise around Mount Desert Island, and an excursion from Deer Isle to Isle au Haut, a tiny fishing outpost that also contains the most remote sector of Acadia National Park.The Smallest Groups—No More Than 7 Travelers Per Vehicle
Our group is capped at 14, but you’ll travel with no more than seven: that’s the maximum we take per vehicle, and each is accompanied by an Expedition Leader, for the best guide-to-guest ratio you’ll find. Not only do two guides ensure the ultimate in personal service and attention, but it gives us the ability to split our group up to pursue varied activities, accommodating different interests and physical ability levels. Two guides means more choices for you!Expert Naturalist Guides Enhance Your Experience
Our Expedition Leaders are professional naturalists with a deep passion for the wild side of Maine. They know where and when to be in order to maximize your experience of nature over crowds. They have their own "secret" spots, too, to share, which are off the most heavily touristed tracks. And they are intimately familiar with the geology, flora, wildlife and history of Maine coast. We can't emphasize enough how much difference their expertise makes to your overall experience. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Stands Behind Your Maine Adventure
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, stating clearly that we will meet the lofty expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. We think this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
