This 1-day, Vinalhaven Maine Island Excursion includes a ferry ride across the bay to one of the areas largest working harbors. Explore the rich granite and fishing history, the rocky coastline landscape, and the working harbor. Strolling through the village, visit the historical museum, unique small shops with arts and hand made crafts, a fine art gallery, and along the way be able to feel the pulse of the island community.
“This was an amazing day. Dee teaches so much throughout day.” – Jocelyn P
Times: 10-6, meet at the Maine State Ferry Terminal in Rockland at 10am.
Check back for additional dates or call to reserve a private tour to accommodate your schedule. For private tour rates go to the Private Rates page.
2023 DATES:
- June 5
- July 5
- Aug. 1
- Sept. 20
Rates: Adults – $159, Ages 11-16 – $95, Ages 10 or under – free but must purchase a ferry ticket. All children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For paying participants, your fee includes ferry fare, tour, and photo lessons.
Does not include lunch. Payment is by cash, check if you are registering early enough, or if you prefer, book online for an additional fee.
More Info:
Photographic discussions will be on-site and will cover such things as; camera settings, controlling exposure, depth of field, framing, composition, & point of view, foreground/background relationships
We will go over some camera handling techniques while on the ferry. You’ll also have time to enjoy the bay scenery during the crossing to Vinalhaven. The ferry docks in Carvers Harbor, which is on the edge of the village and is home port for a large lobster fishing fleet.
Our 75-minute scenic ferry ride across Penobscot Bay passes through Hurricane Sound, and The Reach. Scenery will include many small islands including Hurricane Island, Greens Island, and Potato Island. Expect to see marine wildlife such as seals, ducks, ospreys and bald eagles, and occasionally porpoises.
A little history of Vinalhave Maine:
One of Maine’s largest quarrying centers from the 19th century, Vinalhaven granite was shipped off the island to be used in many places throughout the central and eastern United States.
Building projects include;
- the Brooklyn Bridge
- New York City Customs House
- Post Offices in Brooklyn, Washington, Buffalo, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Kansas City
- the Washington Monument
- the 8 huge columns for the nave of the Cathedral of Saint John The Divine in NYC
- also other monuments, bridges, dams, private mansions, and more.
The granite industry had ceased in the mid-20th century but the lobster fishing business is thriving. Currently, Vinalhaven has the most profitable lobster fishing fleet. For more info check out, http://www.vinalhavenhistoricalsociety.org/
How to prepare:
Since we are going to be carrying all that we bring with us for the whole day on the Vinalhaven Maine island excursion you’ll want to pack light. If you can, I recommend using a backpack instead of an over-the-shoulder bag.
Please wear good walking shoes. We will be on our feet most of the day. It will be easy walking, mostly on pavement, with the most demanding part being a few small hills.
Weather: This is a rain or shine (or fog) event. Dress accordingly for the weather, and dress in layers. It will be colder during the bay crossings. The ferry does have inside seating, however, if you want to photograph from outside while on the ferry we recommend that you bring a light-weight wind breaker or rain jacket, and a light sweater that will pack easily once you’re on the island.
Camera equipment: Any camera is acceptable, including smart phones and tablets. Make sure that your battery is fully charged and that you have plenty of room on your memory card for at least a few hundred pictures. However, we do recommend having a second memory card with you, too. If you have a DSLR you may want to bring additional lenses if you have them. Tripods can be bulky and heavy but if you usually use one then certainly bring it along.
Food: I recommend bringing along a snack, your lunch, and water. Lunch will be on the later side.
Suggested items: sun protection; sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, etc. We will be outside most of the day.
Cancellation Policy:
I will give a complete refund in the event that I need to cancel a tour for any reasons. If you need to cancel and do so with 48 hours or more notice from the date and time of your tour you will receive a full refund. If you cancel in less than 48 hours from your tour date and time a 50% refund of your tour fee will be given.
Once you have registered you will be given further information about the tour and how to prepare. Please call if you have any questions before or after registration.