Private 2-Hour Sailing Lesson

Online booking is the easiest; just click the “Book Now” button on the web page, or click here. If you need any help please contact Abby, call/text (207-415-5858) or email abby@broadreachadventures.com.

No experience is needed or necessary. Our licensed captains and co-captains are there to help make your boating experience relaxing, comfortable, fun and connect you directly to nature – try it – Come Boating With Us!

• Private charters can either depart from the primary location at the Saco Pier or the alternative Biddeford pickup location. The alternative pickup location saves about 20 minutes each way if coming from Kennebunk, Kennebunkport or Biddeford. An additional fee applies to the alternative Biddeford pickup location, shown during the booking process.
• If you are coming to the Saco Pier by car, there is plenty of parking. Come to 5 Bay Avenue, Saco Maine. The GPS in this area is a bit finicky, when getting close to the destination, Bay View Avenue makes a ninety degree turn to the left, just after the turn, make a right into the large parking lot. There is an island to the left as you enter the parking lot. If the pay station is installed in this island (in season), stop and get a ticket and put it on the dash of your vehicle. Park on the furthest end of the lot closest to the water. To save the parking fee, there is parking on the street, however there is a 2 hour time limit.
• The alternative Biddeford address for sailing is 579 Pool Street, Biddeford, parking is free.
• Directions to your selected pickup location will be provided in your Confirmation and Reminder emails.
• If you are coming from Old Orchard to the Saco Pier at Camp Ellis there is a trolley service that operates from Memorial Day weekend through late August/early September, providing service in the afternoons and evenings, Thursdays through Sundays. See the bus schedule and map here.

Please be on the dock at least 10 minutes before departure time.

• For the primary Saco Pier location, there are 2 small buildings at the end of the parking lot. The building near the center of the parking lot has two bathrooms, one on either end of the building. On the left is the Dock Master’s building, we will meet you there.
• For the alternative Biddeford location, the address and directions will be provided in your Confirmation and Reminder emails.

• Dress in layers – windbreakers or a warmer layer is usually needed on the water, it can be pleasantly cool. After sunset, it can cool quickly, especially early and late in the season. We have lap blankets. Conditions at sea are normally similar to the beach except a bit cooler & windier.
• Sunscreen – sunhat, sunglasses & whatever other sun protection you require is always good.
• Shoes – Soft-soled shoes are best for comfort and ease of walking around on the boat.
• Raincoat – can be useful, though most of the time we will work to avoid rain, and if need be, it is dry under the dodger & in the cabin.

• We provide free cold water.
• We sell Maine made beer, cider, mixed drinks and wine as well as soda, Gatorade and ice tea. Maine made lobster roll meals and charcuterie boards are available for part of the season and must be per-ordered.
• You can bring any drinks/food you wish including alcohol. We have a refrigerator to keep anything you wish cold. We also have bottle openers and glasses for your drinks.

Yes for sure! Children under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 13 need to wear lifejackets while aboard, which we can normally provide. Please let us know how many children are in your party and their estimated weights when booking in the note section or contact us separately.

We always see some type of wildlife on the trips, what we see is varied based on the time of the year and the sea conditions. The possibilities are jumping fish which are normally sturgeons; seals, porpoises, herring gulls, grey gulls, bald eagles, hawks, Canada geese, cormorants, loons, great blue herons, great white egrets, schools of fish (such as pogies), bluefish, sunfish and whales.

You will see the hidden secrets of the Saco River and Saco Bay in an intimate setting. See and hear the rich history and stories of the 8 fascinating islands of Saco Bay and the long sandy beach of Old Orchard. Enjoy the New England charm of Wood Island Lighthouse and Biddeford Pool. Often times we see lobstermen/women at work and deep-sea fisherman returning with their catch. We’ve seen tuna being hauled onto the pier, some more than 400 pounds.

Please know this is a common concern. Also many people don’t know if they are susceptible to motion sickness and that is OK. The chance of motions sickness on our boats over a 5 year period is less than 0.04%, so it is a rare occurrence. Here is why:

• Our boats are very stable.
• We talk about motion sickness during the briefing for each trip.
• We offer 5 preventative measures on how to be best avoid sea sickness. One of these is sea bands, which is free to anyone who wants to wear them for the trip, see picture below.
• We will alter course for calmer conditions if anyone is feeling slightly seasick.
• We don’t recommend medications such as Dramamine, Benadryl, etc. due to their side effects.

For many of our Adventures there is more than 1 boat available, each with a capacity of 6. Parties more than 6 will need to make 2 bookings.

If you need any help please contact Abby, call/text (207-415-5858) or email abby@broadreachadventures.com.

Pricing does not include gratuity. While tipping is optional, it is appreciated and customary — similar to service industries such as restaurants and spas. Gratuity can be added to your credit card, Venmo, or given in cash. The crew is grateful for any amount you choose to give.