maine island kayak company

We had a great kayaking excursion with Gregg in August. He was very knowledgeable about kayaking as well as informative about the sights and history of the Portland area. We had our ten year old son with us and he provided great instruction for him. We would use Maine Island again when we return to the area.

I’ve worked hard and talked to a lot of people to figure out what actually happened here. From what I’ve pieced together this person walked by our appointed meeting spot and asked a random passer-by for directions.Whomever she asked mistakenly directed her to the location of a different rental outfit on Peaks that is totally separate from our business and which had been closed for weeks (this customer booked a trip for 9/20/14). There were four other people on our trip that day as well as two boat demo clients who met me at the appointed and pre-agreed upon spot as have tens of thousands of customers over the years. We waited until the ferry had left and we did try to look for her and I checked messages until we were ready to launch (to the possible inconvenience of the other people on the trip who actually did show up). Since no-shows are not uncommon in this business and I had clients who had been very patient in trying to find her I chose to launch. We had a great trip in less than ideal weather conditions.Upon returning I found multiple increasingly angry and insulting messages on my voicemail. I called her as soon as I could and was confronted with the most rude and abusive person I’ve dealt with in more than 15 years of guiding outdoor enthusiasts. Few slurs or negative epithets were left unsaid by this person.Obviously she was upset. I hadn’t charged her credit card since the weather was iffy and we never want to put folks in a place where they are not comfortable. My plan was to let paddlers who did not want to go out in such windy conditions off the hook.Since, from our perspective, she didn’t show up I did not charge her. Considering the level of rage she demonstrated I offered her a free private trip if that was possible in her schedule and barring that I also offered her a free transferable gift certificate. She only became more abusive and responded that since we’d “ruined” her trip she was going to “ruin” us. Tom Bergh, our founder, was on our beach all day doing boat demos and confirmed that this customer never came down to our beach at any point. If you have read this far – my thanks and I’m very sorry that this issue has taken away valuable time from our lives. If you do book a trip with us we stand to the LEFT as you get off the ferry and have a paddle in hand. We meet all boats that we know our customers are on.

Thanks for your review. I'm sorry that you didn't hit it off with Gregg, he's generally well liked and is very safety conscious and has nearly 20 years experience guiding sea kayaks. I do appreciate you letting me know about "pleading for tips." Guides appreciate a gratuity if they go out of their way to make you day special BUT IT IS NOT EXPECTED and you should never feel obligated.

Went here on a corporate outing and couldn't be more impressed with our guide Gregg Bolton and his sidekick Dennis (Den). First time kayaking and they made me (and our group) feel safe during the trip. Very knowledgable of the area. Will be back.

Half-day trip with Joe was outstanding! We visited shipwrecks, saw osprey & seals, circled one island, then landed on a civil war fort (Ft. Gorges) to briefly stretch our legs & explore (a major, 3 story structure that’s surprisingly intact). Fort was amazing! Lots of local knowledge & color. Joe met us right when we got off the Peaks Island Ferry (beautiful, inexpensive 15 min ferry ride from Downtown Portland), and made sure we all had hydration & had a bathroom break before heading out. He also, very kindly, let me hand off my camera so he could snap a few photos of our paddling. Also offered great info on spending the rest of the day on Peaks Island (where to eat, swim, shop, rent bikes, and more). I enjoyed the trip so much that I scheduled a return trip w/my son a few weeks later. Highly recommended – I’ll be back again, for sure, when I return to Portland.

When the folks running the show are great, a great experience follows. Joe and his crew are fantastic. Their knowledge of the Casco Bay and its islands is excellent - which means the tour was incredibly informative. They've been operating in this area for years - which means they know the nuances of the weather and what it means for the kayakers. And they give special attention to that balance between fun and safety - which made our trip extra memorable. What a team! We couldn't have asked for a better experience and we cannot recommend Joe and the Maine Island Company enough.

From the first time I spoke to Joe to set things up, to our guide Gregg, to the actual kayaking experience, everything was great. Our family is mostly seasoned (lake) kayakers, and there was still plenty of adventure to offer the entire family on the Casco Bay. It was the first time our boys (11 and 15) had been in nice touring kayaks in wide open water, and they had a great time too.

Great guys - went out with my husband and our two boys and another family. Got to see some ship wrecks, and the cool old fort. They definitely paid attention to weather, currents and the boats/ships in the bay - enough to make us feel safe under their guidance, but not too much for comfort either. We don't normally do guided anything, but I was happy to have a group of kayaks together when paddling around the bay that had quite a few boats out (it was early July and pretty busy on the water). Definitely worth it!

Had a great time Kayaking Casco bay with our tour guide Den. Den was very informative of the area and wildlife. We learned about Lobsters, whales, birds, boats and ships! Not to mention he taught us the basics of kayaking. It was a calm and peaceful. Very educational and fun. Professional company with friendly and educational staff. Great experience for first time kayakers.

Our son+ girlfriend were coming home from NJ for a weekend visit and we wanted to plan something fun to do! Sea kayaking was something none of us had experienced, so off we went. First a phone call to reserve our day and time. Very friendly people to talk to and he answered all the questions ( you can check the website for things you will want to bring) Then a ferry ride to Peaks Island (only like 15 min ride) but check the ferry schedule for times.Gregg met us when we got off the ferry (paddle in hand!) and we walked to the beach to get instructions. Great info for anyone-even if you've been before. Our party of 8 (4 tandum kayaks) had a great time! 3 had never been in a kayak before!This was a relaxing guided tour around Peaks Island, Fort Gorges, & House Island. We all had a great day! Thank you to Gregg who was a great guide and lots of fun! We will be doing this again!

We went out on a really nice calm day. It ended up where we were the only people to go out that morning (the busy season hasn't started yet) and Joe (our guide and the owner) did a really great job tailoring the journey to the conditions of the day and what we wanted to do. We've been out on several guided kayak tours in various spots around the country and this was one of the best. Highly recommended!

I called without a reservation. Joe was talked into taking me out as a solo. Beautiful day.I'm an experienced kayaker, but in new waters will always find a local guide. Joe was great. Took my abilities into the trip planning. During the trip He was asking "Was I alright? Do I feel comfortable paddling there?" And pointing out points of interest and paddling tips. Very Professional.

I go to Peaks Island at least once, usually twice, each year. Only 2 years ago I discovered this trip. It was my first time ocean kayaking, but Joe taught us everything we needed to know to get going. He's not only a kayak guide, but a great tour guide who knows much about all the little islands, the fauna, the forts, you name it. Nice guy too! And should you be worried...on my last trip I went with my niece who became fatigued towards the end of the excursion & just couldn't paddle effectively anymore. Joe tied her kayak to his & he proceeded to paddle them both around like it was no big deal. I always felt like I was in good hands before (he really studies the weather & tides & knows this bay), but now I know I am! If you like kayaking, DO THIS!!!

We're from the Midwest. We are middle-aged. We have kayaked a couple of times on lakes. We didn't know what to expect from a kayak outing in a bay. Joe DuPont was our guide and couldn't have been better. He told us what ferry to take to Peaks Island and met us at the ferry. We had four in our "pod" and Joe monitored and directed us very professionally. Joe had the equipment ready for us and gave us a primer before we went out. It was a gorgeous evening--I felt just like a duck sitting on top of the water. Joe took each of us at our own levels and helped us all have a good experience. He is very knowledgeable about the area--both land and sea. This outing was the highlight of our New England trip. Joe helped us be successful in the kayak and showed us a part of the world from a different vantage point. Thanks, Joe!

Maine Island Kayaking has tremendous day trips! All the equipment is provided in usually a group setting, as you cruise the Casco Bay islands around Peaks Island, The Diamonds, and Lighthouses. Every ability level can be accommodated. It's more than kayaking; including history, geology of the islands, and flora and fauna. You will not be disappointing.