Castine
Last edited by:
- Jen Haddock
- May 22, 2024
- 1:46 pm
- 0 comments
Region:
Photo: Libby Simon
At the head of Penobscot Bay where the Bagaduce River empties, you will find Castine, one of the oldest settlements in North America. Come visit, soak up all the history and wander around the Maine Maritime Campus
Approach & Cautions
Photo: Maine Maritime Academy
Castine Harbor is easily entered and well marked. Dyce Head Light stands out on the western bluff when entering. Pass close to the safeway bell buoy on either side and, make sure you have located the buoy marking Otter Rock Shoal off of Dyce Head and keep it to port. Off to starboard you should see the daymarker marking Hosmer Ledge. Do note that with the strong river current and tidal current some of the lobster buoys could be hard to see or slightly pulled under the surface. You will start to see the docks of Maine Maritime. It will be easy to pick out if the training ship State of Maine is dockside ( Currently scheduled to depart on May 24th).
Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings
The town wharf with floating docks is just upriver from the Academy pier and basin, has 12 feet reported alongside at low tide. It should be noted that the current around the docks can be “squirrelly” so be prepared. The town dock does have room to tie up your dinghy on the backside of the floats. If want to come alongside or are inquiring about a mooring it is best to reach out to the harbormaster: Because of the poor holding ground and the strong currents it is not recommended to anchor off the town. For anchorages in the area please check the links for Smith Cove and Holbrook.
Castine Harbor Master
8 AM – 7 PM from July 1 – Labor Day
Cell Phone: 207 266-7711 VHF Channels 09 and 16.
VHF
Harbor Master VHF ch 09 and 16. Eaton's ch 09
FUEL
Gasoline: T&C Market & gas station at the foot of Main St Eaton's Boatyard ** bring cash or check
WATER
Town Docks Eaton's Boatyard
ELECTRICITY
Eaton's Boatyard ** not available yet
SHOWERS
Eaton's Boatyard ** not available yet
LAUNDRY
N/A
WIFI
Free wi-fi is available at the Town Office (Emerson Hall) at 67 Court St, and Witherle Memorial Library 41 School St, 207-326-4375
PUMP OUT
Town Docks Eaton's Boatyard ** reports not available yet
SERVICES
Eaton's Boatyard
TRASH
Trash disposal is available at a cost of $2.00 per bag. See a dock attendant for assistance.
MEDICAL
Northern Light Primary Care is a one-physician office 102 Court Street Castine, ME 04421 (207) 326-4348 Castine Dental Dr. Robert Ciano 102 Court Street Castine, ME 04421 (207) 326-9500
MORE BOAT AMENITIES
Eaton’s boatyard about 500 ft upriver from the town wharf. The boatyard has a 20-ton marine railway that can handle craft up to 45 feet long for hull or engine repairs; gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and some marine supplies are available. phone 207-326-8579 *****EATON’S has fuel again but don’t count on using a credit card. Make sure to bring cash or a check. Limited float space T&C Market: about 100′ from town dock has gasoline as well
Getting Ashore
Photo: Laurie Flood
The town floats have space to tie up your dinghy on the inside. ***** The docks may look a bit different from the winter storms but they are there!
Photo: Windmill Hill Gardens & Market
Provisioning
Windmill Hill Gardens & Market 5 Castine Road (207) 460-1719. Maine-made gourmet food items, fine wines, prepared sandwiches & suppers, cheese & charcuterie, beverages & more
Photo: Laurie Flood
Dine Out
Castine has a variety of places to eat out/grab a lunch/coffee. Snacks, coffee, light food: Compass Rose Books 3 Main St. Come in to check out the books and have a cup of coffee and delicious baked good. T&C Market 12 Water Street (207) 326-4818 Take-out pizza, sandwiches & beverages Safe Harbor take-out stand on the Town Dock (in the shadow of the MMA training ship) 207-479-3062. Traditional Downeast Take-Out lobster rolls & more. Is open for business! Windmill Hill Gardens & Market 5 Castine Road (207) 460-1719. Maine-made gourmet food items, fine wines, prepared sandwiches & suppers, cheese & charcuterie, beverages & more Dining: Danny Murphy’s Pub is just across the parking lot from the town dock in the brick building. Good place for pub food including pizza and beer.
The Breeze & Castine Variety first place on the right ( on the corner) as you head up on Maine street has breakfast lunch and dinner options with a great selection.
Dennett’s Wharf located on the waterfront side of the parking lot with the large yellow awning. Lunch and dinner with a waterfront view. *****Outside dining area destroyed by storm but Dennett’s is open for limited dining!
Pentagoet Inn & Wine Bar was recently renovated. Check out their specials: this is fine dining, and reservations are recommended.
Photo: MCHT map of Witherle Woods
Hikes
There are several Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserves in the Castine area. Great hiking in the woods can be enjoyed at Witherle Woods, a MCHT preserve out at the end of Dyce’s Head. About 7 miles up the Bagaduce River are another couple MCHT preserves, Tills Point and Battle Island. The Lampson preserve is a couple miles closer on the Bagaduce.
Photo: Wilson Museum photo by Laurie Flood
Other Things To Do
Wilson Museum is a great place to visit for grownups and kids alike. Check their schedule to be sure they’re open: Plan Your Visit. If you plan ahead you can have a round of golf and play some tennis at the Castine Golf Club. Castine Kayak Adventures offers rentals and tours including Bioluminescence Bay. If you want to spend time on another boat (Lil’ Toot!) for a tour, Castine Harbor Tours offers a variety. An option if you would like to to have a tour of Castine in land-based comfort is the extended golf cart (named Scarlett) of Castine Touring Company.
Castine Town Webpage
OUR REVIEWS
What CCA Members are saying:
Such a great place to visit with so many options of local hikes, walking around MMA campus, shops, eateries etc. Even an option for some tennis or golf! Soak up the history of the town.
Jen Haddock
