Boothbay Harbor Marina: 36 Years of Friendship, Tradition and Summer Magic

For the past 36 years, the Boothbay Harbor Marina has created a haven for boaters—a place where friendships are kindled, traditions are born, and the salty breeze carries with it the promise of summer adventure. For those who know it well, the marina is more than a docking spot; it is a community steeped in nostalgia and brimming with the anticipation of a new season.

Now that winter has loosened its icy grip and the first signs of spring are awakening along the Midcoast, there is a hint of excitement in the air. It’s not just a change of season—it’s a homecoming. Store fronts are getting spruced up for the new season. Neighbors are stopping to chat outside the door instead of having the cold winds of winter hurrying them inside. The marina will also start to come alive in the coming weeks.

For seasonal boaters, the start of each summer season is a ritual, a meticulous and heartfelt preparation for the months ahead. Boats, dormant through the cold, are readied with care; their hulls gleaming, engines inspected, fluids changed, and cabins meticulously restocked for the excursions that lie ahead. Soon the smell of varnish and sea salt will fill the air, mingling with the laughter and camaraderie of fellow mariners as they one by one come back home.

The nostalgia at the beginning of each season is one of the parts I love most. Memories of warm summer days, of cove exploration, conversation and cocktails around

the red picnic table with new and old friends. These recollections are woven into the fabric of the marina, and every new season feels like reopening a favorite book, eager to add another chapter. Each fresh start also breathes new life into our town, as boaters uncover the hidden treasure that is Boothbay Harbor and fall in love with its timelessness. One visitor last year summed it up perfectly, “Stepping off the boat into Boothbay Harbor feels like stepping into a postcard. With it’s quaint charm and pristine beauty, it’s little wonder boaters whisper to each other, ‘You simply must experience it for yourself.’”

Boothbay Harbor Marina is deeply honored and humbled to have been named Best Marina again last year in Downeast Magazine’s Best of Maine. This recognition holds special significance for us, as we have never had the resources to participate in advertising campaigns or pay for spots in contests. Instead, our success is entirely a reflection of the unwavering support and loyalty of our incredible community. Being selected for this title is not just a celebration of our marina—it is a celebration of the relationships, mutual trust, and shared passion for the sea that bind us all together. We are a small fish in an ocean of large marinas and this accolade reinforces our belief that a marina is more than just a place to dock boats; it is a gathering point for kindred spirits, a gateway to adventure, and a home away from home for boaters and visitors alike. To everyone who has contributed to this journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your votes, kind words, and continuous encouragement make it all possible, and this award is as much yours as it is ours. Here’s to many more years of fostering this extraordinary community we are so fortunate to be a part of!

Running the Boothbay Harbor Marina is so much more than a job—it’s a daily source of joy and

inspiration. No matter the conditions, whether it’s the warm, sunlit mornings or the misty, rain-soaked afternoons, there’s always a sense of magic that fills the air. Year after year, it is the people who create extraordinary experiences that never grow old. The excitement of families setting out on their first voyage, the kindness of boaters swapping tips and tales, or the simple joy of a furry friend basking in the sun on deck, these are the moments making every day special. This isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place that fosters connection and a deep appreciation for the sea and those who love it. To be part of this wonderful world is truly a gift that brings endless joy to Chris and I.

We look forward to welcoming you. ~ Kim and Chris