Boothbay Harbor: Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour

If you’re headed to Maine’s charming seaside town of Boothbay Harbor and craving something a little different, the Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour promises a spooky stroll through history with an eerie twist. Led by a local paranormal expert, this 1.5-hour walk takes you into the darker corners of Boothbay’s past, where sea captains’ ghosts still seem to linger and legends of sea serpents echo across the harbor. It’s a tour that balances spine-tingling stories with genuine local flavor, making it perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story with their seaside charm.

What we love about this tour is how it combines history, local lore, and atmospheric locations—all peppered with a dash of Maine’s maritime mystique. Plus, the guide’s expertise ensures that each story feels authentic and well-researched. On the flip side, it’s a walking tour, so if you’re not comfortable with uneven terrain or standing for 90 minutes, it might not be ideal for everyone. This tour is best suited for curious travelers, history buffs, or anyone intrigued by ghost stories and Maine’s seafaring past. Just remember, it’s not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Authentic local legends about haunted sea captains, sea serpents, and maritime mysteries
• An informative guide who is a true paranormal expert, bringing stories to life
• The tour touches on multiple haunted sites, including historic homes and iconic landmarks
• Ends at the Footbridge Brewery, creating a relaxed setting for sharing more spooky tales
• Suitable for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and paranormal themes
• Not ideal for children under 8 or travelers with mobility constraints

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Atmosphere of Mystery in Boothbay Harbor

When considering a ghost tour, what makes Boothbay Harbor’s Boos and Brews Walk stand out is its setting. The picturesque harbor, with its historic buildings and maritime charm, provides an atmospheric backdrop that enhances each story. As we walked from the Footbridge to various sites, we loved how the town’s scenic beauty contrasted with the dark tales told along the way, making the experience feel both charming and chilling.

This tour is designed to be both informative and entertaining, with each stop revealing a different ghostly legend or eerie encounter. Starting at the Footbridge, the central point where the tour begins, you’ll meet your guide—easily recognizable in a tour shirt—and immediately sense the mix of curiosity and anticipation in the air. The location itself, a key crossing point in the harbor, makes for a perfect starting spot, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Walk through Historic and Haunted Landmarks

The itinerary balances short sightseeing stops with storytelling. For example, the Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library are included as quick visual highlights, but their real appeal is their connection to local lore. You’ll hear about ghostly encounters at the historic buildings and the legends that surround them, adding layers of intrigue to these familiar spots.

One of the most evocative stops is Kaler’s Restaurant, a place that’s been part of the town since the early 20th century. With a quick photo and a ghostly tale, we learned about how some staff have reported strange happenings after hours. Similarly, the Captain Sawyer’s Bed and Breakfast is a classic haunted home-turned-inn, still believed to be haunted by its original captain.

The Boothbay Shipyard stands out for its maritime history, but also for stories of a ghost of a former owner still “hard at work.” Hearing about a grounded tugboat and its ghostly captain adds a nautical twist that perfectly matches Boothbay’s seafaring character.

Stories That Stick

The ghostly tales shared by the guide are a mix of historical facts and local legend. For example, we learned about sea serpents that have been sighted in the harbor—stories that have persisted for generations. The guide’s storytelling style is engaging and authentic, making even skeptics consider that there might be more than just ships and sailors in Boothbay’s waters.

Two haunted restaurants, Tugboat and Kaler’s, are highlighted as spots where paranormal encounters have been reported. The Admiral’s Quarters Inn and Captain Sawyer’s are also discussed as haunted inns, adding a cozy but spooky element for those who might consider staying overnight.

The tour wraps up at Footbridge Brewery, a local spot known not only for its craft beers but also for a grisly murder that supposedly makes the house next door the most haunted in town. The story adds a chilling capstone to the walk, and staying for a drink allows for a relaxed conversation about the tales shared.

The Experience Itself

What sets this tour apart is the small group size and the knowledgeable guide. We found that a more intimate group allows for better interaction, and the guide’s background as a paranormal expert lends credibility to the stories. The 1.5-hour duration is perfect for a relaxed evening activity, with enough time to listen, walk, and absorb without feeling rushed.

The tour involves about half a mile of walking on sometimes hilly and uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. The route covers several historic sites and scenic spots, making the experience more immersive. The timing is well-planned, with stops at the most atmospheric locations, and you’ll finish right at the Footbridge Brewery, where you can continue conversations over a local brew if you wish.

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Value and Practical Tips

While the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in town, it offers good value for those interested in Maine’s maritime history and ghost stories. The guide’s expertise and the engaging storytelling add a lot to the experience. Plus, the tour’s focus on local legends means you’ll leave with stories worth retelling.

For practical purposes, wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a camera to capture the picturesque harbor and historic sites. It’s best suited for travelers over 8 years old who enjoy stories of the supernatural. The tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments or pre-existing medical conditions, due to uneven terrain and walking.

Booking is flexible—you can reserve in advance and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Paying later means you can secure your spot without immediate commitment, which is handy if your schedule is uncertain.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ghost tour is ideal for history and maritime enthusiasts who enjoy a spooky twist. It’s perfect for adventurous couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a unique activity after a day of exploring Boothbay Harbor. If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind that the stories are spooky and might not be suitable for very young kids. It’s a great way to add a bit of mystery to your Maine vacation and connect with the town’s seafaring folklore.

It’s also perfect for those who appreciate local storytelling and want an authentic experience beyond typical sightseeing. Since the tour ends at a local brewery, it naturally appeals to those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere to discuss ghostly encounters afterward.

Final Thoughts

Boothbay Harbor’s Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour offers a compelling mix of history, local legend, and maritime mystique. The guide’s expertise makes the stories engaging and believable, while the atmospheric locations add a sense of genuine history and mystery. It’s a well-paced, intimate experience that appeals to anyone curious about ghost stories or Maine’s seafaring past.

While not suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or young children—this tour is a fun, atmospheric outing that provides a different perspective on Boothbay Harbor. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a lightly spooky, culturally rich experience that combines storytelling with scenic walking.

If you enjoy discovering the hidden stories behind historic towns and love a good ghost tale, this tour is a delightful way to spend an evening. It’s an authentic, engaging activity that offers a good value and a memorable glimpse into Boothbay Harbor’s haunted side.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old due to the spooky stories and supernatural themes.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1.5 hours, covering about half a mile of walking on sometimes uneven terrain.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the benches near the Bridge House in the middle of the wooden footbridge connecting the harbor’s west and east sides.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, and dress weather-appropriate. Bringing a camera, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen is also advised.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, the tour involves walking on hilly and uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

In summary, the Boothbay Harbor Boos and Brews Walking Ghost Tour is a unique, atmospheric way to explore a charming Maine town’s haunted corners. With a knowledgeable guide and scenic stops, it’s a memorable experience that combines history, legend, and a touch of Maine’s maritime mystique—perfect for curious spirits seeking something beyond the usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby