Schooner Surprise
Schooner Surprise
5
Boat ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
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About
Day Sails and private charters out of Camden Harbor on the elegant Surprise, lets you experience both Camden and Penobscot Bay in a truly special and memorable way. See Mount Battie and Curtis Island lighthouse from a beautiful historical Windjammer
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,656 reviews
Excellent
1,558
Very good
80
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
0
deepwoodskev
Geneva, IL20 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
My wife and I just returned from a week-long vacation in Camden, Maine. This was our first time in the state. One of the activities that I definitely wanted to do while there was to ride on a large sailing ship for a true New England experience. We picked up a brochure for the Surprise our first day in Camden while walking along the dock. After reading such positive reviews online, we decided to book a sunset cruise for later in the week.
In short, it was absolutely wonderful. There were only two other couples on the boat with us, so there was plenty of room to move around. It almost felt like a private charter. Both Captain Ramiro and his first mate Ian were extremely personable and friendly. Big shoutout to Ian. He was a lot of fun to talk to during the ride. He even let me help him hoist the main sail once we got started. The weather was perfect, and the views of Camden from the water were beautiful. Captain Ramiro made sure he positioned the boat perfectly for a photogenic sunset at the end of the cruise. The entire trip was just so relaxing and soothing. There was even a guitarist on board who played some nice, quiet instrumental music, which only added to the relaxing feel of the ride.
I HIGHLY recommend booking a sail with Schooner Surprise when in Camden. You will not regret it.
In short, it was absolutely wonderful. There were only two other couples on the boat with us, so there was plenty of room to move around. It almost felt like a private charter. Both Captain Ramiro and his first mate Ian were extremely personable and friendly. Big shoutout to Ian. He was a lot of fun to talk to during the ride. He even let me help him hoist the main sail once we got started. The weather was perfect, and the views of Camden from the water were beautiful. Captain Ramiro made sure he positioned the boat perfectly for a photogenic sunset at the end of the cruise. The entire trip was just so relaxing and soothing. There was even a guitarist on board who played some nice, quiet instrumental music, which only added to the relaxing feel of the ride.
I HIGHLY recommend booking a sail with Schooner Surprise when in Camden. You will not regret it.
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KFR2
Tybee Island, GA318 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We had a wonderful time on the Schooner Surprise cruise out of Camden harbor. The captain and his first mate did a great job of sharing information about Camden and the Penobscot Bay while we sailed. But along with some commentary, they also gave us time to enjoy the time on the water in silence. We saw birds, seals, fish, lighthouses, cottages and mansions along the shore. I highly recommend a cruise on the Surprise!
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kkearns2023
Brewster, MA1 contribution
Sep 2023
The sail was magnificent and the captain and crew (husband and wife) were outstanding hosts. They are very knowledgeable about the area and its many unique natural resources and shore side attractions. The boat itself is in near pristine condition at 105 years young. We would recommend this to anyone interested in sailing on a classic schooner and enjoying beautiful views of Camden and its surrounding area from the water.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garmby
1 contribution
Sep 2023
Last week my wife and I went on the Surprise for an afternoon sail to celebrate our anniversary. The boat was scheduled to leave at 12:30, and we arrived early to board. However, we discovered that the captain was waiting for a large group of people who had not arrived. To make a long story short, I got agitated over the delay, but after I spoke with the captain, I calmed down when I saw how he remained calm and explained the situation. In retrospect, I realize that he was caught between a rock and a hard place while dealing with me and speaking with the group of people on the phone whom he was trying to help. I was impressed by the poise he showed in handling this situation. We ended up leaving (unfortunately, the group didn't make it) and enjoyed a great sail. I even got to take the helm for a while. Afterward, the captain presented us with a gift for our anniversary (a print of a painting of the Surprise).
I'd recommend the Surprise to anyone in the Camden area. You'll have a great time.
I'd recommend the Surprise to anyone in the Camden area. You'll have a great time.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Archer W
Kennebunk, ME251 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We've been on sailing schooners in the past but this was our first on the Schooner Surprise. The best part was the captain and first mate; they narrated the entire 2 hours imparting a lot of information about the schooner and the harbor and bay. Having a small group made this up close and personal. No "canned" narration on this sail. We plan to go again next year and also sail on their sister ship, Sloop Anjacaa, and add that experience to our Camden stay.
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber C
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
We had such a wonderful time with the crew who was so at ease on the boat and shared so much local and sailing knowledge with us. The Surprise is a stunning boat with so much history and we had a blast being able to raise the sails ourselves and taking a stab at steering for a bit. We are already glowing about the experience and recruiting family and friends to return with us!
Written October 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa K
3 contributions
Oct 2023
We really enjoyed our 1pm sail. Even though the wind was rather slack, they raised all the sails so we got a good experience. We also enjoyed the interesting stories and legends about the homes and lighthouses that we saw along the way.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kdormandy
Hope, ME1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
My 9 & 14 year old grandsons have been taking sailing lessons out on Vinalhaven for the last 3 years. They went out with me for a sail last weekend and were so excited about helping to raise & lower the sails. My 14 year old took the helm for about an hour and could barely contain his joy. Thank you for a wonderful experience and memory!
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob N
Houston, TX6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
My wife and I sailed on the Surprise for a sunset cruise, and the boat was beautiful! The captain and his deck hand were very nice and skilled in maneuvering the boat and navigating during the cruise. They answered any questions the passengers had. The weather was perfect and it was a beautiful sunset!
So what would have made it better? In my opinion, in my experience on past cruises like this, the crew would share interesting about the vessel, interesting sights along the way, help with sighting any wildlife, etc. it was our first time on a sailboat so a bit of background on the basics of how sailing worked, the purpose of the different sails, etc would have been very interesting. But the only information shared was if a passenger asked questions. This would have brought the experience up to the excellent level, in my opinion.
So what would have made it better? In my opinion, in my experience on past cruises like this, the crew would share interesting about the vessel, interesting sights along the way, help with sighting any wildlife, etc. it was our first time on a sailboat so a bit of background on the basics of how sailing worked, the purpose of the different sails, etc would have been very interesting. But the only information shared was if a passenger asked questions. This would have brought the experience up to the excellent level, in my opinion.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewart S
Bradenton, FL57 contributions
Jul 2022
The offshore view of Camden, with the sunset hovering over the town, was special. And the crew made this a fun experience. They are well-trained professionals who make the passengers feel at home. I unhesitatingly recommend Schooner Surprise.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are visiting Camden the week
Of October 7th. Would it be too cold to go out in the water? We are a group of adults. What are you charges?
Written September 24, 2020
Thank you for the question. We had beautiful weather when we were in Camden. Of course, weather is fickle. I would definitely wear layers, but I think you would be fine. Great crew!
Written September 24, 2020
How early do you recommend placing a reservation for a 3pm ride on a Tuesday in August?
Written July 21, 2020
Make a reservation now to inwsure a spot. They are operating at 1/2 capacity.
Written July 21, 2020
There were no dogs on our cruise, but I don’t know that they aren’t or are allowed. I imagine calling Schooner Surprise would be your best bet.
Written July 9, 2019
Is there drinking or a bar onboard?
Thank you!
Written July 20, 2017
There is not a bar, it's a smaller sail boat. You can bring your own beverage, but beware there aren't cup holders or anything to hold said beverage. My wife and I brought a bottle of wine, cork screw, and 2 cups with lids.
Written July 21, 2017
Yes... great experience. There's only one sail with the music and desert... Also, if you ask, you can help them set the sails and steer the boat for awhile
Written August 20, 2016
There's a "head"-- in other words, a small on board portapotty!
Written February 25, 2017
I was told by the owner a full refund or we could reschedule when the weather turned bad before our cruise. Lucky for us, we were able to go the next day. It was one of the highlights of our trip. I believe their cancelation policy is on their web site if you google it.
Written July 26, 2016
I think the only proper answer would come from the boat owner/operators, Ramiro and Nicole. Their ID on TripAdvisor is Ramiro_1918 , so you should ping them and ask. You could also call them at the number on their website, (207) 236-4687. Best of Luck.
Written July 13, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.