Overview
Join us for a multi-day adventure along the coast of Maine as we explore the distinct tidal waterways of Maine. Using our fleet of canoes, we depart from Chewonki Neck in Wiscasset and set out to claim one of several locations in our extensive network of private island campsites. With guidance from our expert instructors, students explore multiple coastal ecosystems, learn outdoor camping skills and bond over life-long experiences as they make camp, cook meals and discover the world outside.
At a Glance
- Recommended Grade Range: 7th-9th grade
- Group Size: 10 students per adventure group, up to 50 in total
- Trip Length: 4-day 3-night experience
- Location: Chewonki Campus & Maine Islands
- Pricing: $391 per student (grant subsidies or discounts available for qualifying schools)
Sample Saltwater Canoe Trip Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrival at Chewonki
- Campus Tour
- Meet your Outdoor Educator
- Icebreaker Games & Activities
- Picnic Lunch
- The Duffel Shuffle – Collect Waterproof Backpacks, PFD’s, Paddles & Group Gear
- Paddle School – learn the basics of safe boating
- Load Canoes at the Boat Launch
- Paddle to Castle Island (3-5 mi.)
- Learn to Set up Tents
- Outdoor Cooking Instruction & Dinner
Day 2: Island Exploration
- Breakfast
- Exploration of Hockomock Bay in Canoes
- Ocean Tides Lesson
- Picnic Lunch
- Chart & Compass Skills Instruction
- Canoe Games
- Return to Island Campsite
- Dinner
- Campfire with S’mores
Day 3:
- Breakfast
- Paddle to Beal Island (2 mi.)
- Explore Rocky Shore Ecosystem
- Picnic Lunch
- Hike around Beal Island & Observe Strong Tidal Flows
- Return to Island Campsite
- Dinner
- Stargazing & Group Reflection
Day 4:
- Breakfast
- Leave No Trace Campsite Cleanup
- Paddle Back to Chewonki & Return Gear
- Writing Activity: Personal Certifications
- Picnic Lunch
- Departure
Unique Chewonki Features
- Access to Private Islands off the Maine Coast
- Age-Appropriate Canoe & Water Safety Instruction
- Chewonki-Trained Outdoor Educators & Wilderness Trip Leaders
Learn More
For more information about Saltwater Canoe Adventures or to book a program for your group, please contact us.