Marinas in Maine

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

• Vessel Registration

  All motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, operating on Maine waters must be registered with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW). Registration numbers and validation stickers must be displayed as required.

• Boater Education Card

  Operators born on or after January 1, 1999, must complete an approved boater safety course to operate a motorboat greater than 25 horsepower. The MDIFW provides information on accepted courses.

• Fishing License

  A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older to fish in Maine's inland waters. For saltwater recreational fishing, a state registration or federal permit may be required, depending on species and gear; verify with the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

• Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) & No Discharge Zones

  Maine has several federally designated No Discharge Areas (including Casco Bay, the Boothbay region, Kennebunk-Wells, southern Mount Desert, and West Penobscot Bay), where discharging any vessel sewage, even treated, is prohibited. Elsewhere, federal law still bars discharging untreated sewage from any vessel within all U.S. navigable waters (out to three miles from shore). Vessels must have a properly operating MSD that stores waste for pump-out.

1. 01

   Choose Your Region and Vessel Type

   The busy southern coast, the classic Midcoast, the remote Down East shore, and the inland lakes each cruise differently, pick your ground first, then decide whether you're trailering your own boat or chartering. Marina access varies a lot between them.

2. 02

   Understand Maine's Boating Regulations

   Check the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) requirements for vessel registration, boater education, and fishing licenses before you launch. The No Discharge Zone rules deserve particular attention, they apply everywhere in Maine.

3. 03

   Plan Your Itinerary and Book in Advance

   In July and August a slip or mooring without a reservation is wishful thinking. Book marinas, moorings, and charters early. Sketch out anchorages, fuel stops, and pump-out points along your route while you're at it.

4. 04

   Prepare for Navigation and Weather

   Fog, hard-running tides, and unmarked ledges are the price of admission here. Carry current charts and dependable navigation gear, watch the marine forecast, and pack layers, a Maine summer afternoon can feel like two different seasons.

5. 05

   Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs and Hazards

   Lobster pot buoys carpet the coastal waters, keep a lookout and thread carefully. Respect private islands, and give commercial fishing boats the room and courtesy of vessels that are out there working.