A York Beach Charters group enjoying the water near Nubble Lighthouse

York Harbor, Maine

Your Maine Coast Adventure Starts Here.

Fish for striped bass, cruise past Nubble Light, catch a York sunset, or plan your own private day on the water with Captain John.

Real trips.Real Maine.No party boat.
USCG Licensed CaptainMaine Registered GuideU.S. Army VeteranYork local since 2002

Pick your kind of day

What are you looking for on the water?

From a child’s first cast to a serious bass run, every trip is private, personal, and led by someone who knows this coastline.

Captain John holding a striped bass aboard his boatYork waters · since 2002

The person at the helm

Meet Captain John.

“The ocean became more than a place to fish—it became a place of peace, clarity, and grounding.”

Captain John has called York home since 2002. He grew up fishing Massachusetts’ North Shore and spent years running the coast from Portland to Beverly before raising his family around the waters he now shares with guests.

After serving in Iraq, time on the ocean helped him reset. Today, he brings that same calm, local knowledge, and respect for the water to every lighthouse cruise, island run, family trip, and fishing day.

  • USCG Licensed Captain
  • Maine Registered Guide
  • U.S. Army Veteran
Text Captain John
Nubble Lighthouse from a York Beach Charters cruise
01 / Scenic

Easygoing York coast

Nubble Light Scenic Cruise / Family Fish

A relaxed two-hour run past Cape Neddick Light with room to take photos, hear local stories, or let the kids drop a line and try some casual fishing.

2 hours Up to 6 passengers

Great for: Families · young kids · first-time visitors · sightseeing · photography

Daily departures 9:00 AM · 12:00 PM · 3:00 PM

Private group price$375up to 6 guests
View availability

Deposit required. Online booking closes 12 hours before departure. Don’t see the time you need? Call Captain John.

For anglers who came to fish

Striped Bass Fishing Charter

Professional tackle, fresh bait, local knowledge, and hands-on coaching for a focused day chasing Maine striped bass.

York Beach Charters fishing boat ready at sunset
Professional guide service · ages 8+
“This is a professional guide service, not a party charter boat.”— Captain John

The deck is dedicated to the fish: learning the fishery, reading habitat, sharpening technique, and working hard for every bite. Trips are limited to four anglers so Captain John can coach the entire crew.

  • Professional tackle
  • Fresh bait
  • Expert coaching
  • Safety equipment
Half day4 hours$750Group price · up to 4 anglers

Mon–Fri 6:00 PM departure

Sat–Sun 6:00 AM or 6:00 PM

Book a fishing charter

A different side of Nubble Light

The sun goes down.
The Yacht Rock goes on.

Settle in for two hours along the York coastline as the lighthouse blinks on and the sky changes color. Want the full experience? Ask Captain John to turn on the Ultimate Yacht Rock soundtrack.

2 hours Up to 6 passengers 6:30 PM in summer
Private group price$400
Book a sunset cruise

Seven miles offshore

Your ride to Star Island.

Cruise out, step ashore, explore at your own pace, and arrange a return ride with Captain John. Star Island is a car-free piece of Isles of Shoals history with open-ocean views in every direction.

1 Ride out2 Explore3 Ride back
  • Walk Gosport Village and the coastline
  • Visit the Stone Chapel and Caswell Cemetery
  • Relax on the Oceanic Hotel porch
  • Bring a picnic or find food on the island
One way$300
Round trip$400

Entire group · up to 6 passengers · Saturdays & Sundays

Online availability may be limited. Call Captain John for current dates and pickup arrangements.

Oceanic Hotel on the rocky shoreline of Star IslandStone Chapel on Star IslandIsles of Shoals

Your boat. Your day.

Tell Captain John what you have in mind.

Celebrating something, chasing a photograph, or trying to fit fishing and sightseeing into one trip? Start with the idea. Captain John will shape the route, timing, and setup around your group.

Plan a custom charter

Group capacity depends on the itinerary and boat arrangement. Captain John will confirm the right setup before you book.

01Isles of Shoals
02Boon Island run
03Sunrise trip
04Wildlife watching
05Photography
06Family cruise
07Proposal
08Birthday
09Fishing + sightseeing
10Corporate outing
Go to dinner by boat

Perkins Cove Water Shuttle

A private, scenic run from York Harbor to Perkins Cove with an optional return pickup after your meal.

$400 round trip · up to 6Text to reserve
One fast hour

The Ogunquit Dash

A hold-on-tight ride up the Maine coast to Ogunquit and back. This one is booked directly with Captain John.

$300 · 1 hourCall to reserve
The York Beach Charters boat at the town dockTown Dock · Harris Island Road

Before you step aboard

A private trip, with the details handled.

First time on a charter? Captain John keeps the experience clear, personal, and safety-first—from the dock directions in your confirmation email to the gear waiting aboard.

Safety gear ready

Properly sized USCG-approved life jackets are provided.

Fishing gear included

Professional tackle, bait, and equipment are included on fishing trips.

Just your group

Your charter is private, with time for questions and hands-on help.

Local guidance

See York Harbor and the coast through a local captain’s eyes.

What to know before you go

Less guessing. More time on the water.

01

Book & plan

A deposit is required. Online booking closes 12 hours before departure, and the calendar normally opens 30 days out.

02

Arrive ready

Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring layers, sun protection, polarized sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and a camera.

03

Safety first

Life jackets are provided. Children under 12 wear them at all times, and Captain John makes the final call on sea conditions.

04

Flexible outside 24

Use the link in your email to move to an open date outside the final 24 hours. Weather cancellations receive a refund or reschedule.

Rates include fuel and required equipment. Gratuity is customary and appreciated. A military discount is available—ask while booking.

Questions before you book

Ask away.

If your question is specific to your group, call or text Captain John. You’ll hear from the person who will actually run your trip.

York Beach Charters returning through York Harbor at sunset

Come see York from the water

Your day on the Maine coast starts here.

Pick a trip online or call Captain John to build the right day for your crew.

Book your charter Call Captain John
Text Captain JohnBook a trip