ACTIVITIES
Swimming
Swimming off the Tree of Life in Penobscot Bay is a refreshing and unforgettable part of the windjammer experience. On warm afternoons, guests slip from the schooner’s side into the clear, cool waters, surrounded by rugged islands, quiet coves, and the vast beauty of Maine’s coastline. Whether you take a quick, invigorating dip or linger in the bay’s gentle swells, there’s a simple joy in floating beneath the tall masts and billowing sails of the Tree of Life. It’s a moment of pure summer—bright, brisk, and deeply connected to the natural magic of Penobscot Bay.
Sailing or Rowing the Peapod
Evenings at anchor aboard the Tree of Life often invite a quiet adventure in our wooden peapod, a beautifully crafted little boat perfect for a peaceful sail or gentle row around the schooner. Guests love to slip away before dinner, gliding through calm waters to explore nearby islands, watch the changing light on the shoreline, or simply enjoy the schooner from a new perspective. As the bay settles into its evening calm and the crew prepares the night’s meal, a row in the peapod becomes a serene, timeless way to savor the magic of Penobscot Bay.
Small boat ride with a Crew member
For a bit more adventure, guests are welcome to hop into our inflatable motorboat with a crew member and set off to explore the nearby islands—places the Tree of Life herself can’t always reach. Skimming across the water with the outboard humming softly, you’ll slip into hidden coves, wander untouched shorelines, and discover quiet pockets of Penobscot Bay that feel wonderfully remote. It’s an exciting yet effortless way to see more of the coast, guided by a knowledgeable crew member who knows these islands like old friends. Each ride offers a fresh perspective on the bay’s beauty and a deeper connection to the wild, iconic coastline of Maine.
Reading a Book from the history of Tree of Life
The Tree of Life has circumnavigated the globe twice, and guests aboard today are invited to enjoy the rich collection of books she gathered along the way. These volumes—travel journals, maritime histories, cultural stories, and well-loved novels—offer a glimpse into the worlds she has sailed through and the adventures that have shaped her. Each stateroom features its own curated library, giving guests the pleasure of settling in with a good book that whispers pieces of her voyages. Reading aboard the Tree of Life becomes more than a pastime—it’s a way to connect with her remarkable history and feel a part of the journeys that carried her around the world.
Exploring uninhabited Islands & fishing villages
Exploring uninhabited islands and fishing villages in Penobscot Bay is one of the most enchanting parts of a voyage aboard the Tree of Life. Each day brings the chance to step ashore on quiet, untouched islands—places where pine forests meet rocky shores and seabirds skim the tide. Other afternoons lead to charming coastal villages, where weathered wharves, working lobster boats, and friendly locals offer a glimpse into Maine’s maritime heart. Whether wandering hidden trails, beachcombing for sea glass, or strolling through a historic harbor town, these shoreside moments create a beautiful balance to your time under sail and deepen your connection to the rugged, timeless spirit of Penobscot Bay.
Enjoying the View
Sometimes the greatest pleasure aboard the Tree of Life is simply settling in and savoring the view as we sail through Penobscot Bay. With the schooner gliding effortlessly across the water, guests can relax into the rhythm of the wind and watch the islands drift by—pine-covered silhouettes, rocky headlands, lighthouses, and quiet coves unfolding like scenes in a living postcard. Seabirds wheel overhead, the sun dances on the waves, and the soft creak of the rigging becomes its own kind of music. Whether you’re stretched out on a chaise lounge or curled inside the pilothouse, the beauty of the bay surrounds you, offering a peacefulness and grandeur that can only be felt under sail.