Maine to St. John River New Brunswick & the Reversing Falls

August 14 – September 2, 2026 | 18-Day Cruise

The BWSC St. John River Cruise 2026 is a rare opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive cruising grounds in Eastern North America—combining open-water passages, dramatic tidal navigation, and a full week of peaceful river cruising through pastoral New Brunswick.

Organized as a natural follow-on to the BWSC Maine Cruise, this voyage begins in Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island, ventures into Canadian waters via Grand Manan and the Bay of Fundy, and then ascends the St. John River after transiting the famous Reversing Falls at St. John at slack tide. The return route completes a rewarding loop through Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews, and Eastport, Maine.

This is a cruise designed for sailors who enjoy variety, scenery, shared experiences, and unrushed exploration, with a balance of passage-making and relaxed days on warm, protected river waters.

Friday, August 14
Fleet rendezvous in Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island

A kickoff supper will be held in coordination with the BWSC Maine Cruise at:
Quarter Deck Restaurant, Dysart’s Marina

Berthing options in Southwest Harbor include:

(Weather and conditions permitting)

Southwest Harbor to Roque Island anchorage – 44 NM
Evening cocktail party on board
Note: As of 2025, shore access at Roque Island is not permitted.

Roque Island to North Head, Grand Manan (NB) – 41 NM
Anchor or dock tie-up
Canadian Customs check-in
Favorable tide until approximately 3:30 PM

North Head to Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club (RKYC), St. John NB – 44 NM
Strong Fundy current allows an estimated 6–7 hour passage
Fleet assembles at Market Slip to transit the Reversing Falls at slack tide, then proceeds upriver to RKYC
Evening activity to be announced

Provisioning and exploration
Marketplace approximately 1.5 miles away
Group dinner party at RKYC

RKYC to Kingston Creek anchorage – 23 NM
Possible beach BBQ ashore

Kingston Creek to Big Cove anchorage – 19 NM

Big Cove to Whites Cove, Grand Lake – 20 NM

Whites Cove to Douglas Harbor / Fredericton Yacht Club – 3 NM
Moorings or anchorage
Club amenities include showers, laundry, and pump-out
Dinner at the club restaurant

Douglas Harbor to Gagetown – 12 NM
Gagetown Marina offers moorings and docks with water, fuel, ice, laundry, and pump-out
Restaurants and limited shopping nearby

Gagetown to Jenkins Cove anchorage – 22 NM
Idyllic farmland shoreline
Evening cocktail party on board

Jenkins Cove to RKYC, St. John – 23 NM
Moorings or anchorage

Transit the Reversing Falls outbound at slack tide
Proceed to Dipper Harbor – 22 NM from downtown St. John
Raft-up at dock or anchor

Dipper Harbor to St. Andrews, NB – 31 NM
Moorings available

Explore this historic seaside town
Group dinner in town

St. Andrews to Eastport, ME – 10 NM
U.S. Customs check-in
Town dock, raft-up
Provisions, fuel, and ice available

Explore Eastport and Campobello Island, including the Roosevelt summer compound

Eastport to TBD anchorage
(Cutler / Cross Island / Cow’s Yard are possible) – approximately 50 NM

Return to Southwest Harbor – approximately 50 NM

Wrap-up dinner at local restaurant (TBD)
Provisioning and fuel
Departure for home ports