Snow Pond Cruises

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Oakland, ME
Snow Pond Cruises

Relaxing, informative private tours of the 2nd largest of the Belgrade lakes. 5 Stars on TripAdvisor We also offer a one, two and three hour Historical Tours.
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Relaxing and informative private cruises of the 2nd largest Belgrade lake. Special events, romantic sunset/moonlight cruises, lunch or dinner cruises or "just for fun" on the lake private cruises from 2 hours to all day or night to meet your individual needs. A cruise of beautiful Snow Pond (Messalonskee Lake) is a great way to enjoy the day or night. The three-hour Historical Tour, also known as

the Gilligan Cruise features history of the Lake including the treasured Messalonskee Lake Marsh, a 1300 acre emergent wetland and the largest breeding ground in Maine for the Maine Black Tern. View an eagle's nest and we are happy to report we have two newly hatched Eagle Chicks that should be visible from the boat. Again, we offer special event/celebration cruises such as birthdays, baby/bridal showers, bride/bachelor parties, team building, board meetings, memorials, and one of our favorites - the moonlight romantic cruises. You may even wish as many couples have your wedding on the Snowdrifter II performed by Captain Gary, a notary public! Whether you want to take a private Historical Tour or if you just want to cruise the Lake, we will customize your cruise by the hour or the day to accommodate your needs guaranteed to make your time a true delight. And unique to Snow Pond Cruises, we are pleased to announce our Captain "JAC" Program. Our young visitors ages 12 or less and adults with special needs can become Junior Associate Captains by experiencing vessel operation under the watchful eye of the Captain, learning GPS and sounding the vessels horn. This program is coordinated by the First Mate "Brenda" Please visit our website for more details.

09/07/2024

For our second tour today we had returning Customer Deb Wolfenden and her husband Bob from Sidney, Maine, along with two dear friends from Windham and Mechanics Falls on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. Our guests came prepared with their own snacks and a bottle of red wine. Our guests enjoyed hearing the local lore and the history of OAKLAND, Sidney and Belgrade. Tonight‘s sunset was fabulous Thank you Deb for returning to SNOW POND CRUISES and we look forward to our next tour.

09/06/2024

For my first tour today, we had Jayne Welcome and Diane Webster, both from Amesbury, Massachusetts on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. These two ladies love to vacation at their camp in Central Maine. We had a wonderful time. We saw a lot of Loons, but they were actively feeding and spent most of their time underwater. These girls loved learning about the history around our lake. Dianne answered the mystery question correctly and she earned herself a Reny’s y tote bag. Thank you very much Jayne and Dianne for sharing part of your Maine vacation with SNOW POND CRUISES.

09/04/2024

From my second tour today, I had Francine and Steven Enright from Pembroke, Massachusetts, along with five of their dearest friends for a two hour Mariner Tour. This was one of those tours where there was a lot of laughter and joking. The important thing is a lot of memories were made. Steven Enright earned himself highly coveted Reny’s shopping bag for answering the mystery question in record time. The weather was perfect and everybody had a wonderful time. Thank you Francine for sharing your wonderful group with SNOW POND CRUISES

09/04/2024

This morning at 6:30 Photographer Peter Agnes came out with me for the third time this week to film wildlife. We had an awesome time. The Eagles were playing shy but Peter got some great images. The marsh was filled with its usual array of Great Blue Herons to Loons and Ospreys. Peter got thousands of images and hopefully we will see some soon. Thank you, Peter have a good winter and you know where I’m located when you’re ready to go out on the lake again.

09/03/2024

I hope I didn’t already post these pictures, but they are of some more of Peter Agnes’s amazing work

09/03/2024

Here are a few of Peter’s pictures from yesterday mornings nature cruise

09/02/2024

This morning we had a tour with Sandy, David and Barbara Gee. We can’t forget to mention Honey the family pet. This tour was for nostalgia, relaxation and therapy. These longtime customers and friends needed this day on the lake as a respite. It was a beautiful thing to watch. David’s memory impairment has caused some life changes for the family, but this cruise eased some of those changes, if only for a few hours. Thank you Sandy for brightening David’s day, and mine as well.

09/02/2024

This morning at 6:30. I had the profound pleasure of going out with Photographer Customer Peter Agnes. Peter recently returned from several weeks in Uganda filming silverback gorillas and other wildlife.
This morning belonged to the Eagles. Attached to this post is a video that was taken with my iPhone 15 Pro. I’m sure Peter’s images will put mine to shame. Videos have to post separately, so I will put another one on after this.

09/01/2024

For our second tour today, we had Laura Couette from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along with her husband and two dear friends also from Portsmouth for a two hour mariner Cruise. They had two beautiful children also, one year old Penelope and two year old Homer. The little ones really enjoyed the cruise. We hardly heard a peep out of them. We saw Osprey’s. We saw Eagles and we saw loons. The weather was perfect, but the lake was a bit choppy. We all had a great time. Thank you Laura for choosing SNOW POND CRUISES.

09/01/2024

For our first tour today, we had TIM and Zarina Levitsky from Scarsdale New York on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. They had with them their parents also from New York and Grandmother from Tashkent Uzbekistan. This family was particularly interested in the rich Jewish history that we have around MESSALONSKEE lake. The weather was perfect. We saw Loons and Cormorants and of course the North American Bald Eagle perched high in the tree 🦅. The family is renting a place in the MESSALONSKEE Harbor area and their vacation ends tomorrow. They assured me that they will be back. Thank you folks and safe travels

08/31/2024

For my second tour today, we had Alanna Beaulieu and her husband, Dan from Sidney, Maine on board with family members all from Pennsylvania. With a one year-old and two-year-old on board we didn’t know how long the tour was going. It turned out to be one hour and 20 minutes but it was pure fun. Korey Young answered the mystery question and earned the Reny’s shopping bag. This group had lots of questions but 2 year old Jack stole the show. He earned his Junior Captain Certification and that was fun to watch. Thank you, Beaulieu and Young families for including SNOW POND CRUISES in your family day on the lake.

08/30/2024

For my first tour today, we had Bill and Shawn Chancey from Pelzer, South Carolina on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. This was a stress relief tour after a difficult visit to work on settling an estate. I could see the relaxation happening before my eyes. Bill answered the mystery question which generated much needed smiles. Thank you Bill and Shawn for including SNOW POND CRUISES in your relaxation plan.

08/29/2024

Today we had the second group of guests from the New England Music Camp. Yes it was the adult music program. Today’s group of nine was from New York, Cape Elizabeth, Me, Laconia, New Hampshire and Montreal, Canada. This group had ton of questions and they were all good questions. I really enjoyed this trip because they kept me on my toes. They wanted to see Cormerants and we did, they wanted to see Loons and we did, they wanted to see Eagles and we did. I guess we hit the mark with this tour. Thank you to all these talented musicians who joined us today.

08/29/2024

For a second tour today, perennial customers, Dan and Penny Foote from Weston, Ma joined us for a romantic moonlight cruise. It was August 27, 2014 that Dan and Penny took their first romantic moonlight cruise with us. As it turns out this one was a trip down memory lane complete with champagne, a warm blanket and fresh cut flowers from my garden. The sunset was absolutely spectacular. Once again, thank you, Dan and Penny joining SNOW POND CRUISES for another year. Hope to see you next year.

08/29/2024

For my first tour today, we had perennial customer, New England music camp return with their adult music camp participants for a two hour Mariner tour. These guests were from as far away as California, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Delaware. Most of the nine guests on this tour were new, but they were three that return year after year. It’s always a joy to see them. Nancy from Denville, NJ answered one mystery question and Dianne, from Milton, DE answer another mystery question and they both earned their own Reny’s shopping bag. Thank you, New England Music Camp for sharing your adult music camp participants with SNOW POND CRUISES.

08/25/2024

For a second tour today, we had the Rollins family mostly from Cohasset, Ma. but also Duxbury and Hingham Massachusetts on board for a two hour Mariner Cruise. They brought with them their three beautiful children twins Isla, Finn and Olivia. All three of the kids were dying to get their hands on the steering wheel of the Snowdrifter II. When they did, it was a site to behold they loved being able to drive a boat for the first time. They were counseled on the GPS and they reported the water temperature, the speed, and the depth of the water back to the Captain, who was standing right behind them watching their every move . Everyone loved seeing the Loons and the crazy antics as they were preening on top of the water. Thanks to the Rollins family for sharing their precious family and time on vacation with SNOW POND CRUISES.

08/25/2024

For my first tour today, we had Michelle and MIKE Castoldi along with little Shelby on board for a two hour Mariner tour. This family was up from Waltham, Massachusetts for a vacation in Central Maine. They found SNOW POND CRUISES online and I’m glad they did. We had a lot of fun. Early on the tour Mike asked a simple question when he said, “what is the Loon”. Good Lord, I knew I had my work cut out for me. At the end of the tour, he had a thorough understanding of the common Loon. Mike came up with the correct answer to the mystery question any earned himself or Reny’s tote bag. Thank you, Michelle, MIKE and Shelby for making today’s tour so enjoyable.

08/25/2024

This afternoon we had Barbara Mckeen from Farmington, Maine with relatives from Farmington, ME and from as far away as London, UK on board for a long planned four hour tour of beautiful MESSALONSKEE lake. The weather could not have been more perfect. This group brought plenty of food and beverages on board. It was a great time for everyone to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. James from London answered the mystery question correctly and earned himself a Reny’s tote bag. We spent a considerable amount of time in the marsh at the south end of the lake. The Loons were very playful and were actively preening and that’s always fun to watch. We saw “Lenora”, our latest hatched Loon chick. Thank you Barbara for sharing you wonderful family with SNOW POND CRUISES A lot

08/23/2024

Today we had Patty Newman and her family from as far away is Mission, British Columbia and San Francisco, California on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. This long planned tour was such fun. I was able to pick them up right at their dock in the north basin of MESSALONSKEE lake. The children, Gustav and Tekla both earned their Junior Associate Captain certification on board the Snowdrifter II. We saw an Eagle perched high over the boat and everyone was able to pause for pictures. We saw an Osprey flying nearby. Of course the loons were ever present. Thank you Patti for sharing your family with SNOW POND CRUISES

08/22/2024

Finally, the weather has cleared enough to get out on the lake with customers. This morning we had perennial customer Doug Hastings from Ma. along with his partner Margaret Adams, also from Ma on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. Peggy is a real estate agent and she really enjoyed looking at the property around our lake. The history and the stories around this lake captured their attention. An Osprey flew right along side the boat. The Loons were seen in several locations. Thank you, Doug and Peggy, we hope to see you again soon.

08/20/2024

Another day with challenging weather. But this afternoon we did manage to pull off a tour with Bill Dendor and Tina Higney both from Massachusetts. This couple is visiting on vacation and staying in the Belgrade area. They were completely impressed with the history of SNOW POND. Tina is a retired schoolteacher, and this tour was special for her. Even though she taught english, she loves history.
She promptly answered the mystery question and claimed her reward of a Reny’s tote bag. Thank you, Bill and Tina for making SNOW POND CRUISES part of your Maine vacation.

08/19/2024

Today was a challenging day, weatherwise. We had to cancel one cruise early in the day, but the second one went off with nothing but a few minutes of drizzle. We had Mary Beth Taylor and her family, mostly local but one from as far away as Malden Massachusetts on board for a two hour Mariner Tour. The plan was to swing by the New England music camp to listen to Melissa Etheridge from the water. It turned out as a social time for everyone on the boat. We had a wonderful time and everybody enjoyed the historical presentation. Thank you, Mary Beth for SNOW POND CRUISES part of your Sunday plans.

08/18/2024

Just when you thought our boat tours couldn't get any more exciting... we had a special guest on board for our two-hour Mariner Tour! It was none other than Fred Bigney and his family from Oakland and Waterville, Maine! And guess what? It was a birthday celebration for Annalyse, who turned 17! Talk about a memorable day on the water. 🎉 But wait, there's more! Erin nailed the mystery question and won a prize that was just perfect for her - a Reny's shopping bag. And let's not forget about Annalyse and Eva, who showed off their boating skills and earned their Junior Associate Captain certification. 🚣‍♀️ Thanks for choosing Snow Pond Cruises, Fred! We hope to see you and your family again soon! 😊

08/17/2024

For our first tour today, we had perennial customerChrista Johnson from the New England music camp on board with seven of her closest friends for a two hour Mariner Cruise. I was able to pick them up right at their dock. It was a wonderful cruise. We laughed, we joked and we exchanged fun stories. The libations were flowing freely. Barbara Sinclair from Worthington, Ohio answered the mystery question correctly and earned herself a coveted “great adventure”Reny’s tote bag. The group will be attending the Melissa Etheridge concert at the music camp. Thank you Christa for sharing your friends with SNOW POND CRUISES. Hope to see you next year.

08/16/2024

Today we had Nancy Atkins on board along with her children and Granddaughter for a two hour Mariner Tour. Nancy lives across the lake and she has seen my tours come and go for over 10 years. Finally, the kids treated her to a Mother Day gift certificate from SNOW POND CRUISES. After two weather related postponements we finally got it done. We had a lot of fun. This was a trip down memory lane. Nancy has been on this lake for, I’m not gonna say how many years but let’s just call it 1 million years. She already knew a lot about the lake, but she learned so much more. We had a great time. We saw Loons, Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers. It was so enjoyable for her, as it was me to be able to share a beautiful resource with a wonderful family. Thank you, Alison and Jennifer for sharing your Mom with SNOW POND CRUISES.

Address

97 Rocky Shore Lane
Oakland, ME
04963

Telephone

+12073143520

Website

http://snowpondcruises.com/

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Videos

This morning at 6:30. I had the profound pleasure of going out with Photographer Customer Peter Agnes. Peter recently returned from several weeks in Uganda filming silverback gorillas and other wildlife. This morning belonged to the Eagles. Attached to this post is a video that was taken with my iPhone 15 Pro. I’m sure Peter’s images will put mine to shame. Videos have to post separately, so I will put another one on after this.

Preening Loon

Another precious few moments with Bedside Manor

This morning we had the pleasure of having Bedside Manor, memory care facilities in Oakland on board for their weekly one hour lake excursion. Cristal Southwick visits her mom, Mary almost every day and she joined us on today’s tour. Crystal earned a Reny’s “Great Adventure“ tote bag for being the best daughter possible. The love they spared was palpable. Thank you, Bedside Manor for sharing your residents with SNOW POND CRUISES.

Baby looney Jordan

This is the actual news story from the rescue of baby Loon Jordan on SNOW POND in Oakland

Blake Island Eagle

Time for Breakfast. I took this video with an iPhone 15 Pro during a photo shoot with Photographer Peter Agnes on Monday 7/15/24

For a second tour today, we had perennial customers from Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell on board for their annual lunch on the lake tour. We parked in the Blake Island Cove in the shade and everybody enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by Granite Hill Estates. Then we enjoyed a comfortable cruise around the lake. Everyone was interested in the history of the lake. We motored at a comfortable speed to the south end of the lake, where everyone got to see a Loon sitting on the egg. This was a thrill because it was the first time they I had ever seen this. Jackie Calcagni earned her very own Reny’s tote bag for answering one of our mystery questions. There was a lot of laughter on this tour. Everyone had a great time, including myself thank you Granite Hill Estates for sharing your residents with SNOW POND CRUISES

This morning at 6 o’clock, Photographer Peter W. Agnes and I were out on the lake on a 4 1/2 hour photo shoot. Today was a day for the Eagles. It was wonderful to see so many Eagle encounters feeding in close proximity to an amazing photographer. We ventured to the marsh and found numerous endangered Black Terns and 3 Loon families, an Osprey, Great Blue Herons and we even found a Loon still sitting on the nest. This concerns me because it’s late in the season and this black colored Loon was in the open sunlight with its mouth wide open, presumably to dispense body heat. Thank you Peter and I can’t wait for our next photo excursion.

Today we had returning customers from two years ago Megan Labrie along with her husband, Adam and their friends, Shauna and Brian from as far away as Barrington New York on board to celebrate Adam‘s 40th birthday. He played it up for all it was worth. We had a blast. We had a few decorations on the boat and a loud speaker playing happy birthday. This whole thing was a huge surprise. Megan had a tiara and a 40th birthday sash for Adam to wear and he played it up for all it was worth. The libations were flowing freely and there were plenty of snacks. Thank you, Megan and Adam for including us in this special birthday celebration.

4th of July 2024

Don’t miss tonight’s show. Viewing at private party or by boat

New Loon Family

This morning, I had the pleasure of having Photographer Peter Agnes onboard for a four hour photo session. We are excited beyond words to have a new baby Loon hatch down at Loon Cove. This chick hatched within the last 18 hours. Yesterday at 3 o’clock in the afternoon parents were still incubating the egg. There is an outside chance that there is a second baby under the wing of one of the parents but we we’ll have to wait and see. This image was taken with an iPhone 15 Pro. Peters’s images were taken using a 600 mm Nikon lens with a 1.4 X extender. We were sure to stay a safe distance away the new family. Thank you, Peter and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

The 4th of July fireworks are just around the corner. The weather looks good for Thursday night. I expect to see over 100 boats watching the show. Once again, I would like to thank all our sponsors, especially our major sponsors. Chris and Linanne Gaunce, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, 15 Airport Rd. Waterville Maine, 420 Kennedy Memorial Dr. Waterville, Maine. NLK Ink Screen Printing and Embroidery, 230 Skowhegan Rd., Fairfield, ME Gil, Julie, and family, summer residents of Brown Island, SNOW POND, Oakland, Maine. While watching the show, please turn off your boat headlights as it creates a hazard for my Son and I working on the dock. For your safety, leave your small marker lights on during the show. We will be starting with our National Anthem at 9:00 PM. Please be respectful and turn down your music, especially for that part of the show. I appreciate your fireworks videos as I will be just a tad busy.

Fourth of July 2024

I’m so excited about our Fourth of July firework show coming up on beautiful SNOW POND. I’d like to thank our major sponsors, Chris and Linanne Gaunce of Central Maine Motors Auto Group. NLC Ink Screen Printing and Embroidery located at 230 Skowhegan Rd. in Fairfield. Gil, Julie and family, summer residents of Brown Island in OAKLAND, ME. Thanks also go out to all of our other sponsors which have contributed to make this fireworks display the best ever. Additional sponsorships are still being accepted. The address is 97 Rocky Shore Ln. in Oakland, ME 04963. I have one favor to ask please pass the word to turn your headlights off on your boat. It creates a safety hazard for my son and I as we work on the dock to give you the best show ever. Thank you, thank you thank you!

Common Loon preening and giving us a wing flap

This morning at 6 AM Peter and I went out on another five hour photo shoot. Today was a nice mix of Great Blue Heron, Common Loons, and North American Bald Eagles. He got some great images and I’m sure we will see some soon. Thank you, Peter.