Finestkind Inc
BackFinestkind Inc., operating from its base at 70 Perkins Cove Rd in Ogunquit, Maine, presents itself as a specialized tour operator rather than a conventional travel agency. With a history that reportedly dates back to 1956, the company has established a significant presence in the local tourism landscape, focusing exclusively on maritime excursions that showcase the coastal beauty and marine life of the region. This long-standing operation has garnered a high average rating from a substantial number of customers, suggesting a consistent level of service. However, a comprehensive look at its offerings and the customer experience reveals both significant strengths and notable logistical challenges that potential visitors should consider.
The Core Offerings: A Focus on Coastal Experiences
The company's portfolio of boat tours is diverse, catering to a range of interests and demographics. Unlike agencies that handle complex itineraries, Finestkind Inc. keeps its focus local and experiential. Their primary services revolve around several distinct types of cruises, each designed to offer a different perspective of the Maine coast.
Lobstering Trips
A cornerstone of their offerings is the lobstering trip, an excursion designed to be both entertaining and educational. This tour provides a practical look into Maine's most famous industry. According to numerous visitor accounts, the crew is adept at explaining the intricacies of lobstering, from the anatomy of the traps to the life cycle of a lobster. Passengers often get to see the crew haul traps from the ocean floor, and the contents can be unpredictable, adding an element of authenticity. Experiences have included seeing not just lobsters but also other sea creatures like pregnant crabs, which provides a hands-on learning opportunity. This makes the trip a particularly strong option for family travel, with reviews indicating it holds the attention of children, particularly those in the 4 to 11 age range, by making the learning process interactive and tangible.
Nubble Lighthouse Cruises
Another highly popular option is the Nubble Lighthouse cruise. This scenic boat excursion provides passengers with water-based views of the iconic Cape Neddick "Nubble" Light. The journey along the coastline offers picturesque sights that are often the highlight for many visitors. The narration provided during these trips is frequently cited as a major positive. Guides are described as being not only knowledgeable about the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area but also engaging and humorous, adding significant value to the sightseeing experience. This tour appeals to photographers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing way to appreciate the coastal scenery.
Specialty and Cocktail Cruises
Beyond the mainstays, Finestkind Inc. also provides other organized trips, including cocktail and breakfast cruises. These are geared more towards an adult clientele seeking a leisurely time on the water. The cocktail cruises, for instance, offer a chance to enjoy the coastal views during sunset, with onboard service for drinks. One customer specifically mentioned a "blueberry lemonade special," indicating a touch of local flavor in their offerings. These specialty cruises position the company as a versatile tour operator capable of catering to different moods, from educational family outings to relaxed social gatherings.
The Onboard Experience: Staff and Amenities
A recurring theme in customer feedback is the exceptional quality of the crew. Staff members, including tour narrators like Kathleen and Max mentioned in reviews, are consistently praised for being friendly, funny, and deeply informative. This human element appears to be a critical component of the company’s success. The crew’s ability to connect with passengers, share interesting facts, and manage the trip smoothly contributes significantly to the positive ratings. Some visitors have even been given the chance to briefly steer the boat under supervision, creating a memorable and personal moment. Furthermore, the company shows attention to passenger comfort. The provision of blankets on chilly days is a small but frequently appreciated gesture. The overall atmosphere is reported to be welcoming and professional, ensuring that the time spent on the water is pleasant.
The Major Hurdle: Logistics and Planning
Despite the high praise for the tours themselves, there is a significant logistical issue that every potential customer must be aware of: parking. The location in Perkins Cove, while scenic, is notoriously difficult for vehicle access and parking. This is not a minor inconvenience; reviews repeatedly describe parking as "very limited," "tricky," and expensive. Lots nearby can fill up extremely early in the day, with hourly rates being high and some lots charging a flat daily rate of $30 or more. Visitors have reported circling the area waiting for a spot to open up. This situation requires proactive planning. The strong advice from past customers is to arrive well in advance of a scheduled tour—some suggest arriving more than an hour and a half early—to secure a parking space. This challenge is a major drawback and can add stress and significant extra time to the outing. The ease of the online travel booking system for the tours stands in stark contrast to the difficulty of the on-the-ground logistics of just getting to the boat.
Considerations for Potential Customers
When evaluating Finestkind Inc., it's important to weigh the high-quality maritime experience against the significant pre-boarding challenges. The company excels as a provider of local tourism attractions. The tours are well-conceived, the staff is excellent, and the experience on the water is consistently rated as positive and memorable for a variety of travelers.
What Works Well:
- Expert and Engaging Crew: The staff's knowledge and personality are a standout feature.
- Variety of Tours: A good selection of cruises caters to families, couples, and sightseers.
- Educational Value: The lobstering tour, in particular, offers an authentic and informative look at a key part of Maine's culture and economy.
- Scenic Beauty: The tours provide an excellent vantage point for appreciating the natural beauty of the Ogunquit coastline and its landmarks.
What to Be Prepared For:
- Parking Difficulties: This is the single biggest negative. Arrive very early and be prepared for expensive parking. It is a critical part of planning your trip.
- Dependence on Nature: As with any wildlife or sea-based tour, experiences can vary. A storm might damage a lobster trap, or the weather could be less than ideal. This is part of the authentic experience but is something to keep in mind.
In conclusion, Finestkind Inc. stands out as a reputable and highly-rated provider of specialized boat tours. It is not a full-service travel agency but a dedicated local expert. For those who plan ahead for the parking situation, the reward is a well-executed and enjoyable maritime adventure led by a professional and personable crew. The company’s longevity and positive reputation are well-earned through its performance on the water, even if the journey to the dock can be a challenge.
