Saco River at Camp Ellis Harbor

Marinas near Saco River at Camp Ellis Harbor

Introduction:

The twin communities of Biddeford and Saco are unique and one of the most scenic in New England. It is an area twice blessed by 10 miles of riverfront and another 10 miles of shoreline. The gentle, rolling terrain of Biddeford-Saco meets the Atlantic Ocean at several exquisite beach communities: Biddeford Pool, Hills Beach and Fortunes Rocks on the Biddeford side; Camp Ellis, Ferry Beach, Bay View and Kinney Shores on the Saco side. The Saco River is one of the cleanest in the Northeast, providing an endless variety of recreational opportunities.

[i]Information Courtesy Southern Maine Coast Tourism Association[/i]

History:

The cities share a historical heritage, too. At one time, the entire area was known as Saco Falls, and then West and East Biddeford before the latter adopted the name of Saco in 1805. Islands in the Saco River separate the two towns where you will find acres of red brick mill buildings. These mills once housed industries employing thousands of immigrant workers. Today, tourism, hospitality and marine activities are responsible for supporting the twin cities.

[i]Information Courtesy Southern Maine Coast Tourism Association[/i]

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13286.

Mariners traveling from the south must keep a sharp lookout for Beach Island, Washman Rock and Wood Island as they approach the river. Once around Wood Island, a series of buoys line the well-marked channel toward the twin breakwaters protecting the entrance to the river. Mid-channel low-water depths range from five to eight feet, necessitating a flood-tide arrival for deep-draft boats.

The approach from the north is also lined with a series of islands to watch for, with Ram Island being the last in the chain as you near the Saco River breakwater. A shoal with six- to eight-foot depths creeps eastward from Ram Island and is marked with a red buoy; do not cut behind this mark.

Most of the area marinas are located on the north side of the river along the breakwater and inside the river entrance. Keep a close watch for anchored and moored boats, and if traveling farther upstream give all aids to navigation your utmost attention along the twisting channel as it makes its way toward Biddeford-Saco.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

Boating, fishing, hiking, beach combing and outdoor activities are the most popular “things to do” when visiting the Biddeford-Saco area.

Several good restaurants dot the downtown area, with seafood and steaks being the main fare on their menus.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for detailed information.

Transportation:

The Biddeford Municipal Airport is 2.5 miles south of the town center and offers general aviation services.

The Portland International Jetport is about 15miles northeast of Biddeford-Saco with daily commercial jet service.

Ground transportation is available to both airports from local taxi services in Biddeford-Saco.

Helpful Links:

url=http://www.biddefordsacochamber.org/calendar-of-events.shtml]Biddeford-Saco Calendar of Events[/url]

Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Portland International Jetport

Biddeford Municipal Airport