The Many Ways We Transport

The Ferry

The CTC ferry is the primary way to and from Chebeague Island, operating between Chebeague Island’s Stone Pier and Cousins Island Wharf.

Ferry trips are a simple, affordable, and social way to find your way on and off Chebeague. Our iconic ferries, The Islander and The Independence, run throughout the day on an efficient schedule with the trip lasting about 15 minutes between Chebeague and Cousin’s Island.

 

Barging

CTC also offers barging services for vehicles and commercial freight from April (weather permitting) to November 30th each year. Barging normally originates on Chebeague Island; Cousins Island, Yarmouth; and Yankee Marina, Yarmouth. During peak season, barging from Cousins Island (use Pogy Shore Way, Yarmouth, Maine in your GPS to get to the barge ramp!) is permitted Tuesday through Thursday only. On other days, Yankee Marina is the originating point. The barge is 43 feet by 24 feet in size and can handle most types of vehicles.

Barging fees depend on barging location (Cousins Island or Yankee Marina), the day of the week, and the type of vehicle.  The barge may also be chartered for special trips either to Chebeague or elsewhere in Casco Bay.

 
 

CTC Barging Service Policies and Procedures

  • Barging should be reserved at the CTC office in advance to ensure available space. Barging times are tide dependent. At booking, the customer will be advised of the time the barging will occur. Prior to the actual barging day, the customer will be contacted to confirm the scheduled barging time.

  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, full payment must be received when the reservation is made.

    Customers must cancel their barge reservation no less than 24 hours before scheduled departure time. Otherwise, the customer will be subject to a cancellation fee.

  • CTC assumes no liability for the loading, unloading, or transporting of the vehicle or freight. All barging customers must sign the Barge Services Agreement prior to the barging trip. CTC will not transport a vehicle or freight without a signed agreement. The agreement must be signed by each customer annually.

  • 1. The vehicle or freight should be at the barging location no less than 15 minutes before scheduled barging time. We are prohibited from allowing vehicles to stage earlier than half an hour prior to scheduled departure at Cousins Island. Late vehicles may lose their place on the barge trip.

    2. Vehicles may be left to be loaded and unloaded by the CTC crew if arranged prior to barging with the CTC office. Customers are required to load/unload the following:
    a. Junk cars (see description)
    b. Commercial vehicles
    c. Tractors
    d. Trailers
    e. Machinery (back-loaders, etc.)
    f. Other freight

    3. If the vehicle does not have a driver, then a large sign must be placed on the dashboard that states the customer’s name and the word BARGE and it should be made clear upon making the reservation that the vehicle will be unattended.

    4. Customers must follow the directions of the CTC staff on where to stage for the barge.

    5. On a space available basis, one passenger may travel with the vehicle on the barge. If there is more than one passenger (and we have the space) the second passenger will be charged a fee. In keeping with USCG regulations, under no circumstance will a barge trip depart with more than six people (not including crew) on board.

    6. Customers must follow crew instructions for loading and unloading vehicles.

  • When CTC barges vehicles that are being taken to the mainland to go to a junkyard, the vehicle must be in working order, have working brakes and not be leaking fluids. The CTC crew will not load or unload these vehicles.

Private Charters

We offer tour and charter services in Casco Bay, Maine. Known for its many scenic islands and rich history, Casco Bay is ideal for exploring by water.

The Independence is a 56-foot cruise boat that can accommodate 150 passengers. Seating is available both in the enclosed lower deck and the open upper deck (limited to 50 passengers by the USCG) where guests can enjoy the warm bay breezes and unobstructed views.

​Celebrate your next wedding, reunion, birthday or corporate event with CTC aboard the Independence. 

Each charter is customized to make the occasion unique. A list of local caterers can be provided upon request. Charters can depart from various points on the mainland, from Chebeague or from another island.

All charters are BYOB.

 

2024 Charter Price Rate

The private charter rate is $575 per hour with a two hour minimum. This includes one hour of setup time for the boat, and a staff of one captain and two deckhands, which allows the upper deck to be open. For longer charters or specialized events, different rates may apply.

Emergency

Keeping Chebeague safe is one of our top priorities. CTC is proud to be on call for the island 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency transport off the island. We provide this service at no cost to the Town or patients being transported.

If you are having an emergency, you should call 911 and they will dispatch the appropriate services, including our ferry and crew if needed.