Maine's First Ocean Friendly Hotel

Ocean Friendly Hotels: Small Changes, Big Impact for Maine’s Coast

Maine’s coastline is at the heart of who we are — a place we live, work, surf, explore, and protect. But our ocean and beaches are under increasing pressure from plastic pollution, unnecessary waste, and runoff that carries trash from our streets and storm drains straight into the water. That’s why Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program is such an important part of protecting the places we love.

Ocean Friendly Hotels is a voluntary program that helps hotels, inns, and lodging businesses reduce their environmental footprint through simple, practical changes. The biggest focus is cutting down on single-use plastics — the kind of items that are used for minutes but can pollute our environment for decades.

That can look like switching from mini toiletry bottles to refillable dispensers, offering water refill stations instead of plastic bottles, and replacing disposable straws, stirrers, and takeout items with reusable or more sustainable options. Many Ocean Friendly Hotels also improve recycling and waste systems so guests have clear, easy ways to reduce what ends up in the landfill.

These changes may seem small, but they add up quickly. Coastal hotels welcome thousands of visitors every season, and reducing waste at the source means less plastic entering Maine’s waterways and less trash washing up on our beaches. It also helps protect marine life and keeps our coastal ecosystems healthier for everyone.

Ocean Friendly Hotels is good for Maine — and it’s good for business. More travelers are looking for ways to vacation responsibly, and choosing ocean-friendly lodging is one way to support a cleaner, healthier coast while enjoying everything Maine has to offer.

We are pleased to recognize The Craignair Inn by the Sea in Spruce Head as our first certified Ocean Friendly Hotel. Owners Lauren and Greg Soutiea are thrilled to achieve this recognition. “Being so close to the water, we cherish the wonder and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and believe that we all need to do our part to help save our oceans. We strive everyday to lead by example and demonstrate how to run an inn and restaurant in an environmentally conscious and sustainable way, without sacrificing comfort.”

Whether you’re a traveler, a local, or a business owner, there are ways to be part of this movement:

If you’re staying on the coast:

• Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup
• Reuse towels and linens when possible
• Recycle correctly during your stay
• Support lodging that prioritizes sustainability

If you own or manage a hotel or inn:

• Consider joining the Ocean Friendly Hotels program
• Start with a few easy changes and build from there
• Ask your staff and guests for ideas — they often have great suggestions

If you care about Maine’s ocean:

• Share this program with your favorite coastal hotels
• Help spread the word about ocean-friendly travel
• Volunteer with Surfrider Maine and join local coastal protection efforts

At Surfrider Maine, we believe the ocean is worth fighting for — not just because it’s beautiful, but because it’s vital. Our coastline is a place of joy, livelihood, and connection. It deserves care.

The Ocean Friendly Hotels program is proof that real impact doesn’t always require massive change overnight. It can start with a refill station. A reusable alternative. A decision to do better.

And when we all take those steps together — businesses, visitors, and communities — we create a cleaner, healthier future for Maine’s coast.

Because the ocean gives us so much.
It’s time we return the favor.