Casco Bay Cruise: Scenic Tour with Seals and Lighthouses

Cruise Portland’s rugged coast on a classic boat. See lighthouses, seals, and historic forts. Bring your favorite drink and relax on Casco Bay.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Portland - See the gorgeous skyline of Portland, Maine’s largest city which was established in 1786. Observe Portland’s working waterfront as fishing boats depart and return to the wharves that form the heart of Portland and are home to local businesses that have been passed down for generations.
  • Casco Bay Islands - Count the many islands of Casco Bay while gliding through its cool, clear waters. With a history that dates back to 1678, Casco Bay has so much to see.
  • Bug Light Park - View Bug Light Park’s historic 1875 lighthouse within the inner harbor of Portland. With its intricate detailing and beautiful exterior, it is not one to miss!
  • Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse - Pass by Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. This lighthouse helps guide commercial marine traffic through Portland’s busy shipping channel.
  • Portland Head Light - Take in the stunning sight of Maine’s oldest lighthouse atop the rocky shore. Portland Head Light was commissioned by George Washington and built in 1791.
  • Ram Island Ledge Light - Glimpse the humble beauty of Ram Island Ledge Light Station. Built in 1905 it emerges from the water with its stone exterior buttressed against the sea.
  • Peaks Island - Observe the comings and goings at the landing on Peaks Island, including the ferry that services the island for its residents and visitors almost hourly. The most populous island in Casco Bay and only accessible by boat Peaks Island is home to about 800 year round residents.
  • Fort Gorges - Notice the massive granite blocks that form the iconic military fort, Fort Gorges, which was built from 1858 to 1864. These striking stone blocks that are now interwoven with nature are quite beautiful to witness.
What's Included
  • Bring your own food and drink, including beer and wine
  • Environmentally friendly marine composting toilet
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Group Narration - Our captain and crew are happy to answer questions about the harbor sights!
Additional Information

Join us for 1 1/2 hours as we cruise along the rugged coastline, complete with lighthouses, seals, seabirds, and historic forts. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the tranquil waters of Casco Bay. All ages are welcome! Whether you are nine years old or 99, cruising aboard Ruth is a unique adventure, a 39’ long classic, picnic style tour boat built in 1935 at Handy Boat in Falmouth, Maine.

Location
Fore Points Marina
Marina Way
Your sail will be departing from Fore Points Marina at 1 Marina Way. If you are driving, there is parking along the way on Commercial/Thames Street. The Captain will meet you at the blue picnic tables across the train tracks from the Marina shed/entry.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(25 Ratings)
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Flightaware2018
Oct 1, 2024
Fun on the Bay - Captain Josh and First Mate Mckenna were totally attentive and informative, answering my constant questions conversationally, not as automaton guides. Great, personal and fun tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherry20182018
Sep 17, 2024
Good tour - It was a nice cruise of the bay. We had a friend worried about motion sickness so this was perfect because it was slow and not choppy. It was a beautiful day to be on the water. We brought a cocktail and relaxed while listening history. It was perfect timing - not too short, not too long. I would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kin_t
Sep 15, 2024
Josh and Dan - Josh and Dan were a wealth of information. They made the trip worth while. Engaging and funny - great combination!
Review provided by Viator
Kendyl_s
Sep 8, 2024
Relaxing Boat Ride - We had a great time aboard the Ruth! Our captain Josh, and his first mate Greta were very knowledgeable about the area, very friendly and super fun! This trip is perfect for kicking back, relaxing, and taking in the beautiful sights of Casco Bay. If you’re looking for a fully narrated tour, this is not the trip for you. If you’re looking for a natural conversation with two locals, this is the trip for you.
Review provided by Viator
Yuliya_m
Sep 20, 2024
Quick overview - While both of the gentlemen were great and friendly and of course the views themselves were gorgeous. It was a bit too hard to hear their commentaries and it felt that you were missing out if you were sitting up front when they were explaining something to someone sitting toward the back
Review provided by Viator
Mrjackcoffee
Sep 25, 2024
False tales on cool boat - First mate said lies about Cushing Island and Titanic brothers. It was odd because she said very little else on the trip. It was a simple boat ride. Boat- Ruth is 90 years old and that was cool.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spence_l
Sep 19, 2024
Not memorable - The tour was fine, but nothing special. We didn’t really learn a heck of a lot about the area unless we asked questions. And then the answers were pretty superficial. It was more a boat ride than a tour.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_m
Sep 14, 2024
Worn Ruth - Great Crew - Our captain proudly introduced us to the 90 year old boat "Ruth" and she decided to let her steering go. We had to be pulled back into our slip - and had our money returned.
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_b
Aug 29, 2024
Disappointing! - This was most disappointing. Although the boat ride was pleasant there was no narration from the crew. No history or information about the light houses or anything about where we were. One of the crew members was answering questions for some people but did not share the answers with the group. From what I heard from one of the guests who was sitting next to the crew member, there were some very interesting stories. As a tourist and someone not familiar with the area It would have been nice to hear some of those stories, which is what I expect when taking these tours. If you are looking to just cruise then this would be fine. If not I would not recommend. The description on Viator should say no narration. Very misleading.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_d
Sep 18, 2024
Bait and switch - They canceled the small tour and wanted us tobtake a much larger tour. Felt like a bait and switch. We asked for a full refund.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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