Recently Viewed
Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine
4.3
21 Ratings
Portland
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
4.3
(21 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
A9592dmcelias
Jul 24, 2024
Afternoon lighthouse tour - Nice tour around the harbor. Crew leaders were professional and informative. I would recommend this tour group and go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad06184440571
Jul 17, 2024
Perfect Afternoon on the Water - An incredible afternoon on the water thanks to captains CJ and Luke. It was smooth cruising. Knowledgeable CJ, clearly an old hand, gave the compelling history of the lighthouses and the area. As a special treat, CJ and Luke took us to see countless harbor seals sunning themselves on rocks, eagles soaring, and an osprey sitting in an intricate nest. This lighthouse cruise was the highlight of our week in Portland. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z3389slcf
Jul 12, 2024
Great Trip to see the inner harbor - Great way to see the inner harbor without commitment to an all day trip. When booking make sure you ask for Leo and C.J. They are experienced in sailing and safety. They told us so many cool stories about the islands and surrounding areas. Definitely booking the sailing ship now that we know how great these tours are to take.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kim449
Jul 5, 2024
The highlight of our Portland trip! - Such a great cruise on the bay! We explored around many of the local lighthouses and got to see such gorgeous coastlines! Evan, our captain, was awesome because he's a lifetime local who knew so much about the area. His stories and insights were terrific and McKenna, his assistant, was equally great because she was able to answer wildlife questions.
We took the morning cruise and the water was pretty choppy but the boat handled it beautifully and provided direct sun or shelter from the wind if needed. We were so fortunate to be the only people on that cruise so we had undivided attention and comfort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrjamegumb
Jul 1, 2024
Wonderful! - Did the 4:30 pm cruise. C.J. and Mackenna were the best! We saw the lighthouses but also saw some shipwrecks and seals. If you do anything in Portland make sure this is number one on your list. Thanks ladies!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces64092063899
Jun 21, 2024
We would take the cruise again! Fantastic! - Fantastic journey hosted by McKenzie and CJ on “Ruth”! We saw the lighthouses, but also a schooner wreck visible only at low tide, and seals! Very informative, interactive, relaxing, and restorative! We recommend them HIGHLY!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_c
Jun 16, 2024
Fun afternoon excursion on the water - Had a blast on this afternoon cruise! Loved seeing the lighthouses from the water and learning more about them and the islands in Casco Bay!
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_s
Jul 23, 2024
Not for me - I took an excellent tour right before this one on land and learned a lot.
This tour had very little education or narration. There was music with a beat playing throughout the tour and it was distracting to me.
I did not enjoy this tour.
I was expecting more education and interaction.
If you want just a boat ride with pointing out a few things and minimal education, you may enjoy this. I did not.
Review provided by Viator
