Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise: Inner Harbor Exploration with Historic Forts and Lighthouses

Explore the bustling inner harbor, Diamond Pass, and the main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and as many as 4 lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Portland Head Light - Maine’s oldest lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington. One of the most photographed lighthouses in the county.
  • Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse - Historic lighthouse constructed in 1897 that marks the west side of the Portland shipping channel.
  • Portland Breakwater Lighthouse - Historic lighthouse constructed 1855, designed by Thomas Walter, designer of the US Capitol dome and East and West Wings. A smaller lighthouse also known as Bug Light, it features six Corinthian columns around it’s base.
  • Fort Gorges - Civil War era fort in Casco Bay located on Hog Island Ledge. Modeled after Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Used as a storage facility in WWI & WWII.
  • Ram Island Ledge Light - Historic lighthouse on Casco Bay constructed in 1905, a twin of Graves Light off off Boston. Located on a quarter mile of ledge that marks the northern entrance into Portland Harbor.
  • Casco Bay Islands - Islands off the coast of Portland including Peaks Island, House Island, Cushing Island, Little and Great Diamond Islands, Diamond Pass and a seal habitat called Halfway Rock.
What's Included
  • On-board restrooms
  • Bar and snackbar
Location
170 Commercial St
Commercial Street
The middle window in a blue and white kiosk booth marked Long Wharf.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(375 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
982bradm
Aug 1, 2024
Perfect Saturday - A wonderful trip, just the right length of time and very interesting narration during almost the entire trip. Weather and seas were calm and it was beautiful the entire time. Staff and facilities were first class and the tour started and ended on time. We loved it - my wife and I are local (New Hampshire) and we drove over for a 'date' in the city of Portland. The cruise and dinner at "Beckys" was a perfect way to spend a Saturday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cooltrishdigi
Jul 31, 2024
Great boat cruise - This was an awesome trip. We loved learning about the various islands and seeing the seals. The captain did a great job and the tour guide Erin was fabulous. Educational and fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlos_g
Jul 29, 2024
Lighthouse - Tour was very informative and a very enjoyable boat ride with pretty sites. Easy to locate in Portland and highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_b
Jul 28, 2024
Great time! - Wonderful trip visiting many islands and learning about each one. The staff was very knowledgeable and kept the trip interesting. Loved the air conditioning on board.
Review provided by Viator
Jeanne_b
Jul 28, 2024
“A must do!” - Excellent tour for all ages! I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The price was right. Great history information! The snacks and drinks were perfect!
Review provided by Viator
Q1744gnleslied
Jul 28, 2024
Loved this tour! - This was my favorite cruise of my trip!! The boat was big and offered indoor a/c and outdoor seating. The best part was seeing multiple lighthouses! Thats the reason we came to visit New England and most tours we found you only saw 1. I loved that we could stand up & walk around. I stood at the very front for most of the tour! It was a relaxing boat ride on a beautiful day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_o
Jul 27, 2024
Must do! - We booked the lights & sights tour on a whim as we were coming through Portland on our summer road trip. It was the highlight of our visit to Portland. A beautiful tour, filled with history, lighthouses and even seals! We felt the price was very reasonable also! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Septblue68
Jul 25, 2024
Perfection - Absolutely lovely and amazing scenic cruise captain is fabulous. The girl during the tour is fabulous worth every penny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_w
Jul 25, 2024
Portland Maine Harbor tour - The boat tour was really cool. The young tour guide was very interesting. The homes on the port are amazing. Some belonging to Titanic victims. Saw birds eagles and seals too! Light houses and their history very cool Breezy bring a jacket.
Review provided by Viator
G7099dflisab
Jul 25, 2024
Need more lighthouses on tour - Tour guide was great. Engaging and knowledgeable. Loved the boat ride and saw a harbor seal. Lighthouses and historical forts were most interesting. Didn't care for all the talk about million dollar homes. Would've liked to have seen more lighthouses as this was a lighthouse tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today