Cut loose from Portland’s Old Port and run two hours across Casco Bay aboard a small-group powerboat. Expect close lighthouse views, seals on the ledges, and a fast, wildlife-focused tour that mixes maritime history with raw coastal scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine burbles, salt air slides over your face, and the working waterfront of Portland unspools: lobster boats tied to pilings, brick warehouses repurposed as breweries, and the occasional ferry’s wake slicing the harbor. On a two-hour powerboat cruise from the Marina by the Old Port, the city gives way quickly to the open spaces of Casco Bay, where granite ledges and more than 200 islands shape an honest, weather-worn coastline.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity level; must be able to step on/off a dock and remain seated or hold a rail for the duration
Wildlife
History
Portland’s waterfront has been a commercial port since the 18th century; its lighthouses and breakwaters grew up around a busy harbor shaped by fishing and shipping.
Conservation
Casco Bay has active local stewardship groups; visitors are asked to avoid disturbing wildlife and to pack out all trash to protect fragile island habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Experience Portland's Waterfront Public Scenic Powerboat Cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for wind and spray
Even on warm days the bay can be chilly; pack a windproof outer layer and a light fleece.
Bring motion-sickness precautions
If you feel queasy on boats, take an over-the-counter preventative before departure and sit mid-boat facing forward.
Protect gear from salt
Use a dry bag for cameras and phones — a quick spray can damage electronics.
Mind wildlife etiquette
Keep noise low and avoid leaning over railings when near seals or nesting birds to minimize disturbance.
Windproof shell
Blocks spray and wind chill while keeping you comfortable on open water.
Non-slip deck shoes
Provide stable footing on wet surfaces while boarding and moving around the boat.
Binoculars
Bring 8x–10x optics for close-ups of birds, seals, and distant lighthouses.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Reflective water increases UV exposure; protect skin and eyes even on overcast days.
summer