Portland-harbor-lights-and-sights-cruise-casco-bay-lighthouses-forts
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—mostly standing and short walks on/off the dock; suitable for families and seniors.
Overview
Board at Long Wharf and let Portland fall behind as the harbor opens into a route of lighthouses, Civil War-era fortifications, and glacial ledges. This 105-minute cruise pairs maritime history with close-up views of Casco Bay beacons—ideal for photographers and curious travelers.
Portland-harbor-lights-and-sights-cruise-casco-bay-lighthouses-forts
Select participants and date
You step off Commercial Street onto Long Wharf and the city exhales salt and diesel; gulls argue over a scrap and the skyline loosens its grip as the ferry eases away. The deck smells of sea-worn rope and coffee, and within minutes Portland’s brick facades are a low coastline while a procession of granite ledges and iron beacons begin to organize themselves into a navigation chart of memory: Bug Light with its Corinthian columns, the squat profile of a Civil War fort, and the lonely cone of a lighthouse clinging to a shoal.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to redeem tickets
Allow at least 15 minutes to collect tickets at the Long Wharf kiosk before boarding; lines form on busy summer days.
Dress in layers and windproof outerwear
Wind off the bay can be much colder than the waterfront—bring a light shell even on warm days.
Bring binoculars and a telephoto
A 70–200mm lens or compact binoculars will let you read architectural details on lighthouses and photograph seals without crowding.
Manage seasickness proactively
If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before departure and sit midship for the smoothest ride.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Gulls and terns
History
The route showcases lighthouses commissioned from the early republic through the early 20th century and a Civil War–era fort modeled on Fort Sumter—signs of Portland’s strategic maritime role.
Conservation
Casco Bay organizations monitor seal populations and water quality; keep the deck clear of litter and avoid feedings that disrupt local wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against chill and spray on the open deck.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps you view and photograph distant lighthouses and wildlife.
Non-slip shoes
Wet decks and gangways can be slippery—stable footwear reduces risk.
Small daypack with water and snacks
Keeps essentials handy since onboard snackbar offerings are limited.