Private Sunset Powerboat Cruise in Casco Bay — Portland Harbor Lighthouses & Wildlife
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated with light movement on and off the dock.
Overview
Glide past iconic lighthouses, seals and working lobster boats as the sun lowers over Casco Bay on a private two-hour powerboat cruise from Portland. Perfect for small groups, the trip mixes maritime history, wildlife viewing and cinematic sunset light.
Private Sunset Powerboat Cruise in Casco Bay — Portland Harbor Lighthouses & Wildlife
Select participants and date
The boat slips away from the dock and Portland’s brick-lined piers shrink into a row of chimneys and waterfront restaurants. Salt and diesel braid in the air as Avelinda’s Maine-built hull cuts through the slow traffic of lobstermen and ferries. Ahead, the sky melts—citrine, coral, then violet—turning the slate water into a moving canvas. On a two-hour private cruise you feel the hourglass of the day tipping toward dark, and the coast responds: lighthouses wink on, seals bob closer to investigate, and gulls wheel like punctuation above the wake.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early
Be at the dock at least 10 minutes before departure to stow gear and meet your captain by the locked gate near the Saltwater Grille.
Dress in layers
Even in summer the wind off the bay cools quickly after sunset—bring a windproof outer layer and a warm mid-layer.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Binoculars increase your chance to see seals, ospreys and distant island details; a camera with a short telephoto (70–200mm) is ideal for lighthouse shots.
Manage seasickness proactively
If you’re sensitive, take anti-nausea medication an hour before departure and sit near the boat’s centerline for the steadiest ride.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Ospreys (and occasional bald eagles)
History
Portland Head Light has guarded the harbor since 1791; Casco Bay’s islands supported fishing, shipbuilding and coastal defenses that shaped the city’s maritime identity.
Conservation
Keep distance from seal haul-outs and nesting birds, pack out all trash, and respect lobstermen’s gear—these simple practices reduce disturbance to wildlife and sustain working waterfronts.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks the cooling bay wind after sunset and keeps you comfortable on deck.
summer specific
Binoculars
Helps spot seals, ospreys and distant island features for both wildlife viewing and photography.
Seasickness medication
Useful for anyone prone to motion sickness—take before boarding for best effect.
Small soft-sided cooler or bag
Keep snacks and drinks chilled; there’s a refrigerator onboard but space is limited.