Glide from Portland Harbor into Casco Bay aboard Ruth, a 1935 picnic boat, and watch four iconic lighthouses ignite at sunset. This 90-minute cruise blends maritime history, seal sightings, and golden-hour photography with a relaxed, small-boat vibe.
Glide from Portland Harbor into Casco Bay aboard Ruth, a 1935 picnic boat, and watch four iconic lighthouses ignite at sunset. This 90-minute cruise blends maritime history, seal sightings, and golden-hour photography with a relaxed, small-boat vibe.
Book with Portland Schooner Co.
Book directly with Portland Schooner Co. for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Portland Schooner Co. · Portland, Maine
The boat slips away from 13 Ocean Gateway and the city contracts into a watercolor of piers and rooftops. Salt air sharpens; the harbor opens and the 39-foot wooden tour boat Ruth, built in 1935, rocks with a steady, old-boat confidence as she threads between islands. Ahead, the sun lowers itself toward the horizon and the lighthouses of Casco Bay begin to outline like punctuation marks—white towers catching flame before the sky cools.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Minimal fitness required — able to board a small boat and stand for short periods; suitable for most travelers.
Boarding is at 13 Ocean Gateway Pier in Portland; check in at the dock house listed on your reservation.
Yes—guests may bring wine, beer, and picnic food. Use spill-proof containers and be respectful of others.
Infants and small children are permitted but must sit on an adult’s lap; infant seats are available on request.
Expect to see harbor seals bobbing on the surface and seabirds such as common eiders and cormorants; sightings vary by season.
The operator may cancel for poor weather; full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure or if the operator cancels due to weather.
The tour notes stroller access and some accessibility, but dock boarding can be uneven—contact the operator ahead of time for accommodations.
Fort Gorges and the bay’s lighthouses reflect Portland’s strategic maritime role after the War of 1812 and during the 19th-century shipping boom.
Operators use small-boat protocols to minimize disturbance to wildlife and employ composting toilets to reduce waste in the bay.
Portland Schooner Co. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with Portland Schooner Co.
Book directly with Portland Schooner Co. for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now