Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise From Portlands Old Port

The Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise from Portland’s Old Port offers a captivating exploration of the region’s maritime heritage. Passengers can witness iconic lighthouses, including the renowned Portland Head Light, as well as the islands of Casco Bay and a Civil War-era fort. With a complimentary local drink and a cash bar available, this 2-hour tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the scenic wonders of the Maine coast. However, the real allure lies in the chance to uncover the stories that have shaped this remarkable coastal landscape.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Portland.

Key Points

• 2-hour boat tour from Portland’s Old Port that offers the opportunity to witness lighthouses, islands of Casco Bay, and a Civil War-era fort.
• Includes one complimentary local, craft, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink per person, with a cash bar available for additional purchases.
• Departs precisely at the scheduled start time, so punctuality is key, as the boat won’t wait for latecomers.
• Not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted, and nearby public transportation options are available.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing for flexibility in travel planning.

Overview and Inclusions

The scenic lighthouse boat cruise from Portland’s Old Port offers passengers a chance to witness the captivating lighthouses, islands of Casco Bay, and a Civil War-era fort during the 2-hour tour.

Included in the tour is one canned local, craft, alcoholic beverage or non-alcoholic drink per person, with a cash bar available for additional purchases.

The tour has received 32 positive reviews and boasts a Badge of Excellence, indicating its high-quality experience.

Gratuities, however, aren’t included in the tour price, so passengers should be prepared to tip the crew for their excellent service.

The cruise is a must-see for anyone visiting Portland’s Old Port and seeking a scenic and informative adventure on the water.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Passengers meet at the Portland Beer Hub, located at 320 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, and must arrive 20 minutes before the tour’s scheduled start time.

The boat departs the dock precisely at the tour’s scheduled start time. This ensures a seamless departure and allows the cruise to commence on time.

Punctuality is key, as the boat won’t wait for latecomers.

The meeting point is conveniently situated, making it easy for participants to find and access the departure location.

Arriving early also allows passengers to grab a quick beverage or snack before setting sail on the scenic lighthouse boat cruise.

Accessibility and Transportation

According to the information provided, the lighthouse boat cruise from Portland’s Old Port is not wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are permitted. Plus, the cruise’s location is situated near public transportation options, making it easily accessible for a variety of travelers.

Accessibility	Details
Wheelchair Access	Not Available
Service Animals	Permitted
Public Transportation	Nearby Options
Infant Seating	Infants must sit on laps

The cruise has a maximum capacity of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all passengers.

Tour Capacity and Duration

Capacity for the scenic lighthouse boat cruise is limited to just 20 travelers per tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience on the waters of Casco Bay.

With a maximum group size, the cruise offers a more exclusive and tailored adventure compared to larger group tours. This small-scale approach allows guests to fully enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and get up-close views of the historic lighthouses dotting the islands.

The cruise typically lasts around 2 hours, providing ample time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this Casco Bay boat tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Portland’s maritime heritage.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

With flexibility in mind, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for this scenic lighthouse boat cruise from Portland’s Old Port.

This allows travelers to plan their trip with peace of mind, knowing they can adjust their schedule if needed.

The cancellation policy ensures there’s no penalty for last-minute changes, making the cruise an accessible and hassle-free option for visitors.

Whether you need to alter your travel plans or simply can’t make it on the day, this generous cancellation policy provides the flexibility to enjoy the scenic sights of Casco Bay on your own terms.

It’s a thoughtful detail that adds to the overall quality of this highly-rated excursion.

Lighthouse and Island Sights

The scenic lighthouse boat cruise from Portland’s Old Port takes passengers on an immersive journey to witness the stunning lighthouses and islands that dot the waters of Casco Bay. Cruisers will have the opportunity to marvel at the historical and architectural details of these iconic maritime landmarks, learning about their significance and role in the region’s seafaring heritage. During the tour, passengers can spot lighthouses like the Portland Head Light, known for its distinctive red roof, and the Ram Island Ledge Light, which has guarded the entrance to Portland Harbor since 1905. The cruise also provides breathtaking views of the islands in Casco Bay, each with its own unique character and history.

Lighthouse	Location	Year Built	Height (ft)	Function
Portland Head Light	Cape Elizabeth, ME	1791	80	Guide ships into Portland Harbor
Ram Island Ledge Light	Casco Bay, ME	1905	45	Mark dangerous shoals at harbor entrance
Seguin Island Light	Phippsburg, ME	1795	170	Mark the entrance to the Kennebec River
Cape Elizabeth Light	Cape Elizabeth, ME	1924	93	Guide ships along the Maine coast
Halfway Rock Light	Casco Bay, ME	1871	79	Mark an isolated ledge in the bay

Civil War-Era Fort Exploration

During the scenic lighthouse boat cruise, passengers also explore a captivating Civil War-era fort that has stood guard over the Casco Bay for over a century. This historic structure, now a popular attraction, offers a glimpse into the region’s military past and the strategic importance of its coastal location.

Visitors can wander through the fort’s impressive stone walls, discovering:

• Remnants of original cannons and artillery pieces used for coastal defense.
• Underground tunnels and passageways that were once part of the fort’s intricate network.
• Informative displays and exhibits detailing the fort’s construction and role during the Civil War era.
• Breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and lighthouses from the fort’s vantage point.

Onboard Beverage Options

Included in the cruise fare, passengers enjoy one complimentary canned local, craft, alcoholic beverage or non-alcoholic drink, with a cash bar available for additional purchases.

Whether you prefer a crisp Maine lager or a refreshing seltzer, there’s something to quench every thirst. The onboard bartenders are happy to recommend the perfect pairing to complement the scenic views of Casco Bay’s lighthouses and islands.

With a selection of locally-sourced beverages, the cruise provides a delightful way to enhance the overall experience. Sipping on a cold drink while taking in the coastal sights is the perfect way to make the most of this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Boat Cruise?

The duration of the boat cruise is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it can be inferred that the cruise is a scenic tour lasting for a certain period of time, likely ranging from an hour to a few hours.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

There are no age restrictions for children on the boat cruise. Infants must sit on laps, and the maximum group size is 20 travelers, so families with young children are welcome to join the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The cruise includes one complimentary beverage per person, and a cash bar is available for additional purchases. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Boat?

The boat has onboard restroom facilities available for passengers’ convenience during the cruise. This allows for a comfortable and enjoyable experience without the need to leave the vessel.

Is Photography Allowed During the Cruise?

Yes, photography is allowed during the cruise. Passengers are encouraged to capture the scenic views and landmarks they encounter along the way. However, flash photography may be prohibited to avoid disturbing wildlife or other guests.

Recap

The Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise from Portland’s Old Port offers an unforgettable 2-hour tour that showcases the region’s rich maritime heritage.

Passengers can marvel at iconic lighthouses, explore the islands of Casco Bay, and discover a Civil War-era fort, all while enjoying a complimentary local, craft beverage.

With its positive reviews and Badge of Excellence, this excursion provides a unique opportunity to take in the scenic wonders of the Maine coast.