Top Portland Outdoor Activities

Explore the heart of Portland and head out to see some of the area's hidden gems and less-visited spots with this guided sightseeing tour. Your guide, a born-and-raised Portlander who works as a college librarian by day, shows you off-the-beaten-path locations and shares with you all sorts of local lore along the way.

Visitors to Portland can easily miss some of Maine's most stunning sights, since you really need a car to explore the scenic coastline. Avoid the headache of arranging your own transportation, or renting a car, on this guided tour of Portland's must-see sights. Stop in downtown Portland, and visit three lighthouses, including Portland Head Light—an historic lighthouse perched on the rocky coast.

Board your boat, the Elizabeth Grace, near the Portland ferry terminal and cruise around Portland Harbor at sunset, when Casco Bay and the coast of southern Maine are the most romantic. See lighthouses, historic forts, and stray groups of swimming seals and enjoy local craft beer from the boat. As the sun sets, turn toward Portland to see the town light up before returning to harbor.

Visit Portland’s scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. Learn about Portland’s maritime past as you explore cobblestone streets with enjoy plenty of time to browse souvenir shops and sample the area’s most distinctive foods. Finish your tour in the heart of downtown, near historic wharves, restaurants and boutiques.

Explore the lighthouses of the South Portland Greenbelt Pathway by bicycle with this guided tour. You'll visit Bug Light, Point Ledge Light, and Portland Head Light with a local guide. You'll also have the chance to stop at a local food truck for a lunch of lobster rolls before returning to your starting point.

Explore one of Maine’s most picturesque boating destinations—and enjoy a more up-close experience of the sights than most other tours offer—on this excursion by rigid inflatable boat. Departing straight from the marina, you’ll set off into the bay with just a small group for company. Spy the region’s many islands and lighthouses; look out for seals, porpoises, and other wildlife; and really immerse yourself in the maritime scenery.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case. murder on the streets of Portland. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Refer to ‘Meeting Point’ for the starting location. See images for route. Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

During Crazy Dash of Portland, you'll use an app and walk through the city to collect points by finding items around the city and performing challenges. You can find the items in any order you want. Check out the rankings in the app to see your score compared to other teams across the nation. Crazy Dash comes with a remote host to chat with you in case you need anything. Crazy Dash is our most relaxed scavenger hunt. Come explore with us in Portland!

100% Private Charter for Groups up to 15 — Flat Rate Pricing This exclusive 2-hour boat tour is designed for private groups seeking an authentic, intimate experience on Casco Bay. Unlike crowded public cruises, your group of up to 15 guests will enjoy the full comfort and charm of one of our classic wooden vessels—all to yourselves. Cruise past iconic lighthouses, historic granite forts, and stunning stretches of Maine’s coastline, with opportunities to spot harbor seals, seabirds, and other local wildlife along the way. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering with friends, this charter offers a personalized, relaxed way to experience the best of coastal Maine. Feel free to bring your own food—we provide all the glassware, plates, and utensils you’ll need. Local craft beer, wine, and other beverages are also available for purchase onboard, making it easy to sip, savor, and soak in the scenery.

Few things are more beautiful than a majestic sunset. However to see it from the waters of Portland's magnificent Casco Bay is a truly remarkable experience. Whether a first-time kayaker or experienced hand, this 2-hour tour offers phenomenal vistas of Portland harbor and cityscsape. Your only neighbors are your guide, your small group and the wildlife as you leisurely paddle back to shore.

Learn about Portland's history with this walking tour, which will take you through the Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas. You'll see all sorts of historic attractions, including the home of Hendry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and the Abyssinian Church, all with a professional guide on hand to share stories about the city's past.

This yoga class is not just movement — it's a multi-sensory, coastal escape. Set against the serene backdrop of Casco Bay, you'll flow through an all-levels class while breathing in salt air, feeling the ocean breeze on your skin, and hearing the soft call of a distant foghorn. I offer a thoughtfully curated experience that blends mindful movement, nervous system support, and deep relaxation. We’ll move together through gentle stretches and grounding flow, and end with a lavender-soaked towel, optional hands-on assist during savasana, and a locally sourced treat to take with you. This is more than just yoga — it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect with your body, and find peace on the coast of Maine.

See a new vantage on Portland and the Maine coast—and enjoy a relaxing excursion out on the water—on this sailing tour. Make your own way to the Maine State Pier, and hop aboard a traditional, Maine-built windjammer. Once you set sail, soak up the sea breezes, look out for seals, and even take a turn at hoisting the sails or behind the ship’s wheel.

Paddle among the magnificent islands of Casco Bay during this 4-hour guided sea kayaking tour in Portland. Island-hop by boat through the scenic landscape of this coastal area, admiring 19th-century forts and lighthouses along the way. As you travel you’ll scout for marine life like seals and seabirds and take a break on a local beach for snacks and exploring.

Spend three hours kayaking through Casco Bay with this small-group tour led by a professional guide. You'll launch from Mere Point in Brunswick and paddle over to a couple of different islands, with the opportunity to see all sorts of marine birds, and maybe even a seal or two, along the way.

Explore the stunning scenery and rich maritime history of Casco Bay on a private 2hr, 4hr or 6hr powerboat cruise. Ideal for families, friends, or small groups, this exclusive charter offers a personal adventure, allowing you to encounter marine wildlife, view iconic lighthouses, and discover unique islands at your own pace. With flexible scheduling and customizable experiences, this cruise promises an unforgettable day on the water, complete with opportunities for swimming and exploring Maine’s rugged coastline. - Private cruise for up to 6 passengers, ensuring an exclusive experience - Encounter marine wildlife like seals, porpoises, and seabirds - View famous lighthouses including Portland Head Light and Bug Light - Flexible departure times and customizable itineraries available – Alternative pickup available in Portland for added cost, saves 30 min of driving, contact us for availability

Explore the Portland Peninsula by bike with this small-group guided tour. Start at the Eastern Promenade, making your way along the waterfront bike path until you reach the Back Cove Trail. Your guide takes you to the Old Port to see some of the City of Portland's prettiest old brick buildings, and you learn the significance of local food, history, and culture of this area.

As we cruise the waters around Portland Harbor we will make stops at Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Light and Ram Island Ledge Light before stopping at Maine’s oldest and most iconic lighthouse, Portland Headlight. This historic beacon, with its striking architecture and stark coastal backdrop, is a sight to behold from the perspective of the Atlantic Ocean as seafarers have done for more than 200 years. After photos and information about this iconic lighthouse, we continue the ride along the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth to Two Lights State Park, whose twin lighthouses perch atop dramatic cliffs. Our best chance for wildlife comes during the next leg of the ride as we cruise open waters to Halfway Rock Lighthouse, a true maritime relic. Standing proudly on a remote ledge in the open ocean, it has guided mariners through thick fog and turbulent waters for over a century. Seals are often found hanging on the rocks and feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.

The hour just before sunset is the best time for stand-up paddling on the waters of Casco Bay. The sky tends to explode with color and the seas often become glassy and calm. This trip involves a leisurely paddle just far enough along the waterfront or into the islands to enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach. This two-hour tour is designed for people of all experience levels — including those new to stand-up paddling.

Discover the beauty of Northwest Casco Bay on a 3-hour morning kayaking tour. No experience is necessary, as you get a crash course before the tour begins and your guide is on hand at all times. Double kayaks are available, if you prefer to paddle tandem. See Brunswick and its native wildlife from a unique vantage point. Then enjoy complimentary snacks and a brief land excursion, before your return.

Kayak through the natural Maine wilderness and vast lake views for an on the water adventure. This two hour guided tour will begin with a safety briefing and lesson covering the fundamentals of recreational kayaking. Using the EZ launching system at Sebago Trails Paddling, the tour will explore the water-carved bends and twists of a meandering stream unveiling local wildlife in a rustic backdrop. Then continue onto Jordan Bay of Sebago Lake as the guides share stories dating back to the settlements of the region.

Charter a vintage lobster boat, dubbed MONHEGAN, and set sail with this two-hour tour into Casco Bay. You'll get great views of the Maine coastline, passing by four lighthouses as you go. This is a great opportunity to take photos of the coastline and waters, while learning about local nautical history from a knowledgeable captain.

Witness the stunning transformation of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay during a private sunset powerboat cruise. Aboard the classic Avelinda, enjoy a two-hour journey as the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Marvel at iconic lighthouses like Portland Head Light and glide past charming islands, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as seals and seabirds. This intimate experience is perfect for all ages, whether celebrating a special occasion or simply relishing the natural beauty of Maine's coastline. - Exclusive private cruise for up to 6 guests - Comfortable Maine-built powerboat with marine restroom - Experienced captains share local history and ecology - Flexible scheduling with multiple evening departures available - Alternative pickup available in Portland for added cost, saves 30 min of driving, contact us for availability