All Portland Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

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 small-group 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.

Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Experience the scenic coastline of Casco Bay in Portland, aboard a traditional Maine windjammer. Sail past lighthouses, rocky islands, and wildlife while enjoying the peaceful pace of a classic schooner cruise. Bring your own picnic and drinks to enjoy on board as you take in the views. Suitable for all ages, this relaxing sailing experience offers an authentic way to discover the beauty of the coast.

Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

Dive straight into Portland’s working waterfront—where the smell of the sea, and the bustle of the wharves, set the tone for an unforgettable walk through the city’s past. This immersive experience blends local history with maritime culture, offering a deeper look at how Portland grew from a rugged seaport into one of New England’s most vibrant coastal cities. As you stroll the cobblestone streets and working wharfs, your guide will share tales of shipbuilders, merchants, fires, and fishermen who shaped Portland’s story.

Portland Explorer: Working Waterfront Walking Tour with Seafood

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

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.

Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine

50 minutesFree Cancellation

Avoid the tourist traps and taste Portland, Maine's best donuts on a small-group walking tour. Follow your guide around the Old Port and sample several hand-picked donuts at award-winning bakeries with coffee or water included. Walk a scenic loop while hearing stories of Portland’s history and the invention of the donut. This tour offers a flavorful mix of food and local tales, perfect for food lovers and families alike.

Portland Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts, History & Hidden Gems

On this smartphone-guided adventure, you'll see Portland’s historic streets and discover its stories. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires. The tour is professionally produced with pro narration and music. It's location-aware walking step by step through the city. You’ll see the cobblestones streets, wharf street, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home, stops on the underground railroad, city hall, exchange street, the lobster square, historic buildings, and the best spots to eat, including the best donut shop ever. Really, it’s that good. You'll hear the stories of Portland, Anna Kendrick’s favorite hangs, Longfellow’s history, stories of lighthouses, adventure, prohibition, bootleggers, the underground railroad, Japanese mailboxes, the revolution, colonial times, and much more.

Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Sunset Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise

Experience Portland's rich history from its most impressive vantage point: the water. Adventuring along Diamond Pass, you'll glimpse a Civil War–era fort, old-school lobster boats, and all the lighthouses Portland is so famous for, including Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest. Suitable for all ages, this excursion is both a dive into Portland's past and a sightseeing adventure, a two-fer that’s leisurely, scenic, and fun.

Port City Lights Cruise

1 hourFree Cancellation

With this small-group walking tour, you'll go beyond lobsters and lighthouses and get a look at the true Portland, Maine—across 400 years of history. Meander downtown and the Old Port, visiting hidden landmarks and learning about Wabanaki leaders and other people and events left out of the history books. Discover centuries of destruction, revival, underrepresented perspectives, and other elements that mainstream tours gloss over.

Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour

Food lovers can explore Portland's historic Old Port independently, but to uncover the best places serving traditional local fare, you really need a guide to lead the way. Taste the best that Portland has to offer on this guided foodie walking tour, complete with stops at up to seven different eateries—and enough tastings to replace a meal. Along the way, your guide offers some stories about Portland's food scene, so you can get familiar with the local culinary stalwarts.

Old Port Culinary Walking Tour from Portland

3 hoursFree Cancellation

2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on a boat to a private island historic fort that’s only accessible with this tour. Leave from Portland and for a boat ride on Casco Bay, landing at the privately owned Fort Scammel on House Island. There, explore the architecture and preserved ruins of the stone fort—the only fort in the Portland harbor to see battle. Discover underground passages and learn the history of this previously inaccessible site.

Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour

Old Port "Seafood Lovers" Walking Lunch Tour in Portland, Maine

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses

3 hoursFree Cancellation

The most immersive way to see Historic Portland is on foot. Our 1 hour 15 minute walking tour takes you down the cobblestone pathways of our historic city in search of spirits that linger from times long past. Our knowledgeable guides will enchant you with tales of Portland’s most renown ghosts as well as the area's vast and rich history. You’ll hear fascinating and spooky tales from the first European settlement in 1632 right up to the present day. Discover the many times Portland has fallen and risen anew, and hear about the restless spirits who remain, unable or unwilling to move on. Follow our guides as they lead you by lantern-light sharing the ghost stories, legends, and folklore of this beautiful city.

Walk With Ghosts in Portland

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Join us for 1 1/2 hours as we cruise along the rugged coastline, complete with lighthouses, seals, seabirds, and historic forts. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the tranquil waters of Casco Bay. All ages are welcome! Whether you are nine years old or 99, cruising aboard Ruth is a unique adventure, a 39’ long classic, picnic style tour boat built in 1935 at Handy Boat in Falmouth, Maine.

Morning Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Hop on the “Guardians of the Harbor” trolley tour, a narrated journey with three lighthouse stops. Explore Portland’s maritime history and scenic beauty, disembarking at each location. First, visit Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial, reflecting wartime shipbuilding. Next, discover Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Light, learning its unique construction and the remaining WWII gun batteries. Finally, witness the iconic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine’s most vital and the nation’s third oldest lighthouse, also revealing remnants of coastal defenses. The nation’s third oldest lighthouse and one of Maine’s most important beacons. This area also features great examples of remnants of coastal defenses.

Guardians of the Harbor Trolley Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Embark on an unforgettable 1.5-hour cruise along Maine's breathtaking coastline at sunset. See four of Maine's most iconic lighthouses, spot seals and seabirds, and take in the historic forts that dot the landscape. Bring your favorite wine or beer and a delicious meal, and unwind as we cruise through the serene waters of Casco Bay. Journey aboard Ruth—a charming 39-foot classic picnic-style tour boat crafted in 1935 at Handy Boat in Falmouth, Maine. Don't miss out on this unique sunset experience!

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise Along Casco Bay

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

On this walking tour, we’ll explore the city’s significant role in the Underground Railroad and the individuals who helped shape its fight for freedom. The tour is self guided on our walking tour app. It's hands free, plays as you walk and you can go at your own pace, anytime, it never expires. You’ll walk through historic streets where ordinary citizens took extraordinary risks to assist those escaping slavery. We’ll visit former homes, churches, and workplaces that served as safe havens and meeting places for abolitionists, reformers, and community leaders. Each stop demonstrates how Portland’s waterfront and neighborhoods became centers of courage, compassion, and quiet resistance. Let’s start our journey at the Mariner’s Church Banquet Center, a landmark that saw both Portland’s growth and its dedication to justice.

Portland Underground Railroad Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Portland

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What are people saying about Portland

Afternoon Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

Deirdre_N, Oct 2026

Wonderful sail in Portland!

Take Bonine if you are prone to sea sickness and bundle up against the wind in the cooler months. And try your hand at hoisting up the sails! Above all, simply enjoy the scenic coastline and the experience of sailing on a schooner that is over 100 years old. Talk to the Captain and the crew-- they will tell you all the history and stories.

The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

Raymond_A, Oct 2026

A must do Portland tour

I would give this tour 10 stars if it were an option. We were greeted promptly at 10:00 by Derek, a real native Portlander. He is very courteous and personable. He knows the area well and made the two hours fly by. He is not only informative but hilarious. He knows his stuff. We saw what was in the itinerary and then some. If you have only two hours or two weeks in Portland this is a must do. I very much appreciate how informed Viator keeps you and so does Derek. He also texted me a list of the books and documentaries that he mentioned and I will be researching them. Hats off to a fantastic tour and one of the best tour guides ever.

Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

Mark_H, Oct 2026

It was a delightful tour....

It was a delightful tour. The driver was knowledgeable and entertaining. We toured most of the highlights of Portland and then South Portland. We stopped at the lighthouse and had time to explore the grounds and take pictures. We are glad we chose this tour.

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

William_B, Oct 2026

Made our day in Portland

The sunset cruise was just what we hoped for. John shared so much interesting information about the lighthouses and islands we passed, lobstering, and local history; and Howard skillfully navigated usamong the islands and then positioned us to see a beautiful sunset. He also found some rocks where seals and cormorants were resting. Sit on the right side for the best views. Arrive early to get an outside seat on the top deck and dress very warmly.

Sunset Windjammer Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

Jessica_D, Oct 2026

Book this sunset cruise!

This was the best sunset cruise! The crew was so friendly. They offered an opportunity to help hoist the sails for those that wanted a full sailing experience. We had ample space. There’s a bathroom on board and you could bring your own beverage and snacks. Views were amazing in October.

Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine

abishop, Oct 2026

Fun Day of Learning

It was a well run tour from taking pictures before to having blankets to keep warm on board and pictures on a screen in case you couldn’t see what we were passing well. Our tour guide, Miles, was passionate about his city’s history and stuck in funny parts throughout. Our 7 year old enjoyed the ride too. Good tip is that the check in is at kiosk not a building so no bathroom.

Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise

Brian_S, Oct 2026

Awesome tour, wonderful crew

Excellent tour. I arrived on a cruise ship and the tour dock was very easy to find. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the terminal. The tour started right on time and we were back in exactly 1 hour and 45 mins. The crew were friendly and welcoming when we boarded. The captain did the introductions and safety stuff and we were in our way. Amazing views of the lighthouses and diamond islands, casco bridge etc the narration was excellent. Really intelligent guy that definitely knew his stuff. I’ve been to Portland a few times via car but never went out on the water. I learned more about Portland in this under 2 hour journey than every prior trip combined. Highly recommend this tour. Captain Kelton was the captain and Islander was the vessel.

Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

jim_s, Oct 2026

A Fantastic, Personal Lighthouse Tour!

Great experience! The tour was very personal, with a small group of only about 10 people, (van capacity) which made it even more enjoyable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience! The tour was very personal, We had a group of around 10, tour capacity, which made the experience feel intimate and enjoyable. Christian was our tour guide and did a fantastic job. The tour lasted a little over two hours, as we were able to get an early start. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Portland!

Port City Lights Cruise

Joan_C, Sept 2026

Great Tour from a Boat

This was a tour from one of the boats. It was rather windy this day in addition to a lot of boats on the water, so the boat had a lot of movement of rocking and rolling. The guide was very informative and told us about all the light houses we encountered and the Civil War maritime history. He also told about the various people that lived along the shore line where some areas they were only there during the warmer weather and some actually stayed year around. I was amazed to hear that the water temperature never went higher than 50 degrees.

Afternoon Lighthouse Cruise Along the Coast of Portland Maine

Judy_B, Sept 2026

Sisters outing

My two sisters and I scheduled a 3:30 cruise on a Thursday. There were only two other couples, Megan our captain, and Coulter the first mate/guide. The day was pretty overcast but it was fine because it eliminated any glare off the water. We had a blast! Coulter was very knowledgeable about the history of the lighthouses and forts that we saw, and answered some of our questions with hilarious stories. We were lucky enough to spot a couple seals, and Megan also had her super sweet Frenchie Noni with her (seriously adorable and very well behaved.) Although the temps were mid to high 70’s, we had brought windbreakers and hoodies, which kept us very comfortable. The hour and a half cruise was the perfect amount of time for us, and we returned with plenty of time to check out more shops before our dinner reservation.