Top Portland Outdoor Activities

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.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean on our whale-watching tour departing from Portland, Maine. Set sail from the historic harbor, where you'll board a comfortable vessel equipped for a thrilling marine adventure. As we cruise along the rugged coastline, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic giants of the sea – humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales are frequently spotted in these waters. Our experienced naturalist guides will be with you every step of the way, providing fascinating insights into the behavior and biology of these incredible creatures. The tour also offers the opportunity to observe a variety of other marine life, including seals, porpoises, and a wide range of seabirds. Don't forget to bring your camera, as you'll want to capture these unforgettable moments.

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.

Set sail for some incredible sights off the coast of Portland, Maine. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, and feel free to pick your captain and crew’s brains on the scenery. Kick back, relax, and bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy as your captain sails towards wonderful views of lighthouses and historic forts.

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!

Lighthouses are an iconic image associated with coastal Maine and Portland showcases some from the 1800s. Join this bicycling tour in Portland and see two of the city’s lighthouses from the 19th century. Follow quiet roads along South Portland’s coast to reach a small lighthouse called Bug Light, still in use today. Ride farther to Spring Point where a larger lighthouse awaits at the end of a long granite breakwater.

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.

Sail with us for a two-hour morning Windjammer Sail on Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. This is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the rugged coastline, complete with lighthouses, seals, and seabirds. (NOTE: This is NOT a narrated tour, but our crew is happy to answer any questions you have about the sites). All ages are welcome, whether you are nine years old or 99, sailing aboard one of our Maine historic schooners is a unique adventure. See Fort Gorges, Bug Light Park, and the beautiful Portland coastline. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as you slip through the pristine waters of Casco Bay. All of our wooden windjammers were built in Maine and three are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

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.

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

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.

Discover the lighthouses and coastal landmarks of Portland on a small-group biking tour. Hop on a provided bicycle and follow your guide to the Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge, and Portland Head lighthouses. Along the way, learn about their storied histories. Other highlights include the Liberty Ship Memorial, Cape Elizabeth, and Willard Beach. Set at a leisurely pace, the adventure also includes a complimentary lobster roll lunch at an award-winning food truck.

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.

Come sailing aboard Heart's Desire, designed by famed yacht designer - John Alden, measures 53' feet and features some of his trademark design elements. Built in 1925 by T.S. Soule in South Freeport, Maine, Heart's Desire is 100 years old this year and has been used mainly for chartering along the Eastern seaboard in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine. This two-hour private, morning sail is the perfect way to experience Maine's coastline. Whether you are interested in getting married in an intimate setting, a special way to celebrate a reunion, birthday or anniversary, or just want to enjoy sailing at its finest, step aboard and plan an event never to be forgotten!

Witness the stunning sunset over Casco Bay on this two-hour public powerboat cruise aboard the classic Maine-built vessel, Avelinda. As the sun sets, enjoy picturesque views of iconic lighthouses like Portland Head Light and serene islands such as Peaks Island. With a maximum of six guests per boat, relish an intimate experience while keeping an eye out for local wildlife like seals and seabirds. Captains with extensive local knowledge share tales of the region's rich history, making this cruise a perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of Maine's coast. Open to all ages, it’s a memorable outing for families and couples alike. - 2-hour scenic sunset cruise through Casco Bay - Maximum of 6 guests for an intimate experience - Spot local wildlife and iconic Portland lighthouses - Knowledgeable captains share local history and ecology

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.

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.

Experience the stunning beauty of Casco Bay on a personalized intimate (up to 6 guests per trip), public 2-hour powerboat cruise. Whether you're looking for a scenic sightseeing tour, an up-close encounter with Maine’s wildlife or a journey through the region’s rich maritime history, this exclusive charter is designed to provide an unforgettable adventure. Departing from the working waterfront, you’ll glide past busy wharves lined with lobster boats, ferries, and historic brick buildings that reflect Portland’s seafaring heritage. From the start, the mix of city energy and natural beauty sets the tone for an unforgettable journey on Casco Bay. Seals often bask on rocky ledges, ospreys and bald eagles soar overhead, and in the summer months, porpoises sometimes surface alongside the boat. Whether it’s spotting seabirds, breathing in the salty ocean air, or simply enjoying the thrill of the ride, a powerboat cruise from Portland offers both adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

With surrounding streams and ponds, beaches, man-made canals, and natural coves and inlets, Sebago Lake is ideal for exploring on kayaks. If you haven’t brought one with you, this rental can help you get on the water. After a safety briefing, take off from a private launch designed for easily getting in your kayak and into the water, and explore the natural beauty of the lake for about 4 hours.

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.

Spend two hours kayaking on Sebago Lake with this guided tour led by a professional guide, suitable for experienced kayakers and complete beginners. As you paddle along the gentle waters, your guide will tell you all about the local area. Expect to see all sorts of birds, fish, and turtles as you paddle against the backdrop of the setting sun.