Private Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat with Drinks
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Portland, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
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.
- Pass by four different lighthouses, with ample photo opportunities
- Your captain will be able to tell you all about Maine and life on the water
- Feel free to bring your own food and drinks; utensils and plates are provided
- Eco-friendly composting toilet on board
What's Included
- Licensed Captain
- Bottled water
- Cooler, glassware, plates, & utensils for guest use
- Private Charter for up to 6 guests (cost is a flat rate)
- All Fees and Taxes
- Restroom on board
- Alcoholic BeveragesEnjoy a local Portland, Maine beer or a glass of wine on us!
- Soda/PopNon-alcoholic beverages are available for kids or anyone who prefers an alternative
- Local Guide
- Parking in Portland's Old Port
- Gratuity for your Guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gilberts Chowder House92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Meet at the back of the parking lot between Gilbert’s Chowder House and Dry Dock in Portland’s Old Port. Arrive 20 mins early to find parking. Wait at the top of the boat ramp next to Boone’s Fish House & The Porthole deck. Your deckhand will meet you at the ramp just before tour time
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Portland (Pass By)
Bug Light Park (Pass By)
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse (Pass By)
Portland Head Light (Pass By)
Ram Island Ledge Light (Pass By)
Casco Bay (Pass By)
Fort Gorges (Pass By)
Peaks Island (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jamie_S
Such a lovely crew and experience. They were flexible with us, super kind and really made it a special outing. The boat is beautiful!
Reviews
4.8
based on 65 reviews
Diana_D, Oct 2025
Fun adventure with a fantastic captain and crew! A wonderful overview of Portland’s coastline, lighthouses, and neighborhoods from the comfort of your private luxury boat!
Jan_S, Oct 2025
What a great way to see Portland from the water! Great tour guides and beautiful boat make this cruise to remember!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed seeing Portland from the water — it really is a special perspective. Our crew takes pride in making each trip memorable, and we’re thrilled the boat and the experience left a lasting impression. Hope to see you back on Casco Bay soon!
Michael_W, Sep 2025
It was a relaxing, wonderful way to tour the Portland Harbor and see the lighthouses and islands. I highly recommend Captain Nick and his mate, Lauren.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed a relaxing cruise around the harbor — it’s one of the best ways to experience Portland’s beauty. Captain Nick and Lauren will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
Allen_C, Sep 2025
SCAM. Do not schedule this tour. Called me 15 minutes after they told me they would be there. "Engine trouble." Was $380 per person or $740 for six people. I think they realized and just canceled.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
We’re very sorry your experience didn’t go as expected. On rare occasions, mechanical issues do arise — and when they do, guest safety is always our top priority. We understand how disappointing it is when plans change unexpectedly, and we always aim to communicate promptly and transparently.
To clarify: the rate for our Private Sightseeing Charter aboard the Monhegan is a flat rate for the entire boat — up to 6 guests — not a per-person charge. We’d be happy to connect directly to walk through the details and ensure any questions are fully addressed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Ryan_D, Aug 2025
If you’re visiting Portland, whether as a first-timer or returning guest. this is a must! You’ll get a beautiful view of the harbor, surrounding islands, and maybe see some seals! The Captain and Deckhand were friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you, Ryan! We love hearing that your time on the bay was a highlight of your Portland visit. Whether it’s the views, the wildlife, or the warm hospitality from our crew, we aim to give every guest a true taste of Casco Bay. We really appreciate the recommendation — hope to see you back on board someday!
Jamie_S, Jul 2025
Such a lovely crew and experience. They were flexible with us, super kind and really made it a special outing. The boat is beautiful!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you, Jamie! We’re so glad the crew helped make your time on the bay feel relaxed and special — flexibility and kindness are at the heart of what we do. And we’re thrilled you enjoyed the boat itself — she’s a beauty we’re proud to share. We’d love to have you back anytime!
Taryn_C, Jun 2025
It was fantastic!! Beautiful sites and very informative. Captain Nick and Jack were amazing! Highly recommend this excursion!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks so much, Taryn! We’re thrilled to hear you had a fantastic time on the water — Captain Nick and Jack will be glad to know they made your trip memorable. The scenery out there really is something special, and we appreciate the kind recommendation. Hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
Dave_M, Jun 2025
Captain Nick and first hand Jack were great, it was just the right amount of narration and private time to take in the scenery. They do have catering services available but the orders needed to be placed at least 3 days b4 tour, which Viator site didn’t call out. Next time we’ll know!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks, Dave — we’re so glad you had a great trip with Captain Nick and Jack! That balance of storytelling and quiet time to take in the views is exactly what we aim for. And thanks for the note about catering — it’s available for all private charters. When booking directly through our website, you’ll have the option to add catering to your charter during checkout but we don't quite have those booking flow options when setting up the charter through Viator. Sorry for any confusion there and we’d love to have you back aboard anytime!
Larry_I, Jun 2025
Great trip. Host your friendly and easy. Really enjoyed it. Would do it again. Beautiful coastline and very informative host to tell us about the area.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for cruising with us! We’re so glad you had a great time exploring the coastline and learning a bit about the bay along the way. Our crew aims to keep things relaxed, informative, and fun — and we’d love to have you back anytime!
Wendi_R, Oct 2024
Perfect experience! Tristan was a great 1st Nate and shared lots of info.. beautiful scenery leaves at peak color
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you, Wendi! Sounds like you caught the foliage at just the right time — nothing beats peak color out on the bay. We’re so glad you enjoyed the cruise and that Tristan helped make the experience both fun and informative. Hope to see you back aboard in another season!
Tracy_W, Sep 2024
Seeing the lighthouses was interesting. The tour guide didn't provide much narration. Maybe because the tour was riding by the lighthouses and fort remains.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
We are truly sorry your cruise with us did not meet your expectations. Our crew strives to balance conversations and narration with the serenity of our private setting and the natural beauty around us. Knowing each group is different, we do our best to “read the room,” but in this case it seems we didn’t quite get that balance right. Once again, our apologies and we would happily offer you a free outing with us next time you are in Portland if you’d like.
Angela_C, Aug 2024
Absolutely, hands down, the way to see Portland! It was so lovely to have the tour all to ourselves and having Nick as our captain and Lauren as our wonderful guide was the icing on the cake! She was so personable, knowledgeable and informative, but she also just let us enjoy the ride as well. The boat was meticulously beautiful and clean with fresh flowers, a speaker for our music and blankets! Order the beer, wine and charcuterie from them! Totally worth it, plus I brought some extras that I knew my family would like! They welcome you bringing it on board! Was definitely the best views of the coastline and light houses! Would do it again in a heartbeat!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Angela, thank you for such a glowing review! We’re so glad you and your family got to enjoy Portland from the best seat in the house — out on the water with Capt. Nick and Lauren. It’s wonderful to hear that the small touches, like fresh flowers and curated provisions, helped make the experience feel extra special. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to the crew — they loved having you aboard. We’d be honored to welcome you back anytime!
Randy_M, Aug 2024
Fantastic experience! WE highly recommend the fantastic Captain and first mate and their beautiful boat. Absolutely one of our favorite experiences - and we’ve done hundreds of viator experiences all over the world.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Wow — that means so much coming from seasoned travelers like you! We’re thrilled to know your time aboard was a standout among so many global experiences. Our captain and first mate will be delighted to hear your kind words, and we’re so glad the boat and the bay left a lasting impression. Thanks again for joining us — we’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Jayme_L, Jul 2024
Tristan and Capt. Nick were great, very knowledgeable. Tristan took a great picture of us with the Portland Head Light centered in the background
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for joining us — we’re so glad you had a fabulous day on the water! Capt. Nick and Tristan loved having you aboard and are happy to hear their local knowledge (and photo skills!) helped make the experience even more memorable. That shot with Portland Head Light is always a favorite! Hope to see you back on the bay again soon.
Melissa_K, Jul 2024
Tour guide was wry knowledgeable and let us guide the discussion with questions, etc. Boat was beautiful and the being able to see the scenery and the marine life was great!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for joining us, Melissa! It was a pleasure to have you on board and we are so glad you and your group had a great time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Richard_P, Jul 2023
Incredible experience. Booked while we were in Portland Maine for a d few days with my wife and daughter. I cannot say great enough things about the crew and the boat. This trip is a must and a wonderful and different way to see Portland Maine.
Teresa_K, Sep 2022
Seeing the lighthouses from the water was great and our deckhand Luke did a great job explaining the sites to us. We liked that he didn’t talk the whole tour but gave us interesting information about Casco Bay and the landmarks and answered all of our questions, and also gave us time to to spend with each other on an amazing trip through the bay.
Sarah_M, Aug 2021
The company was very organized, prompt and good communication prior to tour. The employees were very friendly and the boat was super nice. It was a beautiful ride however a little more information and history about the area would have been cool.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Thanks for joining us, Sarah. We try to balance providing really high quality service and an informative tour while not being overbearing or talking to much "at" you. We appreciate the feedback as we work to make our charters even better. Feel free to reach out if there are any questions we can help answer. Thanks again for joining us on Casco Bay.
jenna_m, Jul 2021
Had the best time!!! Would definitely do again!! The mate and captain were both personal and knowledgeable
Carson_W, Jun 2021
We had Mary-Claire and Rick as our tour guides and the experience was EXCEPTIONAL! It was just my husband and I and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It is perfect for 2 or your whole family! We were able to purchase beer and wine while we rode through the bay. They were both knowledgeable about the area and shared many interesting facts about Portland! It was such a pleasant experience and worth every penny! We were able to see many lighthouses, forts and islands around Portland. BOOK THIS experience, you won’t regret it!
Clayton_C, Jun 2021
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see a lot of Casco Bay, including a lot of the islands and a close up view of the lighthouses. It was a great experience, and we would highly recommend it.
David_M, Sep 2020
Had a great trip around Casco Bay. Boat is very comfortable. Captain Nick and 1st mate Zack were very nice and informative.
Anna_A, Sep 2020
We had Nick and Zach as captain and tour guide/first hand. They were really great. Zach was So knowledgeable but really let us guide the information we we’re interested in and the amy of interaction. Boat was great, clean and nice variety of local brews to enjoy on board. Loved it!!! Highly recommend to any !
JVS, Sep 2020
Wonderful introduction to Portland harbor. We had hoped to see more lighthouses but were happy with the two we sailed past. We also sailed by two fortress islands. Our bonus on this outing was the sunset, one of the most glorious we had ever seen.
We did this two hour excursion as a private tour for our small family group of three which meant that we had the whole boat (big enough for perhaps 16) to ourselves.
Stephen N, Aug 2019
We took the 2 hour trip up the Maine coastline with the Charter. Nick and Zach have a beautiful, clean boat. Zach was very knowledgeable. We had great weather and a smooth ride. Will do again on another visit to Portland.
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Thank you for visiting! We would love to host you aboard MONHEGAN again on a future visit.
From $380.10
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat with Drinks
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