The beautiful port city of Portland, Maine has plenty to explore along the water and its other neighborhoods. However some of the best adventures we had in Portland were part of guided tours. This is simply because we do not have our own boat, do not know the in and outs of every part of the historical neighborhoods, or we simply cannot drive while tasting the local breweries.
We have compiled this list of our top five favorite tours that run in and around Portland. Some of these tours only run seasonally during the warmer months, while others require advance reservations. So plan your trip to Portland accordingly, but most importantly enjoy this fun and friendly city!
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
Climb aboard the trolley for a historic tour of Portland with Portland Discovery. Enjoy some of the iconic spots including the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow house and the Victoria Mansion along with some hidden gems of Portland.
This is the perfect tour to bring you to the iconic Portland Head Light lighthouse with plenty of time to walk around and photograph the area. The hour and forty five minute trolley tour includes a 30 minute stop at Portland Head Light. Tickets are $28 per adult and the tours run seasonally from the end of April to the end of October.
Maine Brew Bus
Hop aboard the lime green Brew Bus for a guided tour of several of the best craft breweries in the region. The breweries range from the well established to brand new, with a rotating schedule of nearly 30 locations and over a dozen different tour options. Beyond the tastings, you also get a behind the scene look at the brewing process and a range of brewery setups.
Have no fear about getting around and let everyone in your group try some local libations with the Maine Brew Bus. It is not just about the local brews, they also offer wine and spirits tours or a combination of all three. Tours range from $65 to $85 per person with a variety of tours running each day, so check the schedule to find the one that matches your interest.
Sunset Schooner Sail
Hop aboard a historic schooner for a romantic sail through Casco Bay with Portland Schooner Company. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the boat, set sail for where the wind will take it. While they try to sail towards the waters off of Portland Head Light, the wind direction does not always allow. Either way you will get to see the beautiful coast of Maine and its diverse wildlife.
The schooners sail daily from May through October with multiple departures throughout the day, but we highly recommend the latest in the day for an enjoyable sunset sailing. The two hour sailing costs $45 per adult and you can bring along your own food and drinks if you would like to enjoy a picnic at sea.
Lucky Catch Lobster Cruises
No trip to Portland or Maine in general would be complete without the chance to catch some live lobsters. With Lucky Catch Cruises the tour is not just about picking up the lobster traps. You can also refill the fish bait bags, learn the history and laws regarding lobstering of Maine and about the life of a lobster/fisherman. Did you know that to keep a caught lobster in Maine it has certain size requirements and cannot be too big or too small?
The lobster cruises enjoy a scenic ride along the way, with route options including White Head Passage, a chance to spot seals, and even a glimpse of Portland Headlight. Tickets for the 90 minute lobster tour are $35 per adult with the opportunity for you to purchase some fresh caught lobster at the end of the tour.
Maine Duck Tours
One if by land, two if by sea, or both if by Maine Duck Tours! Enjoy an exciting tour on land through the historic district of Portland before driving straight into the water for a look at the waterfront from the waters of Casco Bay. This hour long tour is perfect for a glimpse at the city both on dry land and water. Tickets are $31 per adult with advance reservation recommended.
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