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Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat

Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat

Overview

100% PRIVATE TOUR! Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private, 2-hour lighthouse viewing & sightseeing charter. Leave the crowds behind as we cruise through the islands of Casco Bay, passing four iconic lighthouses, historic 19th-century forts, and the stunning Maine coastline.

Charters depart from Portland’s Old Port and are perfect for families and small groups. Each charter is completely private for up to 6 guests, and all ages are welcome!

First round of drinks included – Enjoy a local Portland, Maine beer or a glass of wine as you take in the breathtaking views!

City: Portland

Sat 31 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $380.10

Make a reservation

Sat 31 May

Starting at $380.10

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Licensed Captain

Enjoy a local Portland, Maine beer or a glass of wine on us!

Private Charter for up to 6 guests (cost is a flat rate)

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Local Guide

Restroom on board

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Portland

Board M/V MONHEGAN, a beautifully restored wooden lobster boat, and make yourself at home as you cruise through Portland's Harbor, past wharves dating to the period just after the Revolutionary War. At one point, Portland was one of the busiest harbors in the early decades of the United States, a fact attested to by the incredible stone fortresses protecting the harbor.

Bug Light Park

Marking the entrance to Portland Harbor, this small lighthouse is typically the first of four lighthouses we see on our sightseeing excursions aboard our vintage wooden boats.

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Get up close to Spring Point Light and nearby Fort Preble, a small gun emplacement built as a part of Portland's Harbor Defenses. In the early years, the lighthouse was not connected to the mainland by the granite breakwater that exists today, and ships that went on the wrong side of the lighthouse went aground on shallow ledge.

Portland Head Light

See Maine's most iconic lighthouse from the water. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we spend time in the waters in front of the lighthouse for photos and discussion about the history of the lighthouse. We do not go ashore or tour the lighthouse. Lighthouse is not open for tours as it is still an active navigational beacon.

Ram Island Ledge Light

Marking the opposite side of the harbor channel from Portland Head Light, Ram Island Light sits atop a rocky ledge and at high tide appears to be floating and completely unattached to land. Whereas Portland Head Light has its stately keeper's house and beautiful white washed sides, Ram Island Light is weathered and gray almost inaccessible, with a now-derelict pier leading to a ladder that requires one to climb up 30 feet on the outside of the lighthouse before you get to the door.

Casco Bay

Casco Bay is world-renown for its rugged islands, protected waters, and fantastic scenery. Cruise past some of the bay's 200+ islands boasting tree-covered rocky cliffs, small fishing communities, and cute harbors.

Fort Gorges

As the most conspicuous stone fortress protecting Portland Harbor, Fort Gorges is a landmark visible from much of Casco Bay, which is exactly why it was built on this rocky outcropping a short distance from Peaks and Little Diamond Islands and the mainland itself. The fort could fire more than a dozen cannons on attackers coming from any possible sea route, but was never used in active battle. Technological advancements in artillery during the Civil War rendered it too vulnerable to be useful. The fort did serve as a storage facility for the army during World War II, when underwater mines, electromagnetic sensing cables, and other systems were used to help protect Portland and Casco Bay from German attack. Remember, Portland was home to a large shipyard during WWII and was the start of a pipeline that supplies oil to Montreal and eastern Canada, so the region was of high strategic importance even in more modern conflicts.

Peaks Island

Enjoy fantastic views of the scenic cliffs on Cushing Island and the tree-lined streets and quaint cottages of Peaks Island. Once home to several amusement parks that were served by direct steamer routes from New York, Peaks is now a quiet island neighborhood that is technically part of the City of Portland but has a small-town feel all its own. By the time the fall colors are in full view, most seasonal residents have returned to their usual homes, and Peaks is home to just a couple hundred hearty year round souls who must take a ferry or water taxi to get to the mainland.

Show 5 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (51)

Y8122SVnathand

Oct 2024

Awesome! Attentive, Great service ,Great people , Great Trip. I would recommend this service. It was a perfect addition to our trip. We highly recommend seeing the water and the views. Captain and first mate were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the history.

Wendi_R

Oct 2024

Perfect experience! Tristan was a great 1st Nate and shared lots of info.. beautiful scenery leaves at peak color

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.