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Trace the steps of the Black Portlanders who moved our city, state, and country closer to the ideals of freedom, democracy, opportunity, and equality. Maine’s earliest settlements couldn’t have existed without Black labor, skill, and insight. You'll meet the Black Yankees who founded Maine communities, overturned slavery statewide, drove our maritime industries, gained political influence, crossed color boundaries, and expanded Mainers’ rights in the modern era. Stepping on granite cobblestones crooked with age — that once saw footfalls from national heroes like Frederick Douglass — you’ll pass storefronts once home to Black-owned barbershops where abolitionists whispered intelligence to Underground Railroad conductors. Enjoy 2 hours of entertaining and enlightening historical narration over a 1.5-mile route. Owner and guide, Dugan Murphy, dug through the archives to present an amazing constellation of stories left out of most tours. TripAdvisor named him Portland's #1 guide!
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Meet Portland and the people—of all backgrounds and identities—whose wit and grit have made Maine's largest city what it is today. Your locally-raised guide will captivate you with extraordinary, exciting, and surprising stories largely left out of the history books. Get ready to broaden your sense of what Portland and Maine have been and could be. Brick sidewalks beneath your feet and beautiful Victorian-era buildings nestled around you, we'll casually stroll Portland’s lush, historic Old Port toward the sparkling waters of Casco Bay. We’ll see where Indigenous Wabanaki leaders made their earliest relationships with European colonizers and walk together through the centuries. Enjoy an inclusive, empowering, and surprising constellation of tales that offers a welcome contrast to the more obvious themes you’re likely to experience on other tours. You'll enjoy 2 hours of narration over a 1.5-mile route with owner and guide, Dugan Murphy. He is Portland's top-rated guide on TripAdvisor!
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Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 1 hour and 45 minute historical sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, Maine. Get an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of my hometown. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a real local knows! As a college librarian I'm always researching the hidden history of Portland, while at the same time keeping on top of what's new in town and visiting as many local establishments that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative and entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor. This is The Real Portland Tour! Check my website for a complete listing of tour days, times, and availability.
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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.
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Leave the crowds behind and step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private 2-hour sightseeing and lighthouse viewing charter, ending with a breathtaking Maine sunset. We’ll navigate through the islands of Casco Bay, passing by Portland’s most iconic coastal sights, including historic 19th-century forts, lighthouses, and the stunning Maine coastline. This experience is perfect for families and small groups, offering a completely private and personalized tour just for you. First round of alcoholic drinks included – Enjoy a local Portland, Maine beer or a glass of wine as you take in the view!
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Most recognize Portland, Maine for its vast selection of local craft breweries. And while we retain the title for ‘most breweries per capita,’ we’re experiencing profound growth in our craft beverage scene including a range of spirits and locally produced wine. Neighborhoods like Portland’s East Bayside are brimming with craft beverage options to suit any taste, from Three of Strong’s small batch, organic rum to wines from Blue Lobster Urban Winery which are blended with Maine wild blueberries and apples from local orchards. The third stop of the tour concludes at the Portland Beer Hub, the home of Maine Brews Cruise, and a blend of beer bar and retail space in the bustling heart of Portland’s Old Port. As a bonus, all guests snag a 10% discount on additional draft and to-go purchases at the Portland Beer Hub. Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and the availability of staff at each venue.
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Immerse in and interpret the natural beauty of Maine by capturing the moment in a painting. We will hike and paint on location. No experience necessary. This is an all level class that can be enjoyed by beginner painters as well as more experienced.
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Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
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Explore the beautiful islands of Casco Bay in this four-hour sea kayak tour. After a brief lesson on the basics of sea kayaking, you'll set out with a licensed Maine Guide. The small group will island-hop through the bay, looking out for seals and seabirds and enjoying the views of lighthouses, 19th-century forts and other fascinating landmarks. We’ll stop at an island for a break and a snack provided by Portland Paddle. This is a great tour for anyone who wants to get a taste of sea kayaking in the rugged islands of the Maine coast. Our most popular trip!
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Our 3-Hour tour leaves at 11:00 am and follows the scenic South Portland Greenbelt Pathway to three local lighthouses. The first stop on the tour will be Portland Breakwater Light, also known as "Bug Light" and then the tour will continue to Spring Point Ledge Light, located near historic Fort Preble. Next, the tour will pass by Willard Beach before arriving at the final stop, the famous Portland Head Light located at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. It is recommended that patrons bring a lunch or we can assist in purchasing lunch from a local food truck that serves Lobster Rolls.
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Experience the beauty, history, and charm of coastal Maine on this full-day adventure from Portland. Plan for 10–12 hours, with about three hours of travel each way. Scenic and photo stops break up the drive, but the main focus is exploring the Acadia area and Bar Harbor. We’ll begin with a journey into one of Maine’s most scenic regions, known for rugged shorelines, crashing waves, sweeping overlooks, panoramic summits, and crystal-clear lakes. Next, enjoy two hours in Bar Harbor—savor fresh seafood or a lobster roll, browse shops and galleries, grab ice cream, or stroll the waterfront and take in the views. We’ll also visit the Fort Knox–Narrows Bridge Overlook for striking views of its soaring towers and the Penobscot River, then make a final stop in Bangor for a photo of Stephen King’s home—famous for its deep red Victorian style and eerie wrought-iron gates. By day’s end, you’ll have experienced a rich mix of coastal beauty, history, and pop-culture highlights.
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Curious about Portland's history with railroads, fires, wars, famous poets and Hollywood producers? Join us for a Walk Through Time! This tour begins on Commercial Street and continues for 2 hours through the historic Old Port, downtown and waterfront areas, sharing highlights of Portland's history since 1632. Some of the locations we may feature on your tour include; the lobster statue, the home of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow and his place of worship, the Eastern Cemetery, the Abyssinian Church, the U.S. Customs House and more. Tour duration is two "ish" hours, based on guest engagement and pace of the group. Planning on 2.5 hours for arriving early to check-in and make it back to your vehicle post tour is recommended.
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The hours just before sunset offer the best time for 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 paddlers of all experience levels -- including first-time kayakers. The exact route you take will depend on the weather conditions and the group's interests and experience, but the Sunset Tour often starts out venturing into the waterfront of Portland harbor, and then into the open waters towards the islands of Casco Bay. We will cancel this tour if there is steady rain, strong winds or other conditions that we believe will prevent guests from having a great paddling experience. However, we will run our tours when there are light showers, overcast skies or cooler than average temperatures.
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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!
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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!
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Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from away, the stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are always captivating. They are imposing reminders of days not too far gone when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Harbor to see active combat. Fortunately, the owners of Fort Scammel have partnered with us to offer private tours of this incredible historic site. This is an experience NOT TO BE MISSED! Along the way, we’ll cruise past some of the other great sights in the bay, including the iconic lighthouses. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible! Our Fort Tour on a Private Island has a 4 PERSON MINIMUM to operate.
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Discover Portland Maine and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle! Join us for the 5 lighthouse bicycle tour of Portland, Maine featuring the Maine coast, lighthouses, and Portland’s history. Groups will generally see only 4 lighthouses (Bug Light, Spring Point, Portland Head Light, and Ram Island Ledge). Lunch will be provided by the award-winning "Bite into Maine" Food Truck
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- Portland's culinary culture is made up of many kinds of artisan food and beverage entrepreneurs from bakers, brewers and chefs to confectioners and more - wherever taste and creativity meet! - We combine a unique combination of social history, culinary education, the stories of talented entrepreneurs and current award-winning food scene narrated by friendly and engaging local guides - This tour visits 4-5 venues where you will enjoy a mix of Maine/Maine-inspired cultural, up-and-coming, and trending fare, plenty for lunch with a sweet treat to cap it off.
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Portland, Maine is known for its culinary scene, including amazing donuts. With this tour, you'll get to sample from the city's best donut shops, while also learning of Maine's connection to the invention of the donut and the city's history. Your tour guide will take you not only to the most famous of them all, The Holy Donut, to skip the line, but also to local favorites, that are equally delicious.
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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.
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This 50-minute sightseeing tour is a fun and unique way to discover Portland, Maine. Board a Vintage Fire Engine and travel back in time as your knowledgeable guide helps relive Portland’s colorful history from a local’s perspective. See lighthouses, Civil War forts, city parks and buildings, interesting stories and a multimedia experience packed with historic images of Maine. This is one family-friendly tour you should not miss out on!
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This 105 minute cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk. Enjoy evening breezes and city lights on this fully narrated tour of Casco Bay. A great way to end a hectic day or begin a romantic evening!
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Explore the bustling inner harbor, Diamond Pass, and the main shipping channel to get close up views of civil war era forts and as many as 4 lighthouses that guide mariners into Portland Harbor.
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Tasting oysters harvested from the ocean where they were grown is significantly different and better than eating them at an oyster bar, especially when you just shucked them! Freshness counts! This sea kayaking tour that teaches you the basics of sea kayaking on land before launching at Mere Point in Brunswick to visit a working oyster farm in NW Casco Bay! After visiting the oyster farm, we'll stop on an island for your lesson on shucking, tasting, and snacks. Learn about aquaculture in Maine and how it improves the health of the bays. Sea kayaking is an easy, fun way to sight see from the water. We often see different kinds of sea gulls, cormorants, black and mallard ducks, eider ducks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, osprey and bald eagles. If we are lucky, we will see a seal. Paddlers of all ages will love exploring Casco Bay in this protected, scenic, historic area! No experience is needed. Single and double kayaks are used on this eco-guided tour by a Master Maine Guide.
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