Price from:
120 USD
Encounter the History and Beauty of Casco Bay by Kayak
**Fully booked? Give us a call to get on the waitlist!**
Duration
6 Hours
About
Our Full-Day Kayak Tour is a chance to sea kayak to some of the most historically fascinating and scenic landmarks in the Portland region. Unlike our other tours, we limit this trip to 6 or fewer people and we require participants to have at least one previous sea kayaking experience. You'll spend the day island-hopping through the rugged islands of Casco Bay. Along the way you'll visit several 19th century forts, paddle past lighthouses and feel the swell of the open ocean underneath your kayak.
On this trip we often visit some of Casco Bay’s lighthouses and forts, including Spring Point Light, Fort Preble, Portland Head Light, Fort Scammel, Ram Island Light, Bug Light and Fort Gorges. You'll also have the chance to hone your paddling skills, learn about the natural history of the area, visit islands on the Maine Island Trail and spot wildlife like seals, osprey and eiders. You'll see many sides of Casco Bay, including the bustling working waterfront of Portland harbor, the cliff-lined outer islands exposed to the open ocean and the more protected coves lined with beaches.
This trip is designed for paddlers of a range of skill levels and the group will take many breaks and stops along the way. However, the trip does involve a very full and active day, so we suggest our shorter trips for first-time kayakers or anyone who has difficulty with prolonged physical activity. All participants should have tried sea kayaking at least once before. This trip sometimes starts in a different location than our main site (due to a one-way route), so you may be transported by van to the launching site at the start of the trip. The cost of this trip includes a delicious picnic lunch, with a vegetarian option.
Highlights
- Visits to some of Maine’s most interesting & pictureque forts and lighthouses
- Lunch on a Maine island beach
- Possible sightings of seals, eider ducks, guillemots, osprey, eagles and all sorts of seabirds
- Possible splashing and dripping during the paddle -- you may get slightly damp or wet.
What's Included
- Choice between a solo sea kayak and a double (two-person) sea kayak.
- A delicious, well-rounded picnic lunch on an island, plus snacks.
- An expert sea kayak guide who will create an custom itinerary that fits with the group’s background and interests, as well as with the conditions.
Booking Notes
#We are looking forward to seeing you!
##Important Information
**WHAT TO BRING**
- Water Bottle
- Footwear that can get wet
- Light Jacket (not cotton)
- Sun Protection
- Optional: Camera, Snacks, Binoculars
**PARKING:** There is free all-day parking in the lot halfway down the hill on Cutter Street about 50 yards from Portland Paddle. When that lot is full you can find free parking on streets in the residential neighborhoods nearby. The parking spaces right beside Portland Paddle are limited to 5 minutes or two hours and some are reserved for vehicles with boat trailers.
**WHEN & WHERE TO ARRIVE:** Please arrive ten minutes before your tour is scheduled to start. You will see our signs at the end of Cutter Street by the East End Beach. Use the map above to find us or view the directions on our website.
**BATHROOMS:** There are public bathrooms and changing rooms that are open during limited hours. We have our own private portable toilet for customers. Most of the islands we visit do not have bathroom facilities, so it’s best to use the facilities before heading onto the water. If you need to go during your trip the best option is to find a relatively private spot along a shoreline.
**TANDEM VS. SOLO:** You may choose between a solo kayak and using a tandem kayak with another person. We recommend tandem sea kayaks for many people because they are more stable, more spacious and faster. Plus, if you get tired, your partner can pick up the slack! If you are joining a tour on your own, you will either be given a solo kayak or paired up with another person in the group.
**WHAT TO WEAR:** It's often cooler on the water than on land, so bring a warm layer even if it is a warm day. Sometimes we get wet from seaspray or from water dripping off the paddles. Cotton will not keep you warm if it gets wet, so it's best to leave the blue jeans and t-shirts at home and wear fleece, nylon, wool or other non-cotton materials.
**TIPPING:** We encourage you to offer a gratuity to your guide if you are satisfied with your experience. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. A common tip on our day tours is $5-$10 per person. Tips can be given directly to the guide (cash or Venmo) or online via the follow-up email you’ll receive.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel one of our regularly-scheduled tours or lessons, or a rental booking…
- More than 48 hours in advance: You will receive a full refund.
- Between 2 hours and 48 hours in advance: You will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 2 hours in advance: You will not receive a refund, and we cannot apply any amount paid to booking on another date.
If you need to reduce the number of people in your group within 48 hours of your booking we will reduce your total booking amount by 50% of the cost of each person that is being removed from the booking.
WEATHER
We will offer the option of a full refund if we decide to cancel your booking due to weather conditions. We usually do not cancel tours due to overcast skies, cool temperatures or scattered showers, but we do cancel when winds are too strong, when there is steady, heavy rain, or when sustained thunderstorms appear likely.
Please keep in mind that the weather along the Maine coast is unpredictable and quick-to-change. Forecasts made several days in advance are very frequently inaccurate, and it is very common for a single summer day to include several hours of ideal conditions and several hours of very poor conditions.
