Price from:
590 USD
A sea kayaking expedition across Casco Bay
**Fully booked? Give us a call to get on the waitlist!**
Duration
- 3 Days
- 2 Night
About
This three-day guided expedition begins in Portland and island-hops across the breadth of Casco Bay. Along the way, you'll camp on the islands of the Maine Island Trail and experience the diverse environments found in the bay -- from the exposed ocean-like conditions along the outer islands to the calm and peaceful estuaries of the inner waters.
**Where You’ll Paddle**
You’ll start out kayaking alongside the busy working waterfront of Portland harbor and quickly pass into calmer waters and past tiny island hamlets, hidden beaches and rugged, rocky headlands. We often spend the first night on Jewell Island, a large, wild island with gorgeous trails to explore, or on Bangs Island, a less visited gem with panoramic views of the bay. From there we often island-hop west towards Harpswell, either returning to Jewell for a second night or camping on Whaleboat Island, Rasperry Island or another nearby site on the Maine Island Trail.
Our route will depend on the conditions and the group, but you can plan on several hours of paddling each day (with many breaks) as we traverse the bay. There will also be plenty of time for exploring and relaxing on the islands.
**Logistical Details**
This trip is great for first-time kayak campers as well as those who have experience with paddling expeditions. Some prior ocean kayaking experience is required, however. If you are new to sea kayaking, we suggest taking one of our lessons before signing up for this trip. That said, your guide will provide basic instruction, and there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your paddling skills along the way.
Portland Paddle will provide all meals, an expert guide, kayaking gear, two dry bags, drinking water, and basic camping and cooking gear. Many people prefer to use their own tents, but we can provide them at no additional cost. You should bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, or you can rent from us for an additional fee. Additional dry bags, and coldwater paddling gear such as wetsuits and neoprene booties are available for rent.
The group will gather at 8:30 am on the first day. After meeting your guide you will be given dry bags for packing and everyone will be briefed on the plan for the day. Your guide will select a kayak for you and help you pack your belongings.
Your trip may end at a different location on the northern side of Casco Bay. In that case, you will be driven back to Portland, typically returning between 3pm and 4pm. Depending on the conditions and the route your guide chooses, you may also paddle a loop and end your trip back in Portland.
**HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP:**
- Island-hopping across Casco Bay and visiting several islands on the Maine Island Trail
- Watching the sun set over Casco Bay from oceanside campsites
- Experiencing the many sides of Casco Bay -- from open ocean to protected estuaries
Seeing extensive wildlife, as well as working lobster boats
- Visiting the Admiral Peary museum on Eagle Island, or day hiking around the trails of Casco Bay’s larger islands
**WHAT’S INCLUDED:**
- Well-rounded, delicious meals and snacks - two of each breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Kayaks and other paddling gear
- Two dry bags for packing your belongings; additional dry bags available for rent
- Licensed Maine guide
- Tent(s)
**PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:**
- Prior sea kayaking experience
- Ability to paddle for several hours in one day (with many breaks)
- Comfort with tent camping
Booking Notes
#We are looking forward to seeing you!
#Important Information Below!
**CHECK-IN** You’ll meet your guide and the other participants at our retail location at 233 Warren Avenue in Portland at 8:30am on the first day of the trip. After checking in and unloading anything you plan to bring on the trip, our staff will direct you to where you can store any extra bags for the duration of the trip. Overnight parking is available behind the building, accessed via Hicks Street.
**PAYMENT**: You can pay your 50% deposit or complete balance by clicking on the link in this email or by mailing a check to 28 Victor Road, Portland, ME 04103. If you need to adjust the number of participants in your group please let us know, and see the cancellation policies below for further details.
**TRIP PACKET:** A detailed packing list can be found on the page for your trip on our website. There you will also find a sample itinerary. Please don't hesitate to reach out to use by responding to this email, or at trips@portlandpaddle.net if you have any further questions!
**DIGITAL WAIVER & PRE-TRIP QUESTIONNAIRE:** You will be receiving an email from our waiver system, Wherewolf, shortly with our online waiver and pre-trip questionnaire. Each participant must complete this waiver and questionnaire before their trip. Completing it as soon as possible allows us to better prepare to meet your group's needs and preferences. This questionnaire covers dietary restrictions, health matters, gear needs and other information that will help us prepare for your trip. Please make sure information for minors is included.
** OVERNIGHT PARKING**: Overnight parking is available at our 233 Warren Ave location where you will meet your guide. Access to the parking lot is via Hicks Street through the driveway behind our building, shared with the white house next door. Bags and other personal belongings can be left in a secure location within the building.
**TIPPING**: Guide gratuities are never expected but always appreciated. You can provide a tip to your guide directly via cash or payment apps, or by responding to this email asking us to add a gratuity onto your booking.
**LEAVE NO TRACE**: We always strive to minimize our impact on the beautiful islands of the Maine coast. This involves carrying away all garbage we create and kindly sharing the sites we visit, as needed, with working fishermen, other paddlers and wildlife. We ask that you help us practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
**TANDEM VS. SOLO**: We use a mix of tandem (two-person) sea kayaks and solo sea kayaks on our multi-day trips. You may request a solo kayak if you have previous experience using one. We find that tandems are best for many people because they are more stable, spacious, and faster. They also are easier to pack for overnight trips because they have more volume. Plus, if one person gets tired in a tandem their partner can pick up the slack!
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel a multi-day trip booking…
- More than 14 days in advance: You will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- Between 14 days and 2 days in advance: You will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 2 days 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 participants on a multi-day trip within 14 days we will reduce your total booking amount by 50% of the cost of each person that is being removed from the booking.
