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Are you looking for a unique and memorable experience during your next trip to Maine? Consider going on one of these incredible Maine lighthouse tours!
Some of the most picturesque lighthouses in the US can be found along the coastline of Maine, making it an ideal destination for those seeking incredible views but also historical landmarks. Many of the lighthouses that Maine has are filled with an interesting history.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best lighthouse tours in Maine so you can plan an unforgettable vacation. Let’s get to it!
Best Maine Lighthouse Tours
Portland: Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise
On this Portland sightseeing cruise, get excited for a mesmerizing journey around the breathtaking Casco Bay! Enjoy two hours of complete relaxation as you view four can’t-miss Maine lighthouses and experience majestic sights like Diamond Pass.
On this cruise, you’ll get up-close views of Civil War-era forts. Some of the famous lighthouses you’ll see on this tour include the Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light, making it an unforgettable adventure.
This fully-narrated tour includes indoor and outdoor seating, onboard restrooms, and a beverage and snack bar in case you get hungry. It’s not recommended for those who get seasick because it is on a boat! The tour takes approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.
Portland: Schooner Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
Have you ever dreamed of setting sail on a tall ship? Now’s your chance with this incredible two-hour cruise from Portland and along Casco Bay’s coast. Bring your snacks and favorite beverage, and enjoy some of the best views you’ll ever see on this cruise, perfect for all ages, because it’s family-friendly!
Plus, on this tour, you’ll even see seals and other wildlife. Learning about Maine Windjammers is also part of this unique adventure, as these ships are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You will see lighthouses throughout this cruise, of course, as well as other landmarks. Life jackets for adults and children are included on this tour, but you will have to bring your own snacks and drinks and get yourself to the pier where the tour begins.
Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals
Take an exciting cruise through the harbor of Boothbay and experience some unforgettable views along the way. On this tour, you’ll catch glimpses of charming islands, two beautiful lighthouses (Burnt Island Light and Ram Island Lighthouse), stunning coastal scenery, and adorable seals sunbathing on rocks!
Plus, as a special bonus, you’ll get insight into Maine’s lobster industry on this tour. This is sure to be a fun educational outing for all ages. Seats on this tour are also padded for extra comfort, and tables can be found throughout the vessel.
This tour is just an hour and a half long, making it perfect for those who want to explore and see some Maine lighthouses without a long excursion. It includes the cruise with speakers, but you’ll want to pack your own food and drinks.
Portland: Sunset Harbor Cruise in Casco Bay with Drinks
Set sail on a stunning 1.5-hour journey around Portland’s Casco Bay and the surrounding islands! From historic lighthouses to 19th-century forts, you’ll experience breathtaking views that are topped off with incredible sunsets over the skyline.
Plus, guests 21 and up can enjoy two craft beers or hard seltzers each – perfect for reminiscing about your adventure out at sea as you spot local wildlife like seabirds and seals along Maine’s coastal landscape!
If you book this cruise, it includes water, transportation, and two alcoholic drinks. You’ll be able to enjoy the view of beautiful Maine lighthouses from the comfort of the boat. What more could you want?
Boothbay: Lighthouses & Islands Harbor Cruise
Get ready to set sail on the biggest and most comfortable boat in New England! An unforgettable excursion awaits at Boothbay Harbor, taking you close to shore along majestic coastlines filled with playful seals, cozy coves, and colorful villages.
Delight in 360-degree views of nature’s beauty from inside a main salon serving food & drink – or take your excitement outdoors for some sun soaking atop an open upper deck brought alive by captivating narration. On this tour, you’ll see both Burnt and Ram Island Lighthouses.
This tour is approximately two hours long and is wheelchair accessible. The live tour guide makes the tour unforgettable with the narration which will allow you to learn more about this area of Maine.
Penobscot Bay: Historic Schooner Day Sailing Trip
Set sail and explore the rocky coast of Maine aboard the grand Appledore II. Step back in time to the 19th century as you cruise this historic schooner, featuring all modern amenities like wide decks perfect for taking in that refreshing sea air. Gather your closest friends and family (this tour caps at just 49 lucky passengers!) for an intimate voyage full of exploration.
This tour is two hours long and includes the sailing trip, blankets, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase aboard the vessel. It takes place right in Camden, starting near Camden Town Landing. Along the tour, you’ll see the Curtis Island Light, as well as inns, mansions, yachts, lobstermen, and potentially even whales.
Portland: Maine Lighthouses Sightseeing Cruise with Drinks
Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Elizabeth Grace and discover what Portland Harbor and Casco Bay are known for! Cruise past historic sites, towering lighthouses, and picturesque islands, all while sipping complimentary alcoholic beverages. Get ready to be mesmerized as you feast your eyes upon these breathtaking views from a spacious cruise ship that sails out of Custom House Wharf.
This fun tour is about an hour and a half long and includes the cruise, captain, and two alcoholic drinks per passenger. Note that this tour is for those aged 21 and up due to the alcoholic drinks, making it perfect for a girl’s night out or a romantic evening.
Boothbay Harbor: Spectacular Kennebec River Cruise
Explore the wonders of nature and discover a unique blend of historic sights on this Boothbay Harbor Cruise which includes lighthouses! From observing incredible raptors, ducks, herons, and guillemots to navigating through Upper and Lower Hell Gates, you’ll have an unforgettable time.
Plus, you can see up to seven lighthouses dating back as far as the colonial age. Out of all the tours on this list, this one definitely includes the most lighthouses along the way, making it the ultimate Maine lighthouse tour.
This tour includes the cruise, but gratuities and food/drink are not included. It meets right at Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, and lasts approximately two hours.
Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour
Are you interested in learning more about lighthouses without going out on the water? It’s completely possible with this tour which starts in Portland and explores the area by land instead.
This tour will bring you to some of the most scenic spots throughout this area of Maine. It includes a stop in downtown Portland (with spots like Commercial Street and the Old Port District), plus you’ll visit three lighthouses, including the iconic Portland Head Light. It’s approximately two and a half hours long.
The tour includes transportation, a TV display, a guide who will tell you all about what you’re viewing along the way, and umbrellas just in case you get hit with some rainy New England weather. Many who do this tour say it ended up being one of the highlights of their entire trip to Maine.
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
On this tour that’s about an hour and forty-five minutes long, explore the beauty of Maine, including three lighthouses. What makes this tour different is that it’s run by a Portland local, meaning you’ll get to see some hidden gems in the area that you wouldn’t see if you were to go on a different tour instead.
This tour includes transportation and a guide who has many years of history to share with tour-goers. Some notable spots you’ll see along the way include Commercial Street, the Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Portland Breakwater Light. Unfortunately, keep in mind that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Lighthouse Bicycle Tour from South Portland with 4 Lighthouses
Get out in South Portland and explore lighthouses by bicycle! This is surely one of the most unique lighthouse tours in Maine, and the small group size provides an intimate experience with a local guide. Plus, there’s an optional stop for a Maine classic lobster roll.
On this tour, you’ll visit Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and Portland Head Light from the Greenbelt Pathway. A bike hire is included in the tour as well. For active travelers who want to explore lighthouses in a unique way, don’t overlook this tour.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about Maine’s history or want to take beautiful photos for your Instagram feed, any of lighthouse tours can help make your trip unforgettable. We hope you enjoy experiencing the beauty and charm of Maine’s majestic lighthouses!
With so many options available, no matter what type of tour you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring one (or several!) of these historic lighthouses.
Read these next:
- 12 Loveliest Lighthouses in Rhode Island
- 23 Iconic New England Lighthouses You Can’t Miss
- 7 Beautiful Lighthouses in Portland Maine
- 15 Stunning Lighthouses in Maine Not to Be Missed
- 13 Gorgeous Lighthouses in Connecticut
- 13 Beautiful Cape Cod Lighthouses
Amy Hartle is the owner and editor of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Amy lived in Vermont for 15 years, attended Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and continues to travel regularly around the entire New England region. On this site, Amy aims to share her love of New England and help you to have the best possible adventures!
Amy has been a full time blogger since 2012, and is also the publisher of Two Drifters, where she writes about couples travel and relationships, as well as Let’s Adventure Baby, a family travel site. When not traveling the world or creating epic blog content, Amy can be found cuddling with her husband, son, and cats, & drinking a maple latte.