The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is in Portland, MAINE. Unfortunately no pets/animals of any kind can be accommodated on board.
The tour does not pickup/drop off at hotels, and it does not pickup/drop off at the cruise ship terminal. Everyone has to be at the tour starting point ready to board at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and luggage do not fit in the van.
This is not a private tour. The tour vehicle is a 13 passenger, high roof Ford Transit van. The tour often sells out, so you will be riding with a total of 13 people in the van.
Please double check the month, day, and time of your booking to make sure it is accurate, as some folks make mistakes when booking online and choose the wrong date.
What To Expect
Commercial Street
We start at historic Commercial Street, the heart of Portland's working waterfront. See original cobblestone and brick that was laid in the 1850s.
United States Custom House
See one of the most beautiful granite buildings in all of Portland.
Options
The Real Portland Tour
What‘s Included
Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,563 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Up close to the lighthouses!
cbenw,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We very much enjoyed our tour and the fun and historical facts along the way! It was cool to be able to get up close to the lighthouses!
Incredible tour
harlandv,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide has a wealth of info and made the tour so much fun. I recommend this tour 100%
Absolutely worth taking this tour!!!
Sandy C,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable! I love a tour that is run by a person with personality and Derek is that guy. It’s his own business and he’s a long time local that knows soo much. I love his stories about his parents how they are part of his ‘company’ . Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We were in Bar Harbor when another couple recommended it.
The REAL Portland tour!
hershyette23,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you want to learn and know more about Portland Maine, take this tour. Our day started off rainy, but you could not even tell as we were doing the tour. The van was so clean and smelled very nice. I understand now why there is a strict no food or drinks in the van. Our guide was Derek; he is also the owner of the tour. When I say, Derek will show you his town, I truly mean he will show you the town that he grew up in and has continued to live and thrive in. We did not know much about Portland but by the time we left the tour, I had so much information. The tour is less that 2 hours long, so it is not overly tiring nor overwhelming. If you like dad jokes, you will get many during your tour. It makes you smile and just relax and enjoy the ride. We made three stops at the different lighthouses. Of course, we got an excellent education on the entire history of each. We had just enough time to explore and really see the landscape. You cannot go up into the light houses, but you really don't need to go inside of them to really enjoy them. We did a huge loop around the entire town, which allowed us to see most of the interesting items. One side note, Portland is a beautiful city. I do not think I have ever seen a cleaner city. The old port area where we boarded the tour, is pristine in fact that there is no litter nor grim or anything displeasing. All this and no trash receptacles on the streets, this showed to me that the people who call Portland home really do care about their city. I was just so impressed with the city and the tour. Do not forget that this was the REAL Portland tour!
Must do experience
sprouty99,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful experience! The tour guide was such a wealth of information, I don’t know how one person can know that much information! This is a must do for anyone visiting Portland!
Great Tour
timothyb2017,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Full of not only traditional history but definitely some added local perspective.
Worth It!
Rahaf O,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek is a great tour guide. He was thorough when providing historical information and his sense of humor makes it even better. I highly recommend this tour.
Loved The Real Portland Tour!
381dustyk,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Derek was extremely knowledgeable about Portland history and showed us some beautiful and interesting places in and around Portland. We loved his wit and sense of humor. We learned some fun and interesting facts about the city that we won't forget. His roots run very deep in the area and he is a wealth of knowledge. Would absolutely book again with Derek and The Real Portland Tour.
Fun lighthouse tour
Kathy D,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great tour of Portland and the three beautiful lighthouses. Derek was very knowledgeable and did a great job.
Highly recommend this tour
B635XOlindseyk,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Learned alot about the city. Derek is a wealth of knowledge! Definitely choose this tour, you won’t be disappointed!
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