Overview
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children ages 12-15 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Children must be accompanied by an Adult
Minimum age is 12 years old
Most participants are given tandem (two-person) kayaks because they are more stable, spacious and easier to use. Please let us know if you prefer a solo kayak.
Please dress appropriately. Bring shoes that can get wet and a windbreaker or other warm layer.
Subject to weather conditions. If your tour is canceled due to strong winds or rain, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to check-in. Allow time for parking.
What To Expect
This trip offers an island-hopping adventure in the archipelago of gorgeous islands in Casco Bay that lie between the open ocean and Portland harbor. You’ll look out for wildlife like seals, eider ducks, herons and osprey and you’ll enjoy views of some of the bay’s most fascinating landmarks, including lighthouses and historic forts. There are endless options for exploration, so your exact route will depend on the weather conditions and tide cycles. Halfway through the trip you’ll land on an island beach for a break. This tour is the perfect fit for people with some sea kayaking experience who want to venture a bit further than our shorter tours.
Options
8:30am Departure
8:30am departure time
What‘s Included
Drybag for keeping your belongings dry
Use of sea kayak(s) and paddling gear (paddle, PFD, sprayskirt)
Professional guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
58 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
jimkF9967CT,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Booked this tour and showed up the day of the tour. The tour operator told me that the tour could not be operated due to high winds - fair enough. She assured my that my booking would be cancelled and that I would get a refund. Well the booking was NOT cancelled and I have NOT received a refund - these people are shady...
The guides were friendly...
Erica M,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides were friendly and engaging, brought us a snack for our midway stop, and attentive to our needs and pace.
Great time had by all
Compass320303,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I (ages 49 and 53), along with two other couples who were in their 50s/60s, had a great time with guide Ty on the half-day kayaking tour. He gave is many options on where to go and what to see, and thankfully this group was adventurous and willing to push themselves, because we got to see many seals by crossing the bay. Today, the day after, we are not sore at all because Ty taught us proper technique in paddling. He was also very personable, learned our names immediately, was very respectful of the natural habitats of wildlife, shared anecdotes and history while out on the water, and gave us frequent validations. I highly recommend him as a guide. He also got s huge kick out of me teaching him the southern term scooterpootin', and I hope he uses it moving forward!
This is the place for your kayak tour in Portland!
411minah,Sep 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a terrific tour if you want a half day commitment and overview of beautiful Casco Bay. Go with Alex our guide. So knowledgeable about Maine, great teacher ( I got some great tips on paddling and steering technique) and so easy to talk to and such a fun person. We had fun, great conversations the whole morning. We visited an island and circled a few others. They gear you up with jackets and shoes and sea skirts and have great equipment. Run, don't walk. This is the place! They are also located in East Portland near Washington Avenue and great restaurants for lunch after your paddle. Alex gave us great recs. What a great day!
Tremendous experience and first class instruction
thomasoA2214PO,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a tremendous experience kayaking out to Fort Gorges and back, led by our excellent tour guide and kayak instructor Joe. Our guide first provided a very comprehensive overview of how to operate a kayak, and what we could expect out on the Bay. Joe was with us at all times on the water, giving us added instruction and he made everyone on our group feel safe and comfortable. But most of all, we had fun and we were all novices so no concerns to anyone without experience. And we definitely got a lot of time on the water. So it was a great time and I would recommend Portland Paddle highly to anyone looking for a fun day out in the water with first class guides.
Add this to your trip!
Curiosity668719,Aug 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent customer service, instructor tips were fun and helpful. Kayaking among the sailboats and under the pier was spectacular! Highly recommend, great experience.
Don’t hesitate. Just book this.
TravelingforaYear,Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Worth every penny. We actually paddled a sizable distance, which I really appreciated as I wanted to exercise, not just float. The seals were abundant. So many seals at some point it was hard to focus on just one. Really enjoyed Suzanne’s company, her guiding skills, and her knowledge of the area. Highly recommend.
Fun Kayak Day
Mary L,Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Suzanne was an amazing guide! We paddled to an island and saw seals along the way. Would highly recommend!
Great views but is a workout
W2460HRhannahc,Aug 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00While the views were gorgeous it wasn't the best trip overall fora 4 hour tour. The biggest thing that stuck out was I was the only solo kayaker and the rest were all in groups (2 people per kayak). It was a great workout but it didn't feel as if I was a part of the group as I did take longer to catch up. By the time I caught up, they were ready to continue. It was rather uncomfortable for the majority of the trip as it felt I was the odd one in the group. When the 4 hour trip was over, my family that was waiting for me informed me that every other group tour guide after us asked if the solo kayakers would want to be paired up. I don't recall given this option before we set out and would prefer it in the end. It's a great trip if you have someone with you. If going solo, the shorter tours may be better unless you you very experienced.
A great experience
daniellesanthony,Jul 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great way to experience Casco Bay and Fort Gorges! The water was great and the guide, Henry, made sure we were all comfortable and safe.
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Operated by Portland Paddle