Guardians of the Harbor

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Hop on the “Guardians of the Harbor” trolley tour, a narrated journey with three lighthouse stops. Explore Portland’s maritime history and scenic beauty, disembarking at each location.

First, visit Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial, reflecting wartime shipbuilding. Next, discover Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Light, learning its unique construction and the remaining WWII gun batteries. Finally, witness the iconic Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, Maine’s most vital and the nation’s third oldest lighthouse, also revealing remnants of coastal defenses.

The nation’s third oldest lighthouse and one of Maine’s most important beacons. This area also features great examples of remnants of coastal defenses.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

It's a well-preserved example of a caisson-style lighthouse and has been a part of Portland Harbor's history since 1897.

15 minutes • Admission Included

Fort Preble

Built in 1808, the fort was designed to protect Portland Harbor during the War of 1812 and subsequent conflicts. Fort Preble played a role in the War of 1812, served as a recruiting depot and mobilization site during the Civil War, and saw action in the Battle of Portland Harbor.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Admission fee

Guide

Options

Guardians of the Harbor

Reviews

5.00

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A fascinating tour!
Voyager738190,,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bruce is a great tour guide! He knows history of the lighthouses and Greater Portland in detail and tells it in stories that are breathtaking and fascinating. He has also plenty of fun facts to talk about. A must do tour with Bruce and Jack the driver.
Guardians of the Harbor is worth it!
Experience585875,,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome tour with a great mix of education, access, and exploration! The PDT guides are the best, the staff are friendly, and the trollies are a great, fun vibe!
Quick light house trolley tour
ali price04,,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bruce and Jack were amazing. It’s a quick 2hr tour. It’s wonderful and full of information.. it’s especially perfect if you aren’t a boat person or it’s a bit chilly like it was the day we went. There’s plenty to see and Bruce knows his stuff!
Learned a lot!
smalik3,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour guide and driver were both wonderful. Learned a lot about Maine! This is a great way to check out all the different sights to see around town.
My thoughts!
Excursion21597652196,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bruce, gave me an amazing tour of all the Portland Maine’s lighthouse's! He was very educated on the history of the lighthouses and the greater Portland area! He gave me wonderful insight on where to grab a bite to eat. Definitely will have to ride again!
Amazing tour!!
livf591,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bruce was a great tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and funny. He provided a lot of good information about all the lighthouses. He also gave great restaurant recommendations, and good shopping spots.
Fun for the whole family
M568QVjulianaf,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Bruce was an amazing tour guide! We had a great time exploring the lighthouses with the kids. Highly recommend this tour!
Incredible!
654bradys,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Simply incredible tour of the Harbor. Our first time in Portland and couldn't have asked for a better experience with Portland Discovery Tours - we'll be back!
Great Tour for History Buffs!
I3193SCjaimel,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour! We saw and learned about how the lighhouses, forts and shipyards played a crucial role for Portland during crucial times. Had Jack and Bruce as our guides, they were great! Really recommend taking this tour!