Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour pick up is approximately 10 minutes walking from cruise ship terminal, less than 1/2 mile.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to enjoy the full experience at the lighthouse!
This tour is fully on land. We will be driving in a high-end van.
What To Expect
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Portland home for years, this tour offers a fresh and engaging way to explore the Greater Portland area. Ride in comfort aboard one of our Ford Transit passenger vans, as we journey through the heart of the city and its scenic surroundings. Starting off on tour, we drive down Fore Street, a charming historic thoroughfare that runs parallel to one of North America's last working waterfronts. We will pass by cobblestone streets, brick row buildings, and some of Portland’s most iconic shops, brewpubs, and restaurants—many housed in the city’s oldest commercial and residential structures. The blend of old-world charm and modern energy makes this neighborhood a local favorite.
Portland Head Light
Walk around Fort Williams Park home to Portland Head Light! One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world! With cliff walks, memorials, and breath taking views, you will be able to take photos, visit the Lighthouse museum/giftshop "May-September" and also snag a bite/treat at a few of the parks food trucks, lobster Rolls, chowder, gelato, whoopie pies!
Options
Lighthouse Tour
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Mobile device charging
Umbrella to use if needed
Visits to three historic lighthouses
Gratuity not included
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
960 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lighthouse Tour
119kennyf,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was great. Pete W. Is an amazing guide. All four of us loved it! Highly recommend.
Best driver ever.
HelenV,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Pick up was smooth, Sam was our driver and he was very sweet, nice calm driver. And I'm a nervous passenger so he was perfect! Everything was ontime. Everything was as it read it would be. We loved the first stop, scenery and the beach was beautiful. Kennenbunkport was such a nice spot - literally a tourist street with boutiques and so on, a pretty neighborhood just up the road from the shops that one couple on our tour walked round. Lunch in Portland was nice, enough time to casually eat and walk if off after. By the time we got to the lighthouse we were pooped - this was our 3rd tour in 3 days so yes we were tired. We spent 5 minutes walking round the lighthouse then got an ice cream and sat on a bench just enjoying the view. Glad we took the tour, it was nice to drive up the coast and stop and see a few different places and we loved driving thought the little towns, wouldn't have seen those if we took a train.
Portland tour
Tim D,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy going, see a lot, learn a lot. Highly recommended for travelers in Portland, Maine area! Just do it!
Great Tour - A Must Do!
Jason B,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Derek and Zack greeted us at the meeting location as we got settled in. Both are super friendly and down to earth. Derek was our guide, and he was super informative, funny and laid-back. Great to have someone local to share experiences and history throughout the tour. My wife and daughter loved the tour as well, and we had tons of great pictures. Highly recommend!
Wonderful tour of very...
Terence M,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour of very interesting sights. Local guide was informative and friendly. Very much recommended this tour.
Perfect Portland Adventure
Ofelia C,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00John was so funny and friendly! He struck the perfect balance between chatting with us and giving us space to explore and the tour itself is the perfect length. You hit three gorgeous spots in about 90 minutes and you even get a complimentary 5 oz beer pour with every ticket. Highly recommend!
Ask for John when you book a Portland, ME tour. He’s the best!
Kimberly B,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Four people registered for the experience. While John was driving, he shared interesting and historic information about Portland and the three lighthouses we visited. At each lighthouse, we were given time to take take pictures, explore the grounds, stretch our legs, and ask John questions. John was very knowledgeable, engaging and fun!
Lovely Lighthouses!
lovetotravel3015,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was a great guide...we learned a lot about the history and culture of Portland as well as seeing three lovely lighthouses. You meet at Portland Beer Hub, which has a great selection of beers and the tour gives you a ten percent discount. Christopher , the bartender there, is also great. We really enjoyed this tour!
Our tour guide was...
Colleen M,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was wonderful- very knowledgeable about the history and area. The tour was great in spite of the rainy weather and would recommend. The meeting spot is a great place and staff was so welcoming- great selection of local beers too!
A very nice quick tour
William C,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you don’t have a lot of time, but want to see and learn as much as you can about Portland, this is the tour for you!
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Operated by Portland Explorer Tourism