Mary May Charters

(266 reviews)

Lucky Catch Cruises was one of the highlights of my first visit to Portland. As a solo traveler, I…read morewas looking for experiences that felt comfortable and fun on my own, and this was absolutely perfect. The excursion was not only enjoyable but also educational. I learned so much about Maine's lobster industry including how lobsters are caught, which ones are kept for restaurants, and why certain lobsters are returned to the water. It was fascinating to learn about the process and get a behind-the-scenes look at such an important part of Maine's culture. One of my favorite parts was getting to choose my own lobster. It was only $12 to keep the lobster I caught, and then I took it over to Portland Lobster Co. (just about a one-minute walk away) where they cooked it for an additional $15. The meal came with corn on the cob and a baked potato, and I was able to enjoy it right on the waterfront with plenty of seating, additional menu options, and live music. The boat ride itself was about 1 hour and 45 minutes and included beautiful views of Portland's coastline, seals, and other famous landmarks. The crew was wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, and they made sure everyone had a chance to participate. Even with 17 people onboard, no one was overlooked. They also took photos of everyone, which was a thoughtful touch. A few tips for future visitors: the boat has limited restroom availability, so I recommend using the restroom before boarding. Also, if you have time, definitely plan to enjoy your lobster afterward at Portland Lobster Co. it completes the experience. This was such a memorable way to experience Portland and a must-do for anyone visiting Maine.

We had such a great time on the lobstering excursion! It was early season but our crew managed to…read moresnag two lobsters. Even with the limited catch the crew were super friendly and provided some good information about lobsters, the industry, and the harbor! They made sure that everyone was able to get involved and had plenty of photo opportunities! We bought two lobsters off the boat and took it to Portland lobster co next door afterwards! I'd recommend this trip! Make sure you bring cash to purchase the lobsters from your trip. They were $12.50 each for ours!

Casco Bay Lines

4.1

(157 reviews)

Mail run trip. Six islands: Little diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff, Chebeague. The Casco Bay…read moreLines are the premier ferry line for folks getting back and forth to the many islands in and around Portland Maine. Primarily this trip is a working freight/mail ferry trip that they have allowed passengers to join and enjoy the beautiful views while the deckhands work. Super fun and economical way to get out of the city and see Casco bay. We were super satisfied and pleased. Would give my highest recommendation. Staff was phenomenal.

Eat, Drink, & Be Ferry…read more Ferry service that charters passengers from Portland harbor to one of numerous inhabited islands just off the coast. We chartered a Ferry ride to Peak's Island on a crisp early Autumn day. The Good: *You can load your car on the Ferry *Nice boat with a top view *Staff was friendly enough *Fairly inexpensive at $14/adult & $7/child for round-trip ticket. *They also do scenic boat tours, as well as the Ferry service. Check their website for dates and times. The Meh: *Peak season pricing on autos that can go from Off-Peak Season price of $70-100 (depending on vehicle size) to $150-170 for Peak Season price. The Ugly: *Make sure to plan your day accordingly with the boat schedule. You don't want to get stuck on an island there without a reservation. Conclusion: Even if you just go out to the island and back, it's still worth the $14 of entertainment riding across the ocean.

Fogg's Water Taxi and Charters

(37 reviews)

My friends booked the Casco Bay Cat for my bachelorette party - we had a 2-hour boat ride around…read morePortland on a beautiful Saturday morning in October. The captain and staff were extremely kind and supportive of our group. They were helpful as we got things situated, accommodating our need for ice and getting it for us before we left. Once on the water, we put our music on and had a great time. We brought all our food on and enjoyed brunch, mimosas, and beautiful weather. The boat ride itself was smooth despite some choppy waters. The staff even helped us out by taking some photos of our group - the captain turned the boat and the staff member did a great job getting the lighthouse in the picture. I'd absolutely recommend!

Heading to meet up with friends to take the Casco Bay Ferry to Great Diamond Island for a friends…read moresurprise birthday dinner. Unfortunately, on the way up the highway, there were two accidents and we knew we would miss the ferry. My spouse searched online (I was driving) and found Fogg's Water Taxi and we called to see if we could schedule a taxi. It was so easy and they were so professional. We determined our arrival time and set it up. We were greeted by the most friendlies people and they offered to sit in the lounge area (A/C) and they had fun beverages for purchase, while you waited. The captain of the taxi vessel was fantastic and professional We arrived just a few minutes late for the reservation and still surprised the birthday boy. Oh, you pay the captain of the vessel when you arrive to your destination and they take cash or card. So easy and really not that expensive. Thank you.

Rocky Bottom Fisheries

(77 reviews)

We had a fantastic time on the lobster demo tour with Owen and Russ at Rusty Bottom Tours! Owen's…read morehumor and stories about growing up in the area made the experience both entertaining and authentic. He also shared some great local recommendations that we really appreciated. Owen and Russ made a great team--they kept everyone safe while making sure the tour stayed engaging from start to finish. The lobster demonstration was fascinating, and we learned so much about the local fishing industry. Highly recommend this tour if you're looking for a fun, informative, and memorable experience! Minnesota Squad July 2026

we went on the Lobster Tour on June 27,2026. What a wonderful experience! The crew was extremely…read moreknowledgeable and shared lobsters lifecycle , the lobster fishing industry and lots of very interesting other info with us. We got a hands on experience measuring live lobsters, handling them, applying bands to their claws and releasing ones that weren't keeper size. Overall super fun!

Casco Bay Custom Charters

(20 reviews)

I highly recommend Casco Bay Custom Charters…read more We sailed with them for a special family event in July 2020. We gathered to release our father's ashes at sea. The team we worked with to plan the event were flexible with our plans including location, departure, and the actual release. They provided helpful information about purchasing a biodegradable urn and how to structure our minimal program - especially as we had young children participating (ages 4-11). They will work with you to create your ideal experience.

Our small family really enjoyed this private charter experience. The crew was super friendly and…read morevery knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable and the tour included some hardy snacks and drinks. Would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a private Charter tour in the area.

Portland Schooner

4.5

(97 reviews)

An absolute experience and worth the $75…read more Customer service was incredible and they even allowed me and another patron to help raise the sail. Crew and Captain were well-versed in the history of the area. If you had questions they were open to answering or at times making a fun anecdote. So much history of the schooner, Bagheera, and the islands around Portland mainland. They handled the schooner with incredible poise and care. Some folks brought their own snacks and beverages on-board which wasn't advertised, but such a great idea. Definitely colder than I expected when the sun started setting and the winds picked up. I will forever remember this evening sail on the Bagheera. Thanks y'all, you made a mother-daughter trip very special!

Captain Jonathan and crew were wonderful. We had the most wonderful experience sailing Casco Bay…read moreand learning some history. Super pro and super fun hangs too. Will do this again next time I'm in Portland. Thanks gang!

Casco Bay Adventures

(12 reviews)

Captain John is the best captain and tour guide he made our trip , he is very knowledgeable and…read moreinformative the trip was just amazing and worth the very reasonable price

Great day and nice captain, had a wonderful time. Buying lobsters for dinner was funread more

On the Rocks Cocktail Cruises

Just had my second OTR cocktail cruise (I went last year with a Yelp group), and I'm so glad to…read morehave gone out on the Kismet again! This time two friends and I joined the sunset cruise, and we had only two other people with us on the boat. On the Rocks isn't fancy; it's a laid-back local vibe and a great alternative to a giant party boat. Before boarding you have a choice of beverages you can take along, both alcoholic and non; they put them in a cooler, and off you go! You can bring your own snacks on board if you want to. Tours are an hour and a half and that feels leisurely. The route might vary: last summer we cruised over toward Cape Elizabeth, but this time we wound our way through the islands scattered around the bay: Peaks, Cushing, Long Island, Cliff, and the Diamonds. I loved this route for the the glimpses at the back-island views--and then we sailed back toward the port with a gorgeous sunset lighting the way, lights twinkling on all around. Practicalities: it's a bit hard to find the launch point; there wasn't a sign for OTR and they've moved from where I'd caught it last time. Fortunately the first mate eventually wandered down the pier and found me looking around. If you're driving, give yourself plenty of time to park and walk--Old Port is crazy busy in the summer. Money: any drinks you buy and consume will be charged to the card of whoever made the reservations, so no need to fuss with Venmo on board (I recommend bringing some cash to tip afterward, though). And that's really all you'll need to navigate: once you're on board just relax, settle in, and enjoy being out on the Casco Bay!

Sandy and team were able to accommodate my sunset cruise last minute as my other company cancelled…read moreon me a few hours before sailing. Our captain Sandy was very kind and made sure we always had a drink or snack in hand! The sunset was stunning and for $65/pp and a 1.5 hour sailing, I could not have asked for more! Only downside is no BYOB, but drink options are extensive!

Crescent Beach State Park

4.4

(36 reviews)

This is a gorgeous mile-long beach in Cape Elizabeth, ME. Our family visited here in July 2026…read moreduring a stay in South Portland (about a 15 minute drive away). This state park has lovely views, gentle waves, and a family-friendly vibe. Admission fee is $8 per person for out-of-state residents. This state park has lots of pluses. First, the sprawling parking lot is huge. On peak summer days, you will be able to find a spot. Second, a public restroom and changing station are available next to an L.L. Bean daily rental box for umbrellas, beach chairs, etc.. Third, the right side of the beach is less crowded where you can walk over to the rocks. The only blemish is a faint sulphuric smell on the right side (perhaps due to the seaweed). Also, the water temperature is a bit cold (low 60s) to be comfortable in July - but that's generally the case with Maine beaches. Overall, we would visit this state park again!

Parking close to the beach. A great place to go for warm spring day. Great views Ang lots of room…read morefor walking.

Higgins Public Beach

4.5

(20 reviews)

This inn has a back to the past feel that is perfect for those quiet travelers who can appreciate…read morethe solitude and peace of nature. It is a block away from the Atlantic Ocean and beach. It is operational seasonally and closes the end of October. After reading recent reviews, the facts in them are true! This is not a HOTEL, there are no elevators, minibars, pools, daily maid service and plenty of stairs to climb. The place is a couple of hundred years old but pretty well maintained and my room was very clean. I booked a larger room on the first floor that was pretty quiet and very clean. The furniture was basic, had a minifridge and large bathroom. Coffee and muffins were put out for all at 7 AM and coffee and cookies at 2 PM. There is a restaurant on premises that serves breakfast starting at 8 AM and dinner from 4 to 9 PM. The bar is open during dinner hours only. So, this is a basic B&B in an out of the way beach town. DO NOT come here if you need modern furniture/wall art, minibars, pools, in room coffee or need pampering. Do not bring kids. Stay at one of the chain motels along the highway. You'll be happier!

(SIDE NOTE: I usually come to Higgins during the off season, so I can't speak to what it's like in…read morethe height of summer.) I always like walking Higgins. There's a shipwreck from 1897 there! I don't know if any other locals have noticed, but it seems like it's less and less exposed (the sands seem to be shifting a lot) these past few years. But the last time we came at low tide, it *was* there with its incredible ecosystem that exists in its adjacent tide pools! Higgins is super popular with: 1. Surfers! 2. People walking their doggos! 3. Plovers! There is an incredible amount of signage here in spring/summer educating and informing folks about where they can't bring their dogs because of the nesting area of our endangered/near-threatened shorebirds. If you're visiting: please, please pay attention to this and respect where both you and your four-legged friend can't run around in. It's tough parking here (from May 1st to September 15th if you park on the road you have to pay an hourly fee; there's also a public lot a few blocks away that's $10 a day), but it's a beautiful space with an expansive stretch of sand with a tidal river to the left.

Ferry Beach

4.8

My first and last time at the beach in 2020. It was also my first time at a Maine beach and I had…read moreno idea how clean and serene they were. I guess I'm just used to all the garbage and crowds along the Jersey Shore. The only downside is that parking is a bit pricey, at $20 a pop. But if you are an early bird and can make it there before I think either 8 or 9, then parking is only $5. Since we came on a Tuesday (at around noon), there weren't much people around, which was super nice. The weather for that day was only forecasted at the low 70s with some clouds, but it turned out to be a great beach day. It was warm, but not sweltering. Warm enough to go in the water - but only if you're brave. The water was icy cold. But after a while, you just become numb and don't even notice it (lol). There aren't really any waves but there is a very strong current so you definitely don't want to mess around with that. I never went out further than past my stomach, especially since I don't swim very well. Even just standing there with the water up to my waist, I could feel the currents pulling me. The best part of this beach is that it's only a 20-minute drive from Portland. We were visiting for the week and staying in Downtown, and didn't want to drive far to get to a beach so Ferry Beach was perfect for us. If I lived in the area, I would totally get a season pass.

Very nice small protected beach. The parking lot is also small but I've never had a problem getting…read morea spot. If you live in Scarborough get a beach pass for $40 at city hall. Very nice at low tide with a tidal pool for kids to play in. You can walk the beach all the way to the Black point Inn.

Dunegrass Golf Club

3.2

(28 reviews)

You would think a public golf course near Old Orchard beach would be fun for golfer families…read more Think again.. Target golf, tons of bunkers, terrible tee boxes, small slow greens with pins on slopes (just like their putting range ) and construction jack hammers all over. Over 18 holes, most in our foursome were only able to hit drivers on a few holes. Bottom line: If you are not under a 10 handicap, don't play here or bring two dozen golf balls.

This is for Dunegrass' new restaurant and bar…read more First, ambiance. Very nicely done remodel. HUGE new square-shaped 360 degree bar. It's has to have 35 seats. White marble countertops, big windows, huge TVs. They did it right. Some table seating in the bar area, more in the side room (quieter). They need some sound proofing/noice cancelling stuff as it is LOUD. While I love the fact they have live music a lot, it's just too loud when the band is inside. We love eating on the patio in the summer listening to live music. Food is very good, but a bit overpriced. $16 for 8 wings? The burger was amazing. My kids liked the max and cheese and salad. The food is very good, but the high pricing (for the area) demands a bit better, thus the 4 stars.

Pleasant Hill Driving Range

4.2

(6 reviews)

What a treat! Went on a Monday morning before 10am, and there were plenty of open slots. Saw Blue…read moreHeron fly low (nobody aimed for it) as well as a Cormorant sunning itself on one of the boats. I didn't really notice less range with the floater balls (but I'm newish at this), and when we finished, we watched a guy hitting 300 yards +. The $5 bucket of balls is generous, they provide plenty of T heights, and crew were friendly and appreciative of bringing back the buckets. Only a couple of boats have yardage signs, so I asked staff about ranges for boats, and they gave me the rundown, adding that the boats can drift, and they do have to reset them, so that 150 yard boat might be 160... that type of thing. Next time will probably visit the restaurant just up the hill to eat and sit outside watching other folks swings/stances.

Pretty cool driving range. The range is a pond with floating balls. There's a bunch of targets…read more.. boats, a dock and other stuff. There's an automatic vending machine that's $5, if I remember correctly. No change machine on site so bring exact change. The owner is an incredible guy that lives at the top of the hill. Met him a couple times while he was doing some maintenance. The floating balls are less dense so they fly a little different and not as far as than normal balls.

Purpoodock Club

4.3

Went here for a late lunch. Menu was precise and prices were great. Had the popcorn shrimp for an…read moreappetizer and then a build your own flat bread pizza. Service was good and food came out exactly as described. Carrot cake was fantastic! Atmosphere was good as they were showing the football game.

Pretty golf course with decent food and drinks. Very clean and scenic. Parking can appear to be a…read morechallenge, but they have a lot more spaces towards the back of the parking lot. They have at least 1 local craft beer in cans, in addition to drafts, if you ask.

Lighthouse Bikes

(13 reviews)

Great experience renting bikes! Staff was friendly and the route was incredibly scenic and easy to…read morefollow. We were nervous we would need to drive with the bikes to get where we needed to go, but it was very easy to bike to the trail! Would definitely recommend!

My wife and I did the bike tour with Ross and we had a great time. Ross is very knowledgeable and…read morepersonable. I would definitely recommend this company!

Mary May Charters - boatcharters - Updated August 2026

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(11 reviews)

The best start to an amazing vacation!! My boyfriend and I spent our first day in Portland on an 8…read morehour fishing trip with Pete and Jonah. I (being an unseasoned fisher) was unsure of what to expect, but these two men went above and beyond! They are both super personable, have hilarious stories, and gave awesome advice for the rest of our trip. Anybody (young or old) would feel comfortable & get along well with them. They were so patient when teaching me, meanwhile giving my boyfriend some space to do his own thing! We caught plenty of fish, primarily haddock, which we ended up taking home with us. It was a beautiful day, with great music and good company. Thank you for creating such a memorable experience for us!

Our shark fishing trip with Teazer Charters was the perfect close to summer before the new school…read moreyear and hectic fall sports season begins. Captain Pete is a seasoned, safety-conscious professional with a fun, entertaining personality. His boat "Teazer" is immaculate and equipped to the hilt. Stormy weather was forecasted for our scheduled shark fishing trip, which would've taken us 25 miles offshore. With an 11 year old aboard, there were concerns about discomfort and sea-sickness. Captain Pete was very flexible, and instead of taking us off shore, brought us to an area where we fished for groundfish. With the fishing slow, we picked up and steamed to another area to try it out. When Captain Pete realized that all 5 of us were handling the rough conditions quite well, he offered to take us out to the old lightship area to fish for sharks as well as groundfish. This would take us further offshore, but not all the way out to the regular sharking grounds. We continued catching groundfish, and also successfully brought in a nice blue shark before heading back in at the end of the day. The mate, Alex, was also outstanding. He was a very knowledgeable, friendly gentleman who kept all of the gear and bait in order so we could continue fishing throughout the day. He didn't stop working! We all plan on making this an annual tradition, and look forward to heading back out with Teazer again next summer.

Captain John's Charters

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I have fished with Cal several times and I've never been disappointed. Cal has intimate knowledge…read moreof the river and surrounding beach areas around Biddeford Pool and Old Orchard! I highly recommend Cal for you Striper fishing adventure!

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(26 reviews)

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