THE 10 BEST Portland Tours & Excursions
Portland tours.
- Historical & Heritage Tours
- Sightseeing Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Walking Tours
- Beer Tastings & Tours
- Archaeology Tours
- Private Tours
- Wine Tours & Tastings
- Ports of Call Tours
- Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
- Photography Tours
- Up to 1 hour
- 1 to 4 hours
- 4 hours to 1 day
- 5.0 of 5 bubbles
- 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- Likely to Sell Out
- Special Offers
- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
1. The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
2. Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise
3. Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour
4. Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour
5. Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour
6. Portland Tall Ship Cruise on Casco Bay
7. A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland
8. Lighthouse Lovers Cruise in Portland
9. Sunset Lighthouse Cruise Tour from Casco Bay
10. Central Coastal Maine Private Day Tour
11. Old Port "Seafood Lovers" Walking Lunch Tour in Portland, Maine
12. Sunset Lighthouse Harbor Cruise from Portland's Old Port
13. Maine Whale Watching Tour in Portland
14. Sunset Sea Kayak Tour of Casco Bay
15. Acadia National Park and More Private Day Trip from Portland
16. Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine
17. 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour
18. Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour
19. Seven Portland Lighthouses Tour
20. Guided RIB Boat Adventure of Casco Bay
21. Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat
22. Scenic Lighthouse Boat Cruise from Portland's Old Port
23. Portland's Original Beer Bus Tour
24. Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine
25. Portland's Best Craft Beverages Bus Tour
26. Portland Bicycle Tour with 5 Lighthouse Stops and XL Lobster Roll
27. Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour
28. Private Day Tour to Salem MA, Kennebunkport, Kittery
29. Portland, Maine Madness Scavenger Hunt
30. Peek at Portland Sightseeing Trolley Tour
What travelers are saying.
- The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local
- Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour-2.5 hour Land Tour
- Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise
- Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour
- 2 Hours | Portland, Maine Hidden Histories Walking Tour
- Casco Bay Custom Charters
- Rocky Bottom Fisheries
- Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
- Lucky Catch Cruises
- Maine Duck Tours
- Wine Wise Events
- Sail Portland Maine
- Portland Schooner Co.
- Schooner Glory
- Maine Day Trips & Tours
- Maine Foodie Tours
- Wicked Walking Tours
- Nautilus Sailing Company
- Portland Paddle
- Maine Island Kayak Company
- Summer Feet Cycling - Day Tours
Click "Book Now" below to see the 2024 tour schedule!
- Tour Overview
- Tour Pricing
- Press/Media
- Real Portland Tour Guide
- Cruise Ship Passengers
- Photo Gallery
Explore Portland with a REAL local!
Portland, maine's #1 city & lighthouses historical tour.
Welcome to The Real Portland Tour!
Hop aboard for a fun and authentic Historical Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with a guide who is a REAL local, born and raised right here in Portland! Let me take you for an insider’s look at the rich history and current happenings of this charming and highly acclaimed city. 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!
The Real Portland Tour is the only tour of Portland that includes a full city historical tour and a trip to 3 lighthouses! I've been a tour guide since 2001, and I'm also a college librarian. I've spent years researching the hidden history of Portland, and I take pride in being the most informative, entertaining, and experienced guide in town!
The Real Portland Tour has been featured in American Libraries magazine, named the #1 Thing to Do in Portland, Maine by The Abundant Traveler , and is the top rated City & Lighthouses Tour of Portland on TripAdvisor and Viator!
"Been to Portland 100 times...never knew most of the info shared. This guy needs his own tv show."
The real portland tour named the #1 thing to do in portland, me by the abundant traveler.
Check out the video !
The Real Portland Tour is featured in American Libraries magazine!
Read "The Man with a Van" here !
The Real Portland Tour Portland, Maine Spoken Word Poem/Rap recently published!
I'm honored to say my Real Portland Tour spoken word poem/rap about Portland, Maine history was published in the Longfellow Days Anthology titled "Read To Me Some Poem"
Over 99% 5-Star Reviews on TripAdvisor & Viator!
The real deal..
I've been giving tours of my hometown of Portland, Maine for over 20 years, and in the offseason I'm a librarian at Southern Maine Community College. I have a Master's degree in Library Science, and I'm always digging into Portland’s history to find something new and interesting, while at the same time keeping on top of current happenings and making sure to visit as many local establishments (especially our world class restaurants and bars) that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an authentic tour delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor!
In addition to being a tour guide, I am a featured poet for the annual Longfellow Days festival where I perform my Portland history spoken word poem/rap (you'll hear some of my rap on the tour)!
I've given more than 10,000 tours over the years to hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and the world. It has been an absolute honor to tell so many people the unique history of my hometown! I'm thankful every day to be able to do what I love to do. I hope to see you soon!
*Tour length is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Most tours sell out in advance, so make sure to book ahead of time directly on my website.
"Derek was a wealth of knowledge! So much personality! A driving/talking teaching/rapping librarian"
Important booking notice.
*I strongly recommend booking directly on my website. Booking directly on my website brings you to FareHarbor, which is my preferred booking processor. Bookings processed via FareHarbor have full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours before your tour time.
If you decide to book on a different 3rd party site such as TripAdvisor, Viator, Groupon, etc, you are subject to their terms, conditions, and refund policies which may differ from FareHarbor.
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Copyright © 2018 The Real Portland Tour - All Rights Reserved.
96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 207-329-7401
Guided Tours + Cruises
Sample the sights and sounds of the region.
When you visit the Greater Portland, Maine region you get a hands-on experience. Get up close and personal with our rocky coastline and sandy beaches. The region is your oyster and you can take on everything from kayak trips to lobstering tours to brews cruises.
Learn More On The Blog
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
The perfect way to experience the coastal and inland areas of Greater Portland Maine.
Offering specialty food cruises, harbor tours, and private charters. Complimentary beer and wine with all cruises!
Visiting Maine and want to see whales, puffins, or the sights? Cap’n Fish is the way to experience Boothbay Harbor.
Portland's iconic ferry system with year-round ferry services, specialty cruises and private charters to the islands of Casco Bay.
Offer boat rentals and water taxi service & the perfect way to see and explore Casco Bay on a private charter.
Join us for a guided tour, pedicab ride, or explore the region at your own pace with a worksman bike rental.
Private sightseeing tours are available for couples and all size groups, from minivan to motor coach.
Highly interactive tours that will educate and entertain you all along the way. Foodie tours, history tours, and more!
Aboard the 74-foot traditional sailing vessel Frances for public day sailing or charter. Weekly special events.
Home to the best tours and activities in Maine. Authentic experiences led by locals. Your gateway to an unforgettable Maine.
Jump aboard New England Eco Adventure’s small, intimate excursions that blend adventure and education into one amazing trip.
Experience unforgettable storytelling—rich with heart, humor, and humanity—on a walking tour with Maine's top-rated guide!
Don't just see Portland- Discover it! Offer a wide variety of sightseeing and charter options by Land and Sea.
Operate a unique multimedia history tour aboard a Vintage Fire Engine. We explore the peninsula of Portland.
Refresh your spirit with a two-hour sail on Casco Bay and witness first-hand the forts, lighthouses, sea life and rugged coastline.
Hosted on a traditional lobster boat, Rugosa’s lobster tour offers the most exclusive, personal, and educational cruise in Kennebunkport.
For 20 years we have been offering cycling, walking, and multi-sport vacations in the most beautiful places in Maine.
Portland's #1 party boat! Join us on the water for a fully immersive way to experience Casco Bay and the islands, all while live bands set the soundtrack.
Explore the best of Maine with private sightseeing tours featuring chef prepared local cuisine and drinks. Unforgettable experiences await on our historic boats.
We offer a variety of fishing charters and tours for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned anglers. Join us for a fishing or harbor tour!
A unique island experience within Fort Scammel on the private House Island in Casco Bay. Camp and tour the historic island!
A lobstering excursion for all ages while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses, civil war forts, and seals.
Maine’s first human-powered party boat. Book individual seats or the whole boat for a private tour of Portland.
All-inclusive tours providing guests a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more.
Land & sea adventures aboard a modern amphibious vehicle. A quacktastic historical tour of the Old Port and Harbor.
Scenic train ride along beautiful Casco Bay. Activities, historic railroad cars & exhibits.
Experience the Old Port's rich history since 1632. Over 50 historic stops! Memorable tour experiences not to miss!
Join our family owned and operated tour company for unforgettable explorations. Customized year-round tours.
Residents and guides, with enthusiasm and expertise in Portland’s history, food, drinks, art, music, and literature.
A day in the life of a lobsterman from pulling traps and setting traps to examining sea life and selling the catch.
Take a scenic trip aboard the vessel, Pamela B., with Seacoast Tours of Freeport in South Freeport.
We offer unique boat-based tours and experiences on the beautiful waters of Casco Bay!
City & 3 lighthouses Historical Sightseeing Tour with a REAL local, born & raised in Portland!
A family-owned and operated tour company sharing what we love about our charming city and the state of Maine.
Tours in Portland, Maine
Tours operate from April 27th until October 27th. See individual tour descriptions below for specific dates as not all tours operate throughout the season.
Choose Your Dates and Book Today!
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- most popular land tour!
- Calendar April 27 – October 27
- Hour Glass 1 hour and 45 minutes
- User All ages
Portland City and Lighthouse Tour
Enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minutes, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minutes stop.
- Calendar June 17 – October 14
- Hour Glass 1 hour
Peek at Portland Tour
Hop aboard our classic trolley and get a peek at all that Portland has to offer. Explore the rich history and highlights of the “Forest City” with our experienced guides.
- Most Popular Cruise!
- Calendar May 4 – October 20
Harbor Lights and Sights Cruise
Experience the iconic lighthouses and sights of Portland Harbor AND the picturesque waterway Diamond Pass.
- Calendar September 3 – October 20 (12:30 p.m.)
Lighthouse Lovers Cruise
Enjoy this narrated 1 hour scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds.
- Calendar May 24 – September 22
Sunset Lighthouse Cruise
This 1 hour and 45 minutes cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk.
- Hour Glass 3 to 3 hours and 30 minutes
July 4th Fireworks Cruise
Join us for our 4th of July Fireworks Cruise on Casco Bay! A family-friendly night cruising the bay and then enjoying the fireworks display. This popular annual cruise is sure to sell out so book early!
- Hour Glass 2 hours and 45 minutes
Peek at Portland & Sunset Lighthouse Cruise
Get a feel for the diverse history, architecture, and the vibrant neighborhoods of the Portland Peninsula on this 60 minutes trolley tour.
- Hour Glass 3 hours and 30 minutes
Portland City & Sunset Lighthouse Cruise
See everything the City of Portland and Casco Bay has to offer with this combo package.
- Hour Glass 2 hours
Peek at Portland & Lighthouse Lovers Cruise
Portland city & lighthouse lovers cruise.
Onboard one of our whimsical trolleys you will enjoy a fully narrated tour of Portland’s diverse history and hidden gems including a 30 minutes stop at Portland Head Light- Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse!
Peek at Portland & Harbor Lights & Sights Cruise
Get a feel for the diverse history, architecture, and the vibrant neighborhoods of the Portland Peninsula on this 60 minutes trolley tour. Next hop aboard the Harbor Lights & Sights Cruise for an extensive tour of Casco Bay.
Portland City & Harbor Lights & Sights Cruise
See everything the City of Portland and Casco Bay has to offer with this combo package. Onboard one of our whimsical trolleys you will enjoy a fully narrated tour of Portland’s diverse history and hidden gems including a 30 minutes stop at Portland Head Light- Maine’s oldest.
An Exhilarating Experience with Portland Discovery Tours!
Had a spectacular tour!
Our operators (thanks Bill!) were refreshingly knowledgeable and did a great job conveying the history and sights of Portland. Walking away with a wealth of new knowledge.
Highly recommend!
Do the sunset tour! We had a wonderful time touring the bay and learning about Portland. Saw some wildlife, lighthouses, and awesome sunset colors. The boat experience itself was calm and enjoyable.
Great experience!
Had a great experience with these guys and gals! They provided a wonderful Lighthouse Sunset Tour. It was so enjoyable for our whole family. We will do this again the next time we are in Portland!
Definitely worth it!
Well executed tour that shows you most of the areas attractions and tells you about the history and how people live here. No motion sickness. They sell have a bar and sell basic snacks.
Fantastic tour guide!
So knowledgeable and the history of Portland and all the views were amazing. We are glad we came in early may right before the busy season because to tour was small and intimate. A must do activity while visiting!
More To Do in Maine!
Whale Watch & Puffin Combo Cruise
Distance from Portland, ME: 1 hr & 11 mins
Price: Adults – $96 • Youth (2-12) – $81
Duration: Approx. 4+ hrs
This special cruise is designed for the nature lover that wants it all in just one afternoon! Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess, Mid Coast Maine’s largest and fastest vessel! Powered by brand new, green, clean burning tier 3 diesel engines.
Audubon Puffin & Scenic Cruise
Price: Adults – $59 • Youth (2-12) – $49
Duration: 2 hrs & 30 mins
See firsthand the National Audubon Society’s success in reestablishing a puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock. Truly a magnificent “Seafari” for all nature lovers with seals, blue heron, an occasional whale, and other coastal wildlife along the way.
Monhegan Island Ferry Service
Distance from Portland, ME: 1 hr & 20 mins
Price: Adults – $25.50 • Youth (2-12) – $25.50
Duration: 1 – 1 hr & 15 minutes
Enjoy the beautiful waters and scenery of Bristol with our ferry services between New Harbor and Monhegan Island!
The Scenic Route Maine Tours
Portland, maine lighthouse tours.
We are outside the ship terminal
Featured Tours
- Most Popular!
- Clock 2 hours
City & Lighthouse Tour
The best way to get a taste of what our great city of Portland has to offer! A must do!
- Clock 3 hours 30 minutes
Kennebunkport Tour
Enjoy the scenic drive to the lovely seaside village of Kennebunkport; incredibly picturesque and quaint.
Scenic Route Maine Tours is a LOCAL, family-owned and operated Maine Lighthouse tour company sharing what we love about our charming city of Portland and great state of Maine!
Operating since 2012, our stellar Tripadvisor reviews prove that small groups and excellent value combined with premium quality is a great mix.
Our friendly, fun, and knowledgeable guides love what they do and want to share their excitement with you!
Praise For Our Maine Tours From Tripadvisor
"Well run tour. Guide was excellent with many facts and stories about the area. Great communication from owner leading up to the tour. Would highly recommend"
"Excellent knowledge of area, easy to understand, small and intimate! Fun! Picked up right at pier from cruise line, she had great recommendations for downtown lunch spots too!"
"Great tour. Guide was knowledgeable about the area & shared some fun facts. Kennebunkport area is very quaint & shopping fun. Recommend this tour."
"In Portland for one day on a cruise and took this bus tour to Kennebunkport. It was a very pleasant drive-through with a great overview of a beautiful coastal town and just the right amount of time to walk around the downtown and/or eat lunch. We hope to return to Kennebunkport."
History & Lighthouse Tours in Portland, ME
Come explore portland, maine’s scenic landmarks on a unique & inspiring tour with a local born & raised in portland.
Join our family owned and operated tour company along the coast for unforgettable explorations. Eric Pray “co-owner/guide” with Portland Explorer will provide you with a fully narrated tour through Portland’s historic Old Port, followed by a scenic drive alongside the coastal waters of Casco Bay where you will visit 3 historic Lighthouses along the southern Maine Coast!
Eric, also a commercial Lobstermen off season from touring, will talk how Portland’s Old Port was one of the first working waterfronts in North America. With over 350 years of history as a center for shipping, fishing, commerce, and travel, Portland’s working waterfront is still to this day one of the largest ports here in the United States!
Featured Portland, Maine Tours
- Most Popular
- Up to 11 People
- Hour Glass 2.5 Hours
- Tags All Ages
Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour
Discover Portland’s essence with our van tour, venturing to three majestic lighthouses and exploring downtown. From the iconic Portland Head Light to the bustling city streets, immerse yourself in Maine’s coastal charm and rich maritime heritage.
- Tags Ages 21+
Lighthouse to Lagers Tour
Experience the best of coastal Portland, ME with our Lighthouses to Lagers tour! Explore Bug Light and Portland Head Light, then enjoy local brews at Portland Beer Hub. Join us for history, scenery, and craft beer – the ultimate seaside adventure!
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