Sunset Sea Kayak Tour on Casco Bay
Description
The hours just before sunset offer the best time for paddling on the waters of Casco Bay. The sky tends to explode with color and the seas often become glassy and calm. This trip involves a leisurely paddle just far enough along the waterfront or into the islands to enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach. This two-hour tour is designed for paddlers of all experience levels -- including first-time kayakers. The exact route you take will depend on the weather conditions and the group's interests and experience, but the Sunset Tour often starts out venturing into the waterfront of Portland harbor, and then into the open waters towards the islands of Casco Bay. We will cancel this tour if there is steady rain, strong winds or other conditions that we believe will prevent guests from having a great paddling experience. However, we will run our tours when there are light showers, overcast skies or cooler than average temperatures.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The waters of Casco Bay contain abundant wildlife, including seals, seabirds and all sorts of fish and intertidal creatures
We often paddle towards the ledges near beautiful Mackworth Island State Park. It's a great area for spotting seals and other wildlife!
Paddle along the edge of historic Portland harbor and get a close look at the wharves linked with lobster boats, schooners and other ships.
Enjoy views of this 19-th century fort in the middle of Portland harbor.
View this and other lighthouses from a distance as you paddle across the open waters of Portland harbor.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each child under age 16 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to check-in. Allow time for parking.
- Minimum age is 10 years old
- Most participants will be given tandem (two-person) kayaks. Participants may request a solo kayak, but guides will make the final decision about which boats will be used based on weather and other factors.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It is usually cooler on the water than on land.
Reviews(120)
A group of us did the sunset kayak tour. I appreciated that Joe gave us some paddling instructions. We all enjoyed ourselves. The kayaks were all set up and ready to go, so we had maximum time on the water.
Either the guide (Joe) was lying to us or this trip was falsely advertised. We paid in advance for 3 adults and when we arrived, Joe informed us we would be using tandem kayaks. I said I was expecting single kayaks and he said it was "at the guide's discretion" and that it would be easier for HIM to manage the group if everyone were in tandem kayaks. What is noted in the description is, "Each child under age 16 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult." This leads the buyer to believe they will otherwise be using a single kayak and there is absolutely no mention of "the tour guide's discretion." We were a group of 3 adults and my husband was forced to tandem kayak with a complete stranger. "Joe" said, "Trust me, you'll like it" and "I think it's more fun this way" He repeated himself several times and then said to the group, "Oh look, she's giving me that mom look" and then said to the group, "She's giving me the evil eye" His behavior was beyond inappropriate and no, I did not like it one bit.
Lots of fun! had minimal kayaking experience before this adventure. The guide gave good instructions and with a bit of practice I was off and running. Our group was all tandem, which allowed us to go faster and farther. Saw seals and osprey.
Amazing tour! Our guide, Andy, went above and beyond to make it a great experience. After a brief orientation on their equipment we headed down to the water to our sea kayaks. The kayaks were very easy to steer with the rudders and we made good headway in the harbor. Andy made sure to keep the group together and spoke with the people in each boat as we paddled along. It was very relaxing as the sun set. Highly recommend the tour and book early.
We had a great time. Weather and wind were perfect and we were treated to great sunset and wildlife (seals and porpoises!). Heather was fantastic guide.
Really nice way to enjoy the harbor and sunset. Did the 5:45 time since that was all that was left but the timing was perfect for the sunset and seeing the seals. Heather was our guide and was so nice. We wore swimsuits- most people didn’t but I was glad we did because you do get a bit wet.
We had a great tour with Heather! The weather was perfect! We enjoyed getting to see the seals and a nice paddle around the nearby island with a beautiful sunset.
We did the sunset kayak tour and Heather was our guide. She was very helpful and knowledgeable and great to visit with on our kayaking tour. We had very limited experience kayaking prior to this trip. She was a great teacher! We definitely recommend this excursion!
We had a wonderful time on the water with Josh! The evening temperature was fantastic and we were able to see seals, gulls, and osprey!
Great excursion, beautiful scenery, professional guide, fun paddle, lots of wildlife, awesome adventure
