Quick Details
Fort Scammel, a beautiful granite structure built in 1808, has long been inaccessible to the public. We’re excited to offer this rare chance to sea kayak across Casco Bay to House Island for a tour of the historic site with its current caretakers.
The trip starts at our main site at the East End Beach in Portland, where an expert guide offers a brief safety talk and gets everyone fitted in a sea kayak. The guide then leads the group on an island-hopping tour across Portland harbor towards Fort Scammel. Along the way, the group enjoys views of Casco Bay’s many islands, along with several lighthouses and other Portland landmarks. The route also passes right beside Fort Gorges, another fascinating island fort that kayakers often visit. Seals are often spotted on this route too!
Once the group reaches House Island everyone will be invited into the underground passageways leading to the expansive catacombs-like interior of Fort Scammel. A guide will tell the group all about the fort’s history and reveal some of its most interesting features.