Quick Details
Island-hop your way through Portland’s Casco Bay!
This trip offers the chance to island hop your way through the archipelago of gorgeous islands in Casco Bay that lie between Portland harbor and the open ocean. On this paddling adventure, you’ll enjoy views of some of the bay’s most fascinating landmarks, including lighthouses and historic forts. And be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife like seals, eider ducks, herons and osprey. Halfway through the trip you’ll land on an island beach for a break and stretch, then make your way back to East End Beach.
There are endless options for exploration, so your exact route will depend on the weather conditions, tide cycles, guide preference, and group dynamics.
This tour involved more than 3 hours of slow to moderate-pace sea kayaking, and is the perfect fit for people with some sea kayaking experience who want to venture a bit further into Casco Bay.
More Info
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- Picturesque views of lighthouses, forts and the working waterfront of Portland harbor.
- Landing on an island beach for a break and shoreline exploration.
- Possible sightings of seals, eider ducks, guillemots, osprey, eagles and all sorts of seabirds.
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- Double (two-person) sea kayaks that are stable, swift and perfect for beginners. Or, if you prefer, request a solo kayak.
- Other essential paddling gear: Lifejackets, paddles, sprayskirts, and a dry bag to keep your phone and other belongings dry.
- A brief lesson on the basics of sea kayaking taught by an expert kayak guide.
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Clothing: It’s often cooler on the water than on land, so bring a warm layer even if it is a warm day. Sometimes we get slightly wet from seaspray or from water dripping off the paddles. Cotton will not keep you warm if it gets wet, so it’s best to leave the blue jeans and t-shirts at home and wear fleece, nylon, wool or other non-cotton materials. Long sleeves are also the best protection against sunburn, so a light, long sleeved shirt is often best for sun protection.
Footwear: You may need to briefly step in shallow water while getting in and out of your kayak, so you should wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. We recommend close-toed shoes to protect from stubbed toes, watershoes or sneakers are good options. During a trip with Portland Paddle you may encounter a variety of ground surfaces, including rocks, mud, and sand, so be prepared!