Quick Details
The silence and darkness that envelopes Casco Bay at night can be incredibly peaceful. But there’s also plenty to look at: The stars overhead, the sparkling bioluminescence in the waters below and the flickering lights of the Portland skyline. We’ll hit the water just in time to watch the sun set and then we’ll glide through the dark waters, keeping track of each other with the help of glow sticks dangling from our lifejackets.
Children age 12 to 15 are welcome on this tour if they paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult. If you would like to go paddling with a child under age 12 please consider our Family Tour.
There is free all-day parking in the lot halfway down the hill on Cutter Street about 50 yards from Portland Paddle. When that lot is full you can find free parking on streets in the residential neighborhoods nearby. The parking spaces right beside Portland Paddle are limited to 5 minutes or two hours and some are reserved for vehicles with boat trailers.
There are public bathrooms and changing rooms that are open during limited hours. We have our own private portable toilet for customers. Most of the islands we visit do not have bathroom facilities, so it’s best to use the facilities before heading onto the water.
We typically use tandem (two-person) sea kayaks on our shorter tours, but you may request a solo kayak if you have previous experience using one. Please reply to your confirmation email with this request. We try to accommodate everyone’s preferences, but ultimately your guide will make the final decision based primarily on safety considerations. We find that tandems are best for most people because they are more stable and spacious. Plus, if you get tired, your partner can pick up the slack! If you are joining a tour on your own, you will either be given a solo kayak or paired up with another person in the group.
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 sea spray 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.
You may need to briefly step in shallow while getting in and out of your kayak, so you should wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Water shoes, sandals and old sneakers are good options.
We encourage you to offer a gratuity to your guide if you are satisfied with your experience. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. A common tip on our day tours is $5-$10 per person. Tips can be given directly to the guide (cash or Venmo) or online via the follow-up email you’ll receive.