casco bay islands

cruising Casco Bay on a beautiful summer day, stopping at all the islands? How can you beat that for the price?

Deep blue ocean combined with nice islands and beaches. We had a solid 6-hour trip around, and it was really exceeded our expectation.

So my boyfriend and I went on the mail boat run in January and we discovered after riding for 3 hours that this is a LOCALS water taxi/ferry not a TOURIST attraction. Nonetheless, we saw beautiful sights. We met and observed the locals in their daily routine. My boyfriend and I also enjoyed some alone time on the boat which was actually romantic as the sunset.

We took a 6 hour round trip out to Bailey Island. It was so beautiful. That's all it can say because there's nothing else to describe it. We passed many other islands on the way out and learned a little history of each. When we docked at Bailey Island, we had a couple hours to explore. I have to say there's not much to look at except walk down a few roads and look at the housing. But the first thing we did was stop for lunch at Cooks Lobster House. The food was amazing. I'm not a big fan of fish but the chicken sandwich was supreme. Definitely a place I'd go back to.

Such an easy and pleasurable outing from downtown Portland! For us, it couldn't have been more convenient since we were staying across the street at the Hilton Garden Inn. We arrived right when they were calling passengers onto the ferry, and for a mere $4.20 round-trip per person and dog, we purchased transportation for the low impact, non-wavy 15-20 minute shuttle to Peaks Island.Once there, we exited the boat and asked the first pedestrian in town for a suggested itinerary. We were obviously seeking a scenic walk, and we were advised to follow the road to the right and eventually down to the ocean whereby we could follow the circumference of Peaks in about 45 minutes. The return boats are scheduled approximately 70 minutes after arrival, so we assumed this would be plenty of time.Unfortunately, we must have missed the appropriate turn-back, so our final 15 minutes were slightly stressful as we walked, jogged, and ran a LOT faster than we had hoped. Be sure to get proper directions before setting out on your hike so that you don’t follow in our footsteps too closely! Nevertheless, the scenery and tranquility are not to be missed. I can only imagine how nice it must be in the summer. For us, we were braving the elements of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit before wind-chill, although at least we had the sun beaming down on us for the entire time.It was a great place to walk our dog. Next time, I hope to arrive back in town earlier (i.e., walk the 45 minute circumference and not the 70 minute version!) to grab a hot chocolate or coffee at the café by the pier.

Travelling through the islands of Casco Bay is charming. On most, it is a trip back to a very simple time and way of relaxing. Some are for exploring. Others are for really getting away. Unless you have your own boat, all require a ferry trip.

Take a boat ride, explore an island, experience the wildlife in and out of the ocean. Go back to a quieter time.

We took the ferry and saw several islands from the boat. The ferry stopped 6-7 times to let on/let off passengers. The islands looked interesting and would be nice to visit but we only saw then from the ferry.

A great thing to do in Portland is take a ferry tour of the islands of Casco Bay. Peaks was fun to walk around and have lunch.

It was a magnificent day on Peaks Island for my family after many years. I grew up discovering the grandeur of this island and am very blessed to be able to share it with my children. Peaks Island is grace, quiet and time stopped. Travelers will not be disappointed.

Casco Bay is such a joy to experience! The Casco Bay Ferry Line is so convenient right on Commercial Street in Portland. The people are friendly, the scenery is exquisite, and the experience is so relaxing!

Great way to spend a hot summer afternoon. Cruising on Casco Bay. What's not to like? Sunset cruises are also available and I do believe there are lobster bake opportunities although I have never been to one of those. You will also spot sea life such as seals and sea birds.

Wonderful trip around the islands! Love the water. Got off on Cliff Island and walked around. Interesting people on the ferry.

Quiet and Quaint There were many old homes and a brilliant few of the ocean. The ferry ride was quick and warm.

We took the Port guided tour upon arrival to Maine, and that is the way to do it! The guide was a wealth of knowledge teaching us all about the history of Portland. Then the next day we took a ferry to Peaks Island where we biked , visited an abandoned WW2 Fort and had a wonderful lunch of gourmet food.