Fort Scammel Tour Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Explore

Land on a Private Island Fort Most Portlanders Have Never Seen

A two-hour private boat tour from Portland to Fort Scammel on House Island, where you explore a historic 19th-century stone fort with underground passages and French architectural details. The boat departs from SeaPortland, includes a local craft beverage or non-alcoholic drink per person, and operates with a live English-speaking guide for groups of four or more. The fort itself has been privately owned and closed to the public until now, making this the only way to access it in Portland.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Island Fort Tour and Cruise

• Board the Elizabeth Grace boat
• Cruise past iconic lighthouses
• Arrive at Fort Scammel on House Island
• Explore fort architecture and ruins
• Visit catacombs-style underground passages
• Return from the island tour

The experience

Two hours gets you to Fort Scammel and back, which means the tour fits into a morning or afternoon without swallowing the whole day. You board the Elizabeth Grace at SeaPortland and cruise through Casco Bay past the iconic lighthouses on the way out to House Island. The boat ride itself is part of the experience. You're moving through the same waters that required these stone fortresses in the early 19th century, and the guide walks you through that history as you approach.

Once you land on the island, you explore the fort's unique architecture and preserved ruins, including the catacombs-style underground passages that run beneath it. The masonry shows French influences, and the whole structure is built to the scale and detail of a fort that actually saw combat: the only one in Portland Harbor with that distinction. This isn't a museum display or a distant view from the shore. You're walking through the actual rooms and passages, seeing how they were built to last.

A local craft beer or non-alcoholic drink is included with your ticket, served aboard the boat. The Elizabeth Grace has a restroom at the departure location in Portland, though not onboard, so plan accordingly. Groups of six or more can arrange a private charter for the best experience. The minimum to operate is four people.

What’s included

• Boat cruise through Casco Bay with views of Portland Harbor lighthouses.
• private access to Fort Scammel on House Island.
• guided exploration of the 19th-century stone fort with underground catacombs-style passages.
• one local craft beer or non-alcoholic drink per person.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (1 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SeaPortland

Is this one for you?At two hours, the tour leaves your morning or afternoon open for other plans in Portland. You're not committing a full day. The four-person minimum means you need a small group, but that's also what keeps the experience genuinely private and the fort from feeling crowded.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (1 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Fort Scammel and why is it hard to visit?

Fort Scammel is a stone fortress built in the early 19th century on House Island in Portland Harbor: the only fort in the harbor to see active combat. It has been privately owned and closed to the public for decades, making this tour the only way to access it. The fort contains catacombs-style underground passages and shows French architectural influences in its masonry.

How long is the boat ride to Fort Scammel from Portland?

The entire tour is two hours, which includes the boat cruise through Casco Bay to House Island, time to explore the fort, and the return to SeaPortland. You'll pass the iconic lighthouses on the way out.

What's included in the price of the tour?

The tour includes the boat ride, access to Fort Scammel, a live English-speaking guide, and one local craft beverage or non-alcoholic drink per person. Additional drinks can be purchased aboard with a credit card.

What should I know about the physical demands of this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as you'll be exploring the fort's ruins and walking through underground passages. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Infants can attend if they sit on an adult's lap, and children are welcome from age one.

Where does the boat depart from, and is there parking or transit?

The Elizabeth Grace departs from SeaPortland in Portland. Public transportation options are available nearby. A restroom is available at the departure location before you board.