Portland Sunset Harbor Cruise & Local Craft Beer

The oldest lighthouse in Maine appears as the sun drops into the water.

You board the Elizabeth Grace at Portland's harbor, cruise past Maine's oldest lighthouse and a 19th-century island fort while sipping included local craft beer, watch for seals in Casco Bay, and take in the sunset from the water before the city's nighttime skyline lights up. The whole thing takes 1.5 hours, small groups stay under control, and you're back on land before dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with lighthouse views

• Board the Elizabeth Grace boat
• Cruise around Portland Harbor
• Spot Fort Gorges from the boat
• View Portland Head Light lighthouse
• Pass by Peaks Island
• Enjoy local craft beer onboard
• Watch Maine sunset from the water
• Cruise through Portland Harbor at night

The experience

Portland Head Light, finished in 1791, sits at the entrance to Portland Harbor, and you'll see it from the Elizabeth Grace as the sun starts to fall. The boat leaves the dock and heads out into Casco Bay for 1.5 hours, moving past Fort Gorges (a Civil War-era fort built on an island ledge, though no battles ever happened there) and around Peaks Island, three miles offshore. A local craft beer comes with your ticket. If you want another drink, you can order one aboard, credit card only. The crew keeps an eye out for seals, which show up often enough that it's worth watching the water.

The timing is the thing here. You board, the boat turns toward the mainland as the light changes, and by the time Portland's skyline starts to glow in the dark, you're already out there watching it happen instead of standing on the shore. The harbor fills with that specific Maine light (not quite gold, not quite orange), and then it's gone, and the city lights take over. It's a small group, which means you're not packed in, and the restroom is at the dock before you leave (there's one aboard, but you get the idea). If you're coming with six people or more, the crew runs private charters, which changes the whole feel of the thing.

Seals, lighthouses, an old fort, and the sunset from the water. It's the kind of evening that doesn't need much else. The boat does the work of getting you out there and back, and the beer keeps your hands busy while you're looking.

What’s included

• Your 1.5-hour cruise includes one canned local craft beer or non-alcoholic drink per person, passage aboard the Elizabeth Grace through Casco Bay past Portland Head Light and Fort Gorges, and a restroom at the departure location.
• Additional drinks are available for purchase aboard with a credit card.
• The boat departs from Portland Harbor and returns the same way.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 16:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Under 21: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SeaPortland

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Maine sunset and the lighthouses without arranging your own boat: the fixed departure time and included drink mean you show up, board, and the rest happens on schedule.

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Top questions

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.

How long is the Portland sunset harbor cruise?

1.5 hours total, from departure to return.

What's included in the ticket price?

One canned local craft beer or non-alcoholic drink per person. Additional drinks can be purchased aboard with a credit card.

Will we see seals on the cruise?

Seal sightings are likely but not guaranteed. The boat crew keeps watch and will point them out when they appear.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there's a restroom aboard. There's also one at the departure location before you board.

Can I bring small children or infants?

Yes. Infants can travel in a stroller or pram, and must sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. Service animals are allowed.

What if I'm coming with a large group?

Groups of six or more can arrange a private charter. Contact the operator for pricing and availability.

What lighthouses will we see?

Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse (completed in 1791), is the main one. You'll also pass other lighthouses and islands in Casco Bay.

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Public transportation options are available near the departure location.