Casco Bay Morning Windjammer Sail: Historic Maine Schooner
Sail past granite forts and working wharves aboard a wooden schooner built in Maine
A two-hour morning sail on Casco Bay in Portland aboard one of Maine's historic wooden schooners, with views of Fort Gorges, Bug Light Park, and the Portland waterfront. The crew answers questions about the harbor and its sights as you move through the bay; life jackets are provided for all ages. Bring your own food and drink to enjoy while sailing.
2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Morning sail on Casco Bay
- Board historic Maine schooner
- Sail through calm Casco Bay waters
- See Portland skyline and working waterfront
- Pass by Fort Gorges military fort
- View Bug Light Park lighthouse
- Relax and enjoy sailing experience
The Experience
Two hours on the water starts the moment you board one of three National Register schooners—wooden boats built in Maine decades ago and still rigged to sail. The crew handles the canvas while you settle into the rhythm of wind and water. Casco Bay opens up around you: the calm inlet of the Gulf of Maine, the working wharves where fishing boats still tie up, and the skyline of Portland established in 1786. This is not a narrated tour; instead, the captain and crew are there to answer whatever you want to know about what you're seeing.
Fort Gorges rises from the water—massive granite blocks stacked from 1858 to 1864, now softened by moss and time. Bug Light Park's 30-foot lighthouse, built in 1855 by Thomas Ustick Walter, stands on its breakwater. Both are close enough to see clearly, far enough that you're always moving. The schooner stays within Casco Bay, so the waters stay calm and cool even as the wind carries you along the coast.
Pack a meal, bring wine or beer, and sit back while the boat does the work. Life jackets are provided for adults and children. The two-hour window means you're back on the dock by mid-morning, leaving the rest of your day open.
What’s included
- Life jackets for adults and children.
- two-hour cruise through Casco Bay with views of Fort Gorges, Bug Light Park, and Portland's working waterfront.
- access to ask the crew questions about the harbor and its sights.
Operated by Portland Schooner Co.
Is this one for you?The schooner departs from Portland's waterfront, so no car is needed if you're staying downtown or can reach the wharves by public transit. The two-hour morning window fits easily into a day of exploring the city, leaving your afternoon free.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
What is Fort Gorges and why is it visible from the sail?
Fort Gorges is a military fort built between 1858 and 1864 from massive granite blocks, located in Casco Bay near Portland. The schooner passes close enough that you can see the striking stonework clearly as it rises from the water.
Can I bring food and drinks on the two-hour sail?
Yes—pack a meal and bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy while sailing. The crew welcomes you to bring whatever you'd like for the morning.
Is this a guided tour with narration about the sights?
No, this is not a narrated tour. The captain and crew are happy to answer any questions you have about the harbor, the lighthouses, and the sites you pass, but they don't provide continuous commentary.
What ages can sail on the schooner?
All ages are welcome, from nine years old to 99. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and life jackets are provided for all ages.
What is Bug Light Park and when was it built?
Bug Light Park is home to a 30-foot breakwater lighthouse built in 1855 by architect Thomas Ustick Walter. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is visible from the schooner as you sail through Casco Bay.
Casco Bay Morning Windjammer Sail: Historic Maine Schooner
2h · EN
from US$ 61 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.9039 reviews
