Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour
Portland Explorer Tourism
4.9
Traveler42183549556
9 days ago
This tour was fantastic. Joe was knowledgeable and just a joy to have as a tour guide. The sites we saw were breath taking.
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
Departure Point
- Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour.Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port.
- Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour.Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: 320 Fore St320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Portland home for years, this tour offers a fresh and engaging way to explore the Greater Portland area. Ride in comfort aboard one of our Ford Transit passenger vans, as we journey through the heart of the city and its scenic surroundings. Starting off on tour, we drive down Fore Street, a charming historic thoroughfare that runs parallel to one of North America's last working waterfronts. We will pass by cobblestone streets, brick row buildings, and some of Portland’s most iconic shops, brewpubs, and restaurants—many housed in the city’s oldest commercial and residential structures. The blend of old-world charm and modern energy makes this neighborhood a local favorite.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Portland Head Light1000 Shore Rd, , Cape Elizabeth, MaineWalk around Fort Williams Park home to Portland Head Light! One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world! With cliff walks, memorials, and breath taking views, you will be able to take photos, visit the Lighthouse museum/giftshop "May-September" and also snag a bite/treat at a few of the parks food trucks, lobster Rolls, chowder, gelato, whoopie pies! Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse2 Fort Rd, Southern Maine Community College Campus, South Portland, MaineSpring Point Ledge Light we will park and stop for 10 minutes. Here your guide will breakdown the importance of this lighthouse which is situated out on a 900 ft. granite breakwater, early 1800's military instalments in the area, and scenic views of our coastal islands of Casco Bay! Please ask your guide for pictures taken during this stop. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Bug Light ParkSouth Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, MaineHere at Portland Breakwater Light, known as "Bug Light" to locals, you will be given 20 min to visit one of Maine's smallest lighthouses still in commission. With beautiful Greek Corinthian Columns this lighthouse is situated on a much shorter/safer breakwater where you'll be able to walk out and enjoy amazing views of Portland's waterfront! Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Commercial StreetPortland, MaineAs we finish our tour, we drive through Commercial Street, you'll get a glimpse of one of North America’s last working waterfronts. This iconic stretch in Portland’s Old Port district features cobblestone streets, 19th-century fishing wharves, and bustling piers still used by lobstermen and local fisheries. You’ll also see a vibrant mix of boutiques, restaurants, and pubs, all set within some of the city's oldest brick/granite buildings. Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour pick up is approximately 10 minutes walking from cruise ship terminal, less than 1/2 mile.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to enjoy the full experience at the lighthouse!
- This tour is fully on land. We will be driving in a high-end van.
- Mobile device charging
- Umbrella to use if needed
- Visits to three historic lighthouses
- Gratuity not included
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour of Maine’s best lighthouses. Explore three iconic beacons that have guided sailors for centuries, each offering a chance to delve into their rich history. While most lighthouses aren’t open for tours, you’ll still get up-close views and plenty of opportunities to admire their stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. As you navigate through Portland’s picturesque coastline, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views that are as storied as they are beautiful. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with maritime past while soaking in the charm of Maine’s coastal landscape.
Departure Point
- Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour.Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port.
- Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour.Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port.
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: 320 Fore St320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101Whether you're visiting for the first time or have called Portland home for years, this tour offers a fresh and engaging way to explore the Greater Portland area. Ride in comfort aboard one of our Ford Transit passenger vans, as we journey through the heart of the city and its scenic surroundings. Starting off on tour, we drive down Fore Street, a charming historic thoroughfare that runs parallel to one of North America's last working waterfronts. We will pass by cobblestone streets, brick row buildings, and some of Portland’s most iconic shops, brewpubs, and restaurants—many housed in the city’s oldest commercial and residential structures. The blend of old-world charm and modern energy makes this neighborhood a local favorite.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Portland Head Light1000 Shore Rd, , Cape Elizabeth, MaineWalk around Fort Williams Park home to Portland Head Light! One of the most photographed lighthouses in the world! With cliff walks, memorials, and breath taking views, you will be able to take photos, visit the Lighthouse museum/giftshop "May-September" and also snag a bite/treat at a few of the parks food trucks, lobster Rolls, chowder, gelato, whoopie pies! Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse2 Fort Rd, Southern Maine Community College Campus, South Portland, MaineSpring Point Ledge Light we will park and stop for 10 minutes. Here your guide will breakdown the importance of this lighthouse which is situated out on a 900 ft. granite breakwater, early 1800's military instalments in the area, and scenic views of our coastal islands of Casco Bay! Please ask your guide for pictures taken during this stop. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Bug Light ParkSouth Portland Greenbelt Pathway, South Portland, MaineHere at Portland Breakwater Light, known as "Bug Light" to locals, you will be given 20 min to visit one of Maine's smallest lighthouses still in commission. With beautiful Greek Corinthian Columns this lighthouse is situated on a much shorter/safer breakwater where you'll be able to walk out and enjoy amazing views of Portland's waterfront! Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Commercial StreetPortland, MaineAs we finish our tour, we drive through Commercial Street, you'll get a glimpse of one of North America’s last working waterfronts. This iconic stretch in Portland’s Old Port district features cobblestone streets, 19th-century fishing wharves, and bustling piers still used by lobstermen and local fisheries. You’ll also see a vibrant mix of boutiques, restaurants, and pubs, all set within some of the city's oldest brick/granite buildings. Duration: Not AvailableAdditional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour pick up is approximately 10 minutes walking from cruise ship terminal, less than 1/2 mile.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to enjoy the full experience at the lighthouse!
- This tour is fully on land. We will be driving in a high-end van.
- Mobile device charging
- Umbrella to use if needed
- Visits to three historic lighthouses
- Gratuity not included
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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4.9
based on Groupon 945 reviews
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Traveler42183549556
This tour was fantastic. Joe was knowledgeable and just a joy to have as a tour guide. The sites we saw were breath taking.
LeslieL4
This was a nice trip. I wouldn’t recommend it to friends. The driver went the wrong way on a one way street. We have all done that but not while driving a van full of tourists. I felt like the driver was not very prepared with his facts etc. This was a part time job for him & it showed. He was nice & dropped us off by cruise port at the end. We liked the beer place we started at also.
Jennifer_B
2 hours was the perfect amount of time. Very informative. Comfortable van. You need to request water from guide.
V1624ZNcolleeng
Great trip. Joe was super friendly and very knowledgeable. It was nice to see the lighthouses in the area. The “welcome pour” of beer at the start was a nice bonus.
Kristin H
Portland had great weather the day we were there. Comfy bus to drive to lighthouses. Our bus was full, so it was sort of snug. Our driver was kind & gracious to offer us water during the tour.
This was a great value for your money to go on an in town three lighthouse tour & not a razzle dazzle everything you need to know about Portland, Maine.
If you have limited time and want a chance to go ride around and see some lighthouses, this is a great value for your money & time well spent.
Was a little bit of a walk from the cruise terminal, but that allowed us to be out and enjoy the city of Portland! The weather was gorgeous & we are so grateful to have experienced New England with peak fall colors!!