This is a great way to see the islands in Casco bay. The mail boat runs twice a day and the trip lasts about 3 hours.It was fascinating to watch wood being unloaded and seeing the day to day life of the islanders.A great trip
We had a great 2 hour tour of Casco Bay listening intently as the captain described the history of Casco Bay as we cruised past lighthouses, forts and 19th-century summer colonies. Drawback was still sobering-up passengers who were locals and made it difficult for others to listen. Great cruise despite this fact. Crew was great!
We took the Casco Bay Tour to Peaks Island and it was perfect! Super inexpensive ($4 ish round trip per adult) and our 4 yo was free!! Neat to watch the locals traveling on board as well. Scenic but quick! Definitely recommend!!
What can I say about Casco Bay Lines? It is just fabulous to have it on the Bay in downtown Portland. I have not been to all the islands yet...but have taken the ferries to Peaks, Little Diamond, Long, Cliff, and Chebeague. Loved every trip, every time. Want to take a day and ride the mail boat as those I know who have done this, say it was absolutely an amazing experience. The crews are well-trained and experienced. So much fun to ride any of the ferries...sit outside with the wind and salt blowing and view the bay and all that it has to offer...sail boats, speed boats, and the absolute best views of Portland and the shore line, not to mention, the views of other islands as you pass and/or dock. Large parking garage but it does fill early in the summer months. Go online to check schedules to each island as they change quite a bit in the off season. A wonderful asset to the City of Portland.
I took my mom as I usually do, we both absolutely enjoyed the mailboat run. It's an excellent way to experience the Portland area. You get to see the machinery operate and deliver heavy boxes. Since we were few on the boat the captain, Captain Millard, was nice enough to allow my mother and I to go inside the cockpit. He was amazingly friendly and explained the history of Casco Bay among other things. I can't thank him enough for the opportunity to get an inside view of how the mailboat operates.
We did the sunrise cruise and It was fantastic. It was a bit early but it was absolutely amazing. See the sun wake up in the sea and in the island. Great moments!
This was a fine day and the trip was a reasonably inexpensive way to see some of the islands .it cost 16$ per person ?as a business venture it is great for the necessary service for islanders doubles up as a chance for visitors to get out on the water. I don't think I would call it a commentary but every now and again someone says a little , better get a book on Portland . Bring binoculars if you have them . And a good book for the time you will see pretty much only sea and tree lined islands . I was thinking that this was a case of " you can't really do two things at once " if you want a cruise then go for the cruise and pay more but if you just want a nice relaxing couple of hours in Portland harbour then do this . I was happy with the latter ... Just remember to bring a bar if chocolate or something to snack I could have killed for a coffee.
You'll need a sunny day but if you're lucky as we were then this trip is a wonderful way of spending a few hours. We expected not to be able to get off the boat but at two ports we got the chance of a quick stroll around the charming island communities that the mail boat serves.
We loved the ferry adventure. You get to see the daily lives of people who live on the island and see several islands in one trip. The crew was very talented. We couldn't believe the young guy who was in charge of the ropes on the boat. He had great aim. My husband and I were making bets with each other on when or if he missed. He only missed once. The captain kept the narrative to our tour light and funny. I would do this trip again!
We took the noon-1:45pm Nature Cruise to and from Cook's Restaurant on Bailey Island. Just line up and pay on board. "Nature" was mostly spectacular scenery, with one osprey, a few harbor seals, and, presumably, some lobsters on the lobster boats. Pleasant commentary. Will do this again when in the area.