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Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

1,071 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 1,071 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Portland, USA
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from $79 per person

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Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour Image 1
Hear all about the working waterfront from a local lobsterman on our tours!
Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour Image 3
Explore Fort Williams Park
Baby Noah exploring Portland Head Light
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 102 (88) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Mobile device charging
  • Gratuity not included
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

320 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

320 Fore St (pass by)

Whether 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.
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Portland Head Light

Walk 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!
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Spring 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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bug Light Park

Here 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!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Commercial Street (pass by)

As 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.
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Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110660P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.92
1,071 reviews

Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 1,071 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,008
4 stars
45
3 stars
14
2 stars
3
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 102 (88) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Mobile device charging.
  • Umbrella to use if needed.
  • Visits to three historic lighthouses.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuity not included.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Mobile device charging
  • Umbrella to use if needed
  • Visits to three historic lighthouses
  • Gratuity not included

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name