Exploring Casco Bay with Casco Bay Legacy Charters
There are some places in New England that you just need to see from the water, and Portland, Maine is absolutely one of them.
We recently had the chance to head out on Casco Bay with Casco Bay Legacy Charters, a family-run charter company offering private boat tours out of Portland. Between the beautiful boat, incredible scenery, local history and the ability to customize your trip, this is such a fun way to experience a different side of Portland and Casco Bay.
Our trip started at the marina, which was in a really convenient location. There was plenty of parking, and there were stores nearby if you needed to grab any last-minute provisions before heading out on the water.
Casco Bay Legacy Charters is a family business run by Captain Tim and his son, Captain Jack. For our trip, we met Captain Tim and Captain Eric, who walked us down the dock and introduced us to our home for the next few hours.
And the boat was beautiful.
Captain Tim showed us around, and I loved how much space there was both above and below deck. The interior was comfortable and inviting, and I was particularly excited to discover there was a bathroom on board. If you're spending a few hours on the water, that's a detail worth knowing!
They had also put out a charcuterie board for us, along with other snacks and refreshments, which was such a nice touch and immediately made the trip feel special.
We headed out into Casco Bay, and in true New England fashion, the weather couldn't quite make up its mind.
When the rain started coming down, we simply headed below deck and enjoyed our snacks while we waited it out. Having a comfortable indoor space where you can get out of the weather is a HUGE bonus, especially if you're booking a charter in New England where conditions can change quickly.
Before long, the rain stopped, and we headed right back outside to continue exploring.
Once the weather cleared, we got to see why Casco Bay is such an incredible place to explore by boat.
We cruised by Portland Head Light and made our way around Casco Bay, passing islands, historic forts and some absolutely beautiful coastal scenery along the way.
But this wasn't just a sightseeing cruise.
Captain Tim and Captain Eric knew so much about the area and shared stories and information about the different landmarks we passed. I always love when an experience gives you a little bit of history and local knowledge along with the views. You come away feeling like you actually learned something about the place you just explored.
One of the things that really sets Casco Bay Legacy Charters apart is that these are private tours.
Instead of following one set itinerary with a large group of people, you have much more flexibility to make the experience your own. If there's something in particular you'd like to see, talk to the captains about it.
Want to see lighthouses? Interested in the historic forts? Want to cruise around the islands? Or maybe you just want to relax on the boat, take in the scenery and enjoy being out on the water.
That's the beauty of booking a private charter.
Casco Bay Legacy Charters offers both 2-hour and 4-hour tours, so you can choose how much time you want to spend exploring.
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to share this experience now is because boating season in Maine isn't over just because summer is winding down.
Casco Bay Legacy Charters continues running tours into October, which means you have the opportunity to experience Casco Bay during one of my favorite times of year in New England: FALL. 🍂⚓️
Imagine seeing the islands, coastline and Portland Harbor surrounded by fall color, from the water.
If you've only ever visited Portland by walking around the Old Port, this gives you an entirely different perspective of the city and the surrounding Casco Bay islands.
And if you're local? It's one of those experiences that reminds you just how lucky we are to have all of this right in our backyard.
We had such a great time with Captain Tim and Captain Eric, and between the private experience, comfortable boat, beautiful scenery and their knowledge of Casco Bay, it's an experience I'd happily recommend.
But there's one thing I still need to check off my list...
A Casco Bay sunset charter. 🌅
I have a feeling I'll be back.
New England Scuttlebutt Tip: Don't automatically assume boating season ends with summer. A fall charter gives you cooler temperatures, fewer peak-summer crowds and the chance to see Maine's foliage from an entirely different perspective. 🍁⚓️
-Kate
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