The 7 Best Tours in South Portland, Maine (ME)

January 10, 2022 Nicolette Lion

South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-largest city in the state, incorporated in 1898. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25,002. Known for its working waterfront, South Portland is situated on Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland's close proximity to air, marine, rail, and highway transportation options, the city has become a center for retail and industry in the region.
Restaurants in South Portland

1. 2 Hour Private Portland, Maine Lighthouse Tour

320 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, USA Portland Explorer
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Visitors to Portland can easily miss some of Maine's most stunning sights. Avoid the headache of arranging your own transportation, or renting a car, on this guided tour of Portland's must-see sights. Enjoy a personalized experience on the tour with a local Mainer and lobsterman! We have the tour outlined but the time and stops can easily be adjusted to meet the requests of your group. Tour downtown Portland, visit three lighthouses, including Portland Head Light. See Portland's top sights, and working waterfront, with a local lobsterman. Visit Commercial Street, the Old Port District, and 3 lighthouses!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Umbrella to use if it rains during the tour. , TV display with photos and video of tour stops and history of Portland

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By tippsieq

We had THE best tour ever and our tour guides Eric and Mario made the experience the best. It felt like hanging out with friends with them. The tour exceeded our expectation and everyone should check it out. We didn’t want it to end! Support this family run business and her an opportunity to see the beautiful lighthouses and learn about some really great history! Thank you for making such a special day for a group of lifelong friends who were celebrating 35+ years of friendship, a future bride and health and even better day!

2. Fall Foliage Private Sightseeing Cruise

72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA Casco Bay Custom Charters
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Experience COLORFUL Maine on this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour featuring Maine's fall color and the best coastal sights in the Portland area. It doesn't get any more "New England" than this! Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6. MONHEGAN, our sturdy lobster boat, is fitted with a retractable enclosure over her aft deck to ensure your comfort even if the autumn weather is a bit chilly. All charters are private (only one group per sailing), for up to 6 passengers. Children and infants are welcome.   Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Licensed Captain, Local guide, Cooler, glassware, plates, utensils for guest use. Beer and wine are sold onboard. No BYOB., This is a private charter. Maximum group size is 6 guests.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Parking in Portland's Old Port

Reviewed By kenedeau23

Wonderful private boat ride with family and friends out in the harbor. The service was great on board, we were comfortable, accommodated and felt very safe. There was a good selection of wine, local beer and soft drinks for all of us as well. Probably more of a $25-$35/person value if you’re not a drinker.

3. The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA The Real Portland Tour
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5.0 based on 362 reviews

Welcome to my hometown! Hop aboard for an authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland and 3 lighthouses with an experienced guide who is a real local, born and raised in Portland, ME. Get an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of my hometown. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a real local knows! As a college librarian I'm always researching the hidden history of Portland, while at the same time keeping on top of what's new in town and visiting as many local establishments that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative and entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor. This is The Real Portland Tour! Check my website for a complete listing of tour days, times, and availability.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Knowledgeable, entertaining guide with 20 years experience giving tours of his hometown of Portland.

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Reviewed By hennes6606

We really enjoyed the tour. It was very informational and entertaining. We made trips back to multiple of the locations visited on the tour.

4. 5 Lighthouse Bike Tour with XL Lobster Roll

14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101, USA Summer Feet Cycling - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Discover Portland Maine and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle! Join us for the 5 lighthouse bicycle tour of Portland, Maine featuring the Maine coast, lighthouses, and Portland’s history. We have made some modifications to the 5 Lighthouse tour in response to COVID-19. We have modified the tour to allow us not to have guests in our vehicles. As a result of this change, guests will begin biking from the Ocean Gateway and return to the Ocean Gateway by bicycle.  Groups will generally see only 4 lighthouses (Bug Light, Spring Point, Portland Head Light and Ram Island Ledge). Lunch will be provided by we will source all food from vendors.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, The tour includes a extra large lobster roll lunch including a lobster roll, chips, local soda and desert. We can accommodate all dietary restrictions and preferences

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Lauren R

We had a fantastic tour with Summer Feet in Portland! Visited 4 lighthouses with a stop for lunch. Our guide (Tom) was great - super knowledgeable about the area and very personable! Would definitely recommend!

5. Private Sunset Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat

72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA Casco Bay Custom Charters
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4.9 based on 19 reviews

Leave the crowds and join us aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private 2-hour sightseeing and lighthouse viewing charter capped by a stunning Maine sunset.  We will wind our way through the islands of Casco Bay passing by Portland's best coastal sights, including historic 19th century forts, lighthouses, and the scenic Maine Coast. Perfect for families and small groups, each charter is private for groups of up to 6. Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6. Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.

Inclusions: Licensed Captain & Local Guide, Bottled water, Cooler, glassware, plates, utensils for guest use. Beer and wine are sold onboard. No BYOB., MONHEGAN is equipped with an environmentally friendly composting toilet, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By kenedeau23

Wonderful private boat ride with family and friends out in the harbor. The service was great on board, we were comfortable, accommodated and felt very safe. There was a good selection of wine, local beer and soft drinks for all of us as well. Probably more of a $25-$35/person value if you’re not a drinker.

6. Private Lighthouse Sightseeing Charter on a Vintage Lobster Boat

72 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA Casco Bay Custom Charters
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4.9 based on 15 reviews

Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private, 2-hour lighthouse viewing & sightseeing charter.  Leave the crowds behind as we tour the islands of Casco Bay and pass by 4 lighthouses, historic 19th century forts, and the scenic Maine Coast.  Book ONE TICKET for a group of up to 6 guests. Charters depart from Portland's Old Port or from our dock, where free parking is available.  Perfect for families and small groups, each charter is private for groups of up to 6. Customize your charter by adding onboard catering including lunches, charcuterie platters, and snacks. Beer and wine are available on board for purchase as well. Kindly contact us at least 48 hours in advance of your departure to order food.

Inclusions: Licensed Captain & Local Guide, Bottled water, Cooler and ice, This is a private charter for groups of up to 6 guests (including children), Beer and wine available for purchase on board., MONHEGAN is equipped with an environmentally friendly composting toilet, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: No food or drinks included, but beer/wine available for purchase on board., Parking in the Old Port is not included (however, we do offer free parking if you choose to depart from our dock in South Portland)

Reviewed By JDean1986

The Sunset cruise was easily the most memorable part of our trip to Portland. Captain Nick was impeccable with his timing to provide a lovely view of the Sun setting while also allowing enough time during our 4 hour cruise to explore the surrounding area of Portland. Chris’ hospitality during our charter was amazing. He provided a wealth of knowledge and interesting information about the seaside town of Portland. We had the honor to experience Chef Paul’s 5 course dinner during our voyage and to say the cuisine was immaculate would be an understatement. Chef Paul does not make a meal twice and to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity will forever be a fond memory. The vessel was perfect. The trip consisted of me and my wife and we had a comfy booth along with enough pillows and blankets to support the chilly Portland seas. The sunset was breathtaking and we felt we had the view to ourselves during its captivating departure. The crew excused themselves to below deck or the front of the vessel to make the experience that much more private. Each crew member had their individual tasks and excelled at their craft.

7. Portland, Maine Lighthouse Tour

320 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, USA Portland Explorer
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4.8 based on 202 reviews

We are always adding new tour times to accommodate travelers, please call us directly to inquire if you do not see your preferred time listed! Whether this is your first visit or you've lived in Portland for years, you’ll explore the Greater Portland area from a new perspective. Travel through downtown Portland with a local lobsterman and hear about the working waterfront, commercial fishing industry and more! Next, visit 3 lighthouses and spend about 40 minutes walking around and taking pictures at historic Portland Head Light. 2 more photo stops are included on the tour at Spring Point Head Light and Bug Light. Transportation provided in a temperature controlled 12 passenger Ford Transit. Your guide provides tips for dining and activities during your stay in Portland, Maine. Call us directly for information on booking a custom or charter service tour!

Inclusions: Umbrella to use if needed, Air-conditioned vehicle, TV display with photos and video of tour stops and history of Portland

Exclusions: Gratuity not included

Reviewed By ClassifiedOne

Overall had a good tour. I'm a history buff when it comes to city's and towns and this tour definitely provided me with known and unknown facts. Eric was personable and knowledgeable about the history of the lighthouses and Maine itself. If you're looking for a scenic tour this is for you.

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