Portland, Maine is a coastal city of about 66,000 people that sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular stop on any New England itinerary. One of the best things you can do here is to get out on the water and explore the bay. While you could charter your own boat and cruise around the bay, an easier option exists. One of the most popular and convenient ways to see this gorgeous landscape is to take the Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine.
What Is the Portland Mail Boat Tour?
The Portland Mail Boat Tour is convenient for tourists, but that’s not the reason why this particular route is run. The main purpose of this service is to deliver mail, supplies, and other passengers to the various islands of Casco Bay. Three times per day, the ship departs from Portland, making its rounds and stopping at several of the islands.
Basically, the company figured out that they could make easy money by letting tourists ride along while it does its actual job. And for tourists, it’s a easy, affordable, and convenient. So, when you visit, you should definitely consider taking the Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine.
Getting to the Mail Boat Tour
The terminal is located in the harbor of Portland. When you put in directions on your map, search for Casco Bay Lines.
The only tricky thing is deciding where you are going to park. There are several options, from garages to lots to street parking. When I visited Portland and did the cruise, I parked at the Thames Street lot. It’s not as centrally located as some of the other lots in the city, but I was able to park there for 24 hours for $10 (in 2021), which was some of the cheapest parking I was able to find in the whole city. Since I planned to explore the Old Port and get some lunch after the cruise, this was a great option. This parking lot is a ten minute walk to the terminal.
Buying a Ticket
You can buy a ticket for the Portland Mail Boat Tour online, but there’s really no need. Tickets do not have a set day or time, so it’s easiest to just buy it at the terminal before your journey. Each cruise can hold nearly 300 people so it’s rare for the cruises to completely fill up.
However, during summer high season, it is recommended to get there early to make sure you get a spot. I was here during the last weekend of October, well outside of peak season, and had no issues. At maximum, there may have only been 30 people on the ship at any given time on the day I cruised.
In 2024, tickets cost $21 for adults and $12 for children. There’s discounts for seniors as well.
Keep in mind that schedules change with the season. Visit the Casco Bay Lines website for up to date schedules and information.
Boarding
Your ticket will not indicate what gate your boat departs from, so you may need to ask. The terminal was not very big, only five gates, and only one of the boats was being loaded. I was pretty positive this was my boat, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if you are unsure.
When it’s time to board, you will walk up present your ticket, and it will be collected. Find a seat on the ship and relax.
On Board
There are several seating options on board, both indoor and outdoor. On a warm, sunny, summer day, outside seating can be wonderful. If you’re not here with perfect weather (like me!), don’t worry. You can be outdoors for photos and take cover inside when it starts to rain or you get too cold.
The entire Mail Boat Tour lasts anywhere from two and a half to three and a half hours. The variation comes from how long it takes to load and unload at each stop. During my trip, there were few people traveling, so it took us about two and a half hours to complete the whole Mail Boat Tour and return to Portland, Maine.
You may be tempted to get off at one of some of the islands since the boat makes numerous stops, but if this is your plan, you must buy a ticket directly for the island that you are visiting. Not only is this cheaper, but your ticket is collected once you get on the boat. Without a new ticket, you won’t be able to get back on.
On my cruise, we made seven stops at various islands. The crew is efficient so our time in the ports were very quick. This is great because the less time spent in port, means more time cruising.
On board, the only food comes from vending machines, so make sure to bring your own snacks. I’ve read several articles by people who brought a whole picnic lunch to enjoy on the boat. This sounds like a great idea on a nice day.
When to Do the Portland Mail Boat Tour
I would recommend doing this on a nice summer day, when there’s clear skies and warm weather. This will give you the best views while also being the most comfortable. I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to see this area than with a picnic lunch on the ship for the Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine. That’s not to say you couldn’t do it in winter, but it’s unlikely you’ll be sitting outside to enjoy a picnic then.
It is possible to do this cruise all year round. Remember, it’s not just for tourists. It’s also the way mail, supplies, and people move around the islands. Just be prepared for to spend most of your time indoors, watching through the windows.
What If There Is Bad Weather?
I did my trip on October 30th. It was a cool, cloudy day and it eventually started raining. I had tried to find information online about other people who had done this trip in not-so-ideal conditions, but didn’t find much. I think there’s a pretty good reason for it and it’s because tourists don’t typically do this in bad weather.
When I did my trip, I was the only tourist who braved the conditions. I would have loved to have a better day, but it was the only day I was able to do it. To my dismay, the next day had perfect weather for October with completely clear skies and a comfortable temperature. This weather was ideal for exploring nearby Cape Elizabeth.
If you can, try to build in some extra time in your itinerary so you have multiple chances to do the Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine if the weather doesn’t cooperate the first day.
During my tour, was cloudy all morning, but the rain didn’t start until an hour in. Even once it started, the rain was more of a mist. The real rain and fog didn’t pick up until the last 45 minutes. Once it started raining, I moved inside to warmer and drier conditions. Even inside, you can get a seat that still allows you to see the views outside.
So Is It Worth It?
If you have a warm, sunny day, you should absolutely take the Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine. Even though, I’ve already done the tour, I would absolutely do it again just to have some better weather.
That said, I didn’t have good weather, but I’m still happy I went. I think as long as you can have good visibility for at least half of the journey, it’s worth it. Had the morning started out super foggy (like how it was when we ended), I would have skipped it. The highlight is the scenery, so if you can’t see the scenery, what’s the point?
What to Bring on Your Mail Boat Tour
Snacks – The only food sold on board comes from vending machines, so bring your own snacks to eat. A picnic lunch in summer sounds wonderful, but even just a few smaller snacks are a good idea.
Warm clothes – You’ll be out on the bay, so even if it’s warm in Portland, it’ll be cooler once you’re out on the water. I wore a light sweatshirt, my fall jacket, long pants, and had a hat. After an hour outside, I was freezing and had to move inside just to warm up.
Camera – You’ll want to take photos of the views as you cruise.
Final Thoughts
The Mail Boat Tour in Portland, Maine is a great way to get on the water, and while it is doable in not so perfect weather, do your best to take this cruise in the best possible weather.
Continue Your Adventure
Maine: If you’re visiting Portland, consider a visit to nearby Cape Elizabeth for a picturesque coastline and the country’s most photographed lighthouse.
Itineraries: For the perfect road trip through New England, check out this 10 day itinerary.
More in New England: Maine is just the beginning of adventures in New England. In Rhode Island, tour the over the top mansions in Newport. In Connecticut, visit the historic fishing village of Mystic or one of its many state parks. Take a quick detour through New York to visit Albany. And don’t miss out on Stowe, Vermont – it’s a favorite among many travelers.