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WATERLOCKED WONDERS
No visit to Portland is complete without venturing out to one of the nearby Casco Bay Islands. Dine at a
fine Portland restaurant, stay in a comfortable hotel, then get out onto the sparkling waters in a number of
fun and affordable ways.
Those who make their homes on the populated islands of Casco
Bay know just how different their lifestyle is from that of
mainlanders. United by their reliance on ferry transportation in
all weathers, islanders have created tight-knit communities that
support each other but also welcome visitors to experience these
special places.
The Casco Bay Lines ferry offers daily trips to seven of the nearby
populated islands as well as sunset and moonlight cruises, and
a sunrise cruise for early risers. Or speed directly to the island of
your choice on the Portland Sea Taxi, a private boat taking up to
six passengers across the bay.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Each island has its own unique personality; check out
visitportland.com/explore-the-area/casco-bay-islandsfor a brief overview of each of the islands.
GOOD TO KNOW
You can take bicycles on the ferry (extra fare
charged) to ride around the laid back
island roads.
Restaurants serve dinner on Great Diamond,
Peaks, and Chebeague Islands.
Most ferries don’t carry autos, just
passengers, except the Peaks Island ferry.
There are no cars on Little and Great
Diamond Islands, just golf carts and bicycles.
In 1993, Long Island seceded from Portland to
become the first new town in Maine since 1925.
Overnight camping is allowed on Little
Chebeague, a state park, and the western
shore of Cow Island, both only accessible by
private boat or taxi.
The nine-hole golf course on Chebeague
Island was placed on the National Register of
Historic Places in 2015.
With access via kayak, taxi or private boat,
you can explore the ramparts of Fort Gorges,
the hexagonal structure on Hog Island Ledge
off Portland’s Eastern Prom.
ISLANDS
PHOTOS, FROM TOP: COURTESY CHEBEAGUE ISLAND INN; AMY TOLK/VISIT PORTLAND
Chebeague Island Inn
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