seal tours portland

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MAINE WHALE WATCHING

PRIVATE CHARTERS

EXPLORER SEAL WATCHING

Explore casco bay.

Casco Bay Maine Tour Boat Trips We Offer

Seal Watch – Private Charters

Casco Bay “Explorer” is not your typical BOAT CHARTER.

She’s a smaller vessel (16 passengers maximum), low to the water and open to the skies. Her size allows quick trips from point to point and lets her get in closer than most tour boats, giving you a more personal experience of the sights of Casco Bay!

Trips We Offer

Casco bay seal watch.

We’ll head through Portland’s working waterfront to Halfway Rock, a seal rookery, where we will look for seals and sea birds, passing forts and lighthouses along the way.

A great trip for families! Trip time: Approx. 45 minutes | Adult: $36  Children 12 and under: $31

A great trip for families! Trip time: Approx. 45 minutes | Adult: $36 Children 12 and under: $31

BYOB PRIVATE BOAT RIDES

We also offer private charters! Take advantage of a private option aboard our boat “Explorer”. This is a fantastic way to get out on the water! Join us before your dinner reservation for a private BYOB Happy Hour on the water or later in the evening for a private sunset BYOB boat ride!

Explorer is also a great choice for your next bachelor/bachelorette party, family reunion, corporate outing, or just a fun night out on the bay.

We can show you combination of lighthouses, forts, seals, and Portland’s working waterfront. This trip is totally customizable!

Trip Length : Private boat rides on Explorer are one hour (with the option to extend time). Capacity: The boat holds 16 passengers maximum. Cost: Pricing starts at $200 for the first 4 passengers and an additional $44 for each person beyond 4. Times: 5:15-6:15 & 6:45-7:45

Please keep in mind that “Explorer” stays in the bay. We are not able to whale watch on this boat. Explorer is an open boat with no cover from the sun and no restrooms.

Trip Length: Private boat rides on Explorer are one hour (with the option to extend time). Capacity: The boat holds 16 passengers maximum. Cost: Pricing starts at $200 for the first 4 passengers and an additional $44 for each person beyond 4. Times: 5:15-6:15 & 6:45-7:45

Frequently Asked Questions

Prohibited items.

Prohibited Items include outside alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms and glass containers of any kind.

Accessibility

Odyssey is a smoke-free vessel. This includes e-cigarettes and vaporizers.

Pets and strollers

Pets and strollers cannot be brought on board.

Can we bring our own food and drink onboard?

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink on Odyssey. Our snack bar has light packaged snacks and drinks, but we do not offer any lunch food, so many guests choose to pack their own lunch. Please do not bring hard sided coolers, glass bottles, or outside alcohol as we have a liquor license and sell adult beverages at our bar.

Are there restrooms on the boat?

There are two restrooms on Odyssey, our whale watch boat. There are NO bathrooms on Explorer, our seal watch and private charter boat.

Do you have lifejackets we can wear?

We have life jackets for all ages on board. We cannot give these out unless there is an emergency. If you would like to bring your own life jacket to wear you are welcome to do so.

Be aware that parking is limited in Portland and can sometimes be difficult to find—leave extra time to find appropriate parking before check-in. Reservations are honored until check-in, 30 minutes prior departure.

Great fun and educational for the entire family.

Contact odyssey.

Mailing Address Odyssey Whale Watch PO Box 17801 Portland, ME 04112

From the North: I-295 to Exit 7. Follow Franklin Street (Route 1A) South to Commercial Street. Turn right onto Commercial Street +/- .2 miles to Long Wharf on your left.

From the South: I-295 to Exit 4. Take Route 1 North +/- 1.2 miles. Exit to the right and take Route 1A (Commercial Street). Follow 1A North for +/- 2 miles to Long Wharf on your right.

We do not have our own parking. Parking in Portland can be very challenging, however there are several lots and garages within easy walking distance of our location.

Our 2024 season has come to an end. Online bookings for our 2025 season will be available soon.

• Odyssey Whale Watch
• RESERVATIONS

EXPLORE CASCO BAY

Casco Bay Maine Tour Boat Trips We Offer

Fort Gorges – Seal Watch – Maine Lighthouse Tours

Visit Fort Gorges

Visit and explore the most isolated fort in Casco Bay. Situated on Hog Island Ledge, Fort Gorges is accessible only by private boat.

We’ll take you out to the island where you will have time to explore this fascinating structure. Then, we return you back to Long Wharf.

Trip time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes | Cost: $32

Fort Gorges Experience Video

We’ll take you out to the island where you will have approximately an hour and 15 minutes to explore this fascinating structure. Then, we return you back to Long Wharf.

Trip time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes | Cost: $32 

Seal watch at Halfway Rock, a seal rookery in Casco Bay.

We’ll head out through Portland’s working waterfront to look for seals and sea birds, passing forts and lighthouses along the way. A great trip for families!

Trip time: Approx. 45 minutes | Cost: $22

Forts and Maine Lighthouse Tours

We’ll head out through Portland’s working waterfront to explore Casco Bay’s history close up from the water. We’ll stop briefly alongside Portland Breakwater Light (the Bug), Spring Point Ledge Light, and Forts Preble and Scammel.

You’ll get to see the iconic Portland Head Light (#1 Rated Maine Lighthouse Tour) and Fort Gorges as well. Don’t be surprised if we see some seals along the way.

Trip time: Approx. 50 minutes | Cost: $24

Forts and Lighthouses Tour

You’ll get to see the iconic Portland Head Light and Fort Gorges as well. Don’t be surprised if we see some seals along the way.

170 Commercial St

Portland, ME 04112

From the North: I-295 to Exit 7. Follow Franklin Street (Route 1A) South to Commercial Street. Turn right onto Commercial Street +/- .2 miles to Long Wharf on your left.

From the South: I-295 to Exit 4. Take Route 1 North +/- 1.2 miles. Exit to the right and take Route 1A (Commercial Street). Follow 1A North for +/- 2 miles to Long Wharf on your right.

We do not have our own parking. Parking in Portland can be very challenging, however there are several lots and garages within easy walking distance of our location.

Thank you for a great 2024 season. We'll see you in 2025

BOAT TOUR & WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES

Portland, me kennebunkport, me, leave the crowds behind.

Jump aboard New England Eco Adventure’s small, intimate excursions that blend adventure and education into one amazing trip. We get there faster. We stay longer. And we go places other tour boat tours can’t reach – in a style they can’t match. From our top-notch customer service to our custom RIB boat, we provide you with a first-class experience.

Checkmark Small group sizes

Checkmark Every seat has 360° views

Checkmark View wildlife up close

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Book your tour in Kennebunk, Maine

• Star Outline Whale watching
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Map Marker Kennebunk

The Ultimate Whale Watch – Kennebunkport, ME

This is our most adventurous tour and has something to offer for everyone! From the sightseer, the thrill-seeker to the marine lover, our Ultimate Whale Watching tour in the Gulf of Maine is the way to go!

• Most Popular!
• Star Outline Scenic cruise
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Kennebunkport Scenic Adventure

The entire Kennebunkport Coastline in an epic 1 – Hour adventure. This tour has it all – Walkers Point, Seals, Cape Porpoise, Goat Island Lighthouse, and if time permits, Goose Rocks Beach. You get all this while enjoying your own personal front-row seat!

The captain will make every effort to take requests and will tailor the tour according to the weather.

• Most Popular
• Star Outline Lighthouse tour
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Nubble & Boon Island Lighthouses

Explore Boon Island Lighthouse and Nubble Lighthouse on this tour that cruises up the coastline. See these historic lighthouses first-hand. Join us today!

Book your tour in Portland, Maine

• Star Outline Seal watching , Lighthouse tour , Scenic cruise
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Map Marker Portland, Maine

Best of Casco Bay

Depart with us from bustling Portland Harbor as we tour one of Maine’s most picturesque boating destinations. Casco Bay is littered with islands, historic forts, wildlife, birds, and lighthouses in our unique 14-passenger RIB boat.

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Adventure Whale Watch – Portland

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean on our whale-watching tour departing from Portland, Maine. Set sail from the historic harbor, where you’ll board a comfortable vessel equipped for a thrilling marine adventure.

• Star Outline Oyster Farm Tour
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Mere Point Oyster Farm Tour

Join us on a scenic ride of Casco Bay on our way to tour one of Maine’s premier oyster farms. Along the way we will cruise through some of Casco Bay’s less visited waters for great wildlife viewing before arriving at Mere Point Oyster Farm.

• Hour Glass 2.25 hours

Portland’s Ultimate Lighthouse Tour

Experience the picturesque beauty of the Maine coastline with our exhilarating boat tour from Portland, Maine. This guided adventure will take you on a breathtaking journey along the rugged shoreline to view more lighthouses than any other tour in the state!

Kennebunk, Maine

See the crown jewel of coastal New England

Portland, Maine

See the crown jewel of Portland, Maine

Our Customers Rave About Us

My 17-year old daughter and I took the trip to see Boon and Nubble Island lighthouses. We had a fantastic time- saw lots of seals too. The crew was great- friendly and accommodating. Captain Gary has great stories to tell. I highly recommend this trip for a fun morning adventure.

My family and I had an awesome trip with Captain Gary and Wess on the one hour Thrill Ride! They were entertaining, knowledgeable about the sea life that we saw, and gave us a thrill ride that is not to be missed! We are already planning another trip. Thank you for being such great hosts!

We did the 1 hr thrill ride.What a ride! Awesome crew. Better then the Codzilla in Boston Ma. Or the Banana boat. We will be back next year to do the whale watch with you.

We recently went on the one hour Thrill Ride and it was by far the best part of our vacation. Our group included children, teenagers, parents, and a grandparent and everyone was raving about how fun and exciting the ride was... Definitely will do it again and highly recommend it!

As a lighthouse Enthusiast it was an awesome adventure out to Boon Island and then to see Nubble from the water. Could not have asked for more! We will definitely be taking another tour with you! We have been sharing our experience with other lighthouse lovers too. Thank you so much!

THE BEST AND MOST FUN BOAT RIDE EVER! INCREDIBLY KNOWLEDGEABLE TOUR GUIDE INFO ABOUT SO ME COASTLINE. PLAYS TO THE CROWD: "WANNA GO FAST?!" THERE WERE YOUNG KIDS ON THERE, ENGAGED COUPLE, PARENTS, AND MY RIDE WAS A BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR MY 70th BIRTHDAY, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON THAT BOAT! UNFORGETTABLE!

A Paddler’s Guide to the Seals of Maine

A closer look at the most commonly spotted marine mammal on the maine coast.

If you’ve been on the ocean in Maine, whether by paddle, oars, motor, or sail, you’ve probably spotted at least one seal. But did you know that Maine is home to four different kinds of seals ? Some of these blubbery creatures live in our local waters year round, while others are only seasonal visitors. Read on to learn more about Maine’s most beloved marine mammals!

What Makes a Seal a Seal

Seals are pinnipeds – a group of mammals that also includes walruses and sea lions. All of Maine’s seals are members of the True Seal family ( Phocidea in latin). True seals are also called earless seals (because of their smooth round heads), or crawling seals, because of the way they scoot themselves flat across the land. This differentiates them from the eared or walking seals (sea lions and fur seals of the Otariidae family) who possess visible ear flaps and waddle with the front of their bodies held upright when on land. When in the water, true seals propel themselves using their hind flippers, while the front flippers are used for steering and stability. The opposite is true of eared seals.

The skeleton of a Harbor Seal

Like other marine mammals, seals breathe air, but spend most of their time in the water. Unlike dolphins, whales, or manatees however, seals are able to come up on land. In fact, they do so regularly to rest, sunbathe, and avoid predators. A colony of seals perched on one of Maine’s numerous rocky ledges is the most common way to view them. Seals eat a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish as their primary foods, but have also been known to eat seabirds and other marine mammals on rare occasions. Just like cats and dogs, they are members of the order carnivora,  and people are often surprised by how closely their skeletons resemble these distant cousins (since most of their limb bones are hidden inside their blubbery bodies). Their closest relatives within carnivora are the mustelids, such as weasels, otters, minks, ferrets, and skunks. 

Juvenile harbor seal, aka a “Sea Dog”!

Harbor Seals

The most common seal in Maine (and the entire world) is the harbor seal. Harbor seals are identified by their small round heads, large eyes, and short snouts. They are often referred to as “sea dogs” or “sea pups” because of their similarity in appearance to a Labrador Retriever and their curious attitude. Harbor seals pup in spring or early summer, then spend the rest of the summer gathered in colonies as the babies grow and put on layers of blubber. In the winter they separate and will live either solitarily or in small family groups. When not basking on rocks, harbor seals are most likely to be seen popping up a few boat lengths behind or beside a paddler, in order to check out those strange-looking crafts. Harbor seals mainly eat fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, and adults reach an average length of five to six feet, weighing anywhere from 150 to 400 lbs. As for coloring, they tend to be a mix of brown and gray, with speckling of different colors and shades, which gives them a thoroughly mottled appearance. 

Close up of a grey seal

The larger of our two year-round pinnipeds, gray seals can be seven to eight feet long and weigh up to 800 lbs! Gray seals pup in January and February, and pups are born with a soft layer of white fur, which they shed after about a month. The winter pupping season means gray seal babies are more mature by the time most boaters are on the water. Gray seals are most easily distinguished from harbor seals by their size and by their longer snouts, which give them a more horse or cow-like appearance. And, they can dive the longest of any Maine’s seal species – able to stay underwater for up to a hour! 

For information about recent gray seal pup rescues in Cape Elizabeth, check out MMoME’s facebook page !

Radio tagging data shows the travels of three different Gray Seals from their place of birth – Map by Kimberly Murray, from NOAA research permit #21719

• Nature and Ecology
• marine mammals
• Most Popular!
• User Ages 10+
• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• Map Marker Portland, Maine

Sunset Sea Kayak Tour

Glide across Casco Bay in Portland, ME as the evening sun begins to set! This trip involves a leisurely paddle along the waterfront or into the islands to enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach.

• User Ages 13+
• Hour Glass 3 Days

Midcoast Expedition Three-Day

Maine’s southern Midcoast is a dense network of river estuaries, long peninsulas and small islands. This three-day trip travels along the tidal rivers, rocky islands and pristine beaches of the region, camping on the Maine Island Trail along the way.

• User Ages 15+
• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Casco Bay Full Day Tour

Get the full sea kayaking experience with this day trip around Casco Bay and enjoy views of some of the region’s most scenic landmarks!

• Hour Glass 4 Days

Penobscot to Acadia Expedition

This 4-day expedition for intermediate to advanced paddlers explores the island-dense stretch of waters between Penobscot Bay and Acadia National Park. The pink granite of the islands and the views of Acadia’s mountains create a magical sea kayaking experience like no other.

Guided Tours + Cruises

Sample the sights and sounds of the region.

When you visit the Greater Portland, Maine region you get a hands-on experience. Get up close and personal with our rocky coastline and sandy beaches. The region is your oyster and you can take on everything from kayak trips to lobstering tours to brews cruises.

Learn More On The Blog

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours

The perfect way to experience the coastal and inland areas of Greater Portland Maine.

Offering specialty food cruises, harbor tours, and private charters. Complimentary beer and wine with all cruises!

Visiting Maine and want to see whales, puffins, or the sights? Cap’n Fish is the way to experience Boothbay Harbor.

Portland's iconic ferry system with year-round ferry services, specialty cruises and private charters to the islands of Casco Bay.

Join us for a guided tour, pedicab ride, or explore the region at your own pace with a worksman bike rental.

Private sightseeing tours are available for couples and all size groups, from minivan to motor coach.

Highly interactive tours that will educate and entertain you all along the way. Foodie tours, history tours, and more!

Come aboard Frances, our 74’ traditional British cutter for a day sail, evening sail, wine sail, or an acoustic sunset series sail. Private charter available.

Home to the best tours and activities in Maine. Authentic experiences led by locals. Your gateway to an unforgettable Maine.

Skip the crowds and jump into a thrilling Maine adventure! We take you closer, stay longer, and explore places other tours can’t reach. 

Witness the beauty of Maine from above with Pine Tree Helicopters' extraordinary flight services, offering breaking aerial views of Maine's iconic lighthouses and more.

Experience unforgettable storytelling—rich with heart, humor, and humanity—on a walking tour with Maine's top-rated guide!

Don't just see Portland- Discover it! Offer a wide variety of sightseeing and charter options by Land and Sea.

Operate a unique multimedia history tour aboard a Vintage Fire Engine. We explore the peninsula of Portland.

Refresh your spirit with a two-hour sail on Casco Bay and witness first-hand the forts, lighthouses, sea life and rugged coastline.

Known as one of the top-rated boat tours in the region, Rugosa offers an exclusive, hands-on journey aboard our traditional wooden Downeast-style lobster boat.

For 20 years we have been offering cycling, walking, and multi-sport vacations in the most beautiful places in Maine.

Portland's #1 party boat! Join us on the water for a fully immersive way to experience Casco Bay and the islands, all while live bands set the soundtrack.

Explore the best of Maine with private sightseeing tours featuring chef prepared local cuisine and drinks. Unforgettable experiences await on our historic boats.

Discover the wonder of Casco Bay with Fogg's Water Taxi & Charters, offering a diverse range of services across our seven boats.

A unique island experience within Fort Scammel on the private House Island in Casco Bay. Camp and tour the historic island!

A lobstering excursion for all ages while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses, civil war forts, and seals.

Maine’s first human-powered party boat. Book individual seats or the whole boat for a private tour of Portland.

All-inclusive tours providing guests a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more.

Scenic train ride along beautiful Casco Bay. Activities, historic railroad cars & exhibits.

Join our family owned and operated tour company for unforgettable explorations. Customized year-round tours.

Residents and guides, with enthusiasm and expertise in Portland’s history, food, drinks, art, music, and literature.

A day in the life of a lobsterman from pulling traps and setting traps to examining sea life and selling the catch.

We offer unique boat-based tours and experiences on the beautiful waters of Casco Bay!

City & 3 lighthouses Historical Sightseeing Tour with a REAL local, born & raised in Portland!

A family-owned and operated tour company sharing what we love about our charming city and the state of Maine.

• Where family tradition begins

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1 Hour
• User Ages: All Ages

Must be leashed or kenneled.

Minimum of 30, seal watching cruises in new harbor.

Looking for a great family trip? This is it! Young and old will appreciate this trip. It is just the right amount of time on the water and we never lose sight of shore. It begins as a gentle sightseeing tour following the early morning wake of the lobstermen. As we travel northward, points of interest are shared and we often find the lobstermen hard at work hauling their gear. As we approach Webber’s Dry Ledge – the summer home to the harbor seals – they are either sunning themselves on the rocks or frolicking in the water around the ledges. The history and biology of our resident population of seals in Maine is explained in an entertaining and enjoyable way.

SEAL FACTS:

• Harbor seal scientific name: Phoca vitulina
• Males average 5-6 feet and 250-300 pounds
• Females average 5 feet and 200 pounds
• Dive time up to 30 minutes
• New England population approx. 100,000
• Covered by 2 layers of coarse thick fur
• Approx. 2 inches of fat or “blubber” wraps their body
• Protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
• Live an average of 20-25 years
• The famous seal “ Andre ” from Rockport, Maine, was a harbor seal

RELATED CRUISES

• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• User All Ages
• Tags Up to 113 People

Educational Cruises

We offer educational cruises to school groups throughout the State of Maine and beyond! Contact us to enjoy an educational cruise!

• Wildlife and History!
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Maine Coast Seal & Nature Cruise

Make unforgettable memories when you come aboard our nature and seal watching tour. Just don’t forget your binoculars and camera!

• Our award-winning trip!

Puffin Watch with National Audubon

Experience our award-winning puffin watching trip narrated by a National Audubon Project Puffin naturalist! This tour has been recognized as a high quality ecotourism experience.

Closed for the Season

Land & Sea Historical Tour of Portland and Casco Bay

Quick details.

• Info Early Bird Price: $2 discount for all except WEE ONES. Only for 10am tours and only for booking online

On our history and sightseeing tour, we’ll travel aboard a modern land & sea vehicle to explore many different points of interest. Climb aboard as we twist n’ turn through the historic city of Portland, Maine and without skipping a beat, we splash (you will not get wet) into beautiful Casco Bay! We operate Maine’s only modern land and sea vehicle that can show you Portland by land and water without ever leaving your seat.

Adult (Ages 13+)

Senior (ages 65+), military, student, child (ages 3-12), wee one (2 and under), private tour (ages 3 and up), up to 36 passengers.

This is a fully narrated 60-minute tour that is perfect for all ages. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Chevron down Check-In Time and Place
• All customers must check-in at 177 Commercial St (look for The Blue Lobster Gifts’ blue awning), Portland, ME 04101.  Tours depart directly across the street from here.
• Please arrive for check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour time, boarding begins 15 minutes prior
• Plan ahead to find parking – See our Contact and Directions page for parking suggestions
• Chevron down Points of Interest

Tour highlights include the following (routes vary)

• Victoria Mansion
• Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Portland Observatory
• Fort Gorges
• Longfellow Home
• Eastern Promenade
• The working waterfront
• Portland Headlight
• Spring Point Lighthouse
• Breakwater Light
• Arts District
• Portland Museum of Art
• Harbor seals
• Calendar Islands
• Restaurants & shops to visit and more!
• Chevron down FAQ

*What is a “Duck” boat?**

This vehicle is able to drive on land and also motor in the water! It’s a bus…It’s a boat….. It’s the “Duck” boat!!

*What kind of “duck” is the Maine Duck?

M/V Bufflehead is a custom built, US Coast Guard approved amphibious vessel that was built right here in the state of Maine in 2005. It is 38′ long, 12’2″ tall, and has a 175 horsepower turbo charged Diesel engine.

*Do the Ducks run in the rain?

The Maine Duck will operate in moderate rain and weather conditions. The top and sides can be covered as rain passes by.

*Do I need to buy tickets for babies?

Yes, due to Coast Guard regulations, all passengers must purchase a ticket for a total head count.

*Can pregnant women come on the tour?

Pregnant women should attend at their discretion. The ride can be a tad bumpy, so please consult with a doctor beforehand if you have any concerns.

*Will I get wet on the tour?

No, you shouldn’t get wet while on the water (unless there is a little rain).

*Can I bring food and drink on board?

Yes, but no alcohol is allowed on our public tours.

*Is there assigned seating on the tour?

All seating is first come, first served.

*Can I bring a stroller on board?*

We will happily store trollers (and wheelchairs) at the duck stop which is monitored throughout the duration of the tour. Keep in mind that the Maine Duck is not responsible for these or any personal items.

*Is there a bathroom on board?

There are NO facilities on board. Please make a stop before you board your tour. There will be public restrooms available within two blocks of our meeting spot and we can direct you to them!

*Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there are parking meters on street and several parking garages nearby.  See our Contact and Directions page.

*Can I book a private tour or charter?

Yes, we offer private charters. There are also discounted rates available for groups of 20 or more people.

• Chevron down Accessibility

*Can I bring a stroller on board?

*Is the tour handicapped accessible?

The Maine Duck has nine steps to board. If you have limited mobility and are able to climb aboard, with the help of our crew, we will store wheelchairs at the Duck Stop.

* Parking See our Contact and Directions page