Casco Bay Islands, Portland

Took the sunrise mail boat and would definitely recommend it. If you get there earlier than 4:50 am you have to wait for someone to open the ticket booth, so don’t leave if you don’t see anyone there. Boat ride was absolutely wonderful. I missed two sunset boats two weeks in a row because they were sold out and I am glad I did. The sunrise and the water was incredible.

A great way to experience Portland is to see it from the water. Round trip tickets are cheap for access to Peaks Island on a pedestrian and vehicle ferry. All seats have nice window views of the harbor and surrounding islands, including a historic fort. Buy your ticket for any ferry. They leave fifteen minutes after every hour, and the line that forms north of the building where you can see a whale mural.

The mail boat is a hidden gem! What a fun fun way to spend the day, affordable, and suitable for couples, families or even solo trips. I can't believe we spent so much money on all of the whale and seal and Puffin cruises this summer when we see pretty much the same things on this beautiful tour.

Definitely take a trip to Peaks Island via the ferry. Plan for a 3 hour trip at minimum. Great for adults with outdoor bars and live music. Golf cart and bike rentals are plentiful.

Straightforward, easy, and timely - great way to commute to/from the islands in Casco Bay. Plenty of seating on the ferries and friendly/helpful staff. Buying tickets was easy. Didn't know the tickets are roundtrip and thought I had to get a ticket to return to Portland.