Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour in Portland, United States
Portland, United States

Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour

Outty Ranking 74 4.9 · 94 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $109
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 94 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour worth booking?

Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour is a 2-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $109 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 94 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (94)
Duration
2 hours
From
$109 per person

Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from away, the stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are always captivating. They are imposing reminders of days not too far gone when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Harbor to see active combat. Fortunately, the owners of Fort Scammel have partnered with us to offer private tours of this incredible historic site. This is an experience NOT TO BE MISSED! Along the way, we’ll cruise past some of the other great sights in the bay, including the iconic lighthouses. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible! Our Fort Tour on a Private Island has a 4 PERSON MINIMUM to operate.

What you get

    About this experience

    Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from away, the stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are always captivating. They are imposing reminders of days not too far gone when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Harbor to see active combat. Fortunately, the owners of Fort Scammel have partnered with us to offer private tours of this incredible historic site. This is an experience NOT TO BE MISSED! Along the way, we’ll cruise past some of the other great sights in the bay, including the iconic lighthouses. GROUP OF 6 OR MORE? Please reach out to us about private charter options for the best experience possible! Our Fort Tour on a Private Island has a 4 PERSON MINIMUM to operate.

    What's included

    Included

    • Option to purchase additional drinks aboard (credit card only)
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Restroom Available At Departure Location / NOT Onboard the Boat

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • NO Restroom Onboard the Boat

    What you'll see and do

    1. At SeaPortland, we are happy to offer a truly unparalleled experience with our Private Island and Fort Tour. With access to Fort Scammel on House Island, a historic site that is privately owned and was inaccessible to the public for decades, this is a tour you won’t find anywhere else in Portland! You’ll have the chance to explore the unique architecture, masonry, and preserved ruins of the fort, with its catacombs-style underground passages and French influences.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Portland

    BOAT DEPARTS DOCK RIGHT AT TOUR TIME! Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour. Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port. Portland Beer Hub staff will lead you to the dock and to your vessel!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    BOAT DEPARTS DOCK RIGHT AT TOUR TIME! Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour. Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port. Portland Beer Hub staff will lead you to the dock and to your vessel!

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    SeaPortland

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Inside Fort Scammel's sally port looking back towards Portland's harbor. This is the entrance into the island and the beginning of your private...Inside the west bastion. This is a tour unlike no other in Portland!, Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour in PortlandPortland Head Light. Seen best through a artillery window inside of Fort Scammel!, Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island...Walking up to the fort, you can't wait to get inside!, Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour in PortlandYour private island experience, Fort Scammel!, Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour in PortlandYour vessel, ELIZABETH GRACE, awaits!, Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour in Portland

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 90 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    90 verified traveler reviews for Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    80
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    tinagM2398RA · October 2026

    Highly recommend

    Absolutely wonderful tour. Our guides were both amazing and shared so much history and knowledge of the island and Portland. So fun to take a step back in time. I would highly recommend this excursion.

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much for joining us on the Fort Tour! Fort Scammel and House Island are such an interesting way to learn about Portland's maritime and naval history, and we're incredibly honored to be able to show them off. We're glad you had fun on the tour, and thanks again for joining!

    via Tripadvisor

    Nicole_T · October 2026

    Amazing. Worth every Penny!

    This tour is 100% worth it. It’s incredible. Pete the captain was incredibly knowledgeable. He shared the history of the island and the area. Going inside the fort was amazing. Such preservation. You don’t want to miss this tour!!

    Response from the operator: We're thrilled to hear you had fin on the Fort Tour! Captain Pete's knowledge of the island and fort are truly remarkable - I learn something new from him every time I'm out there! Thanks for joining, and we hope to see you again sometime soon.

    via Viator

    M5388YMhollym · October 2026

    Great trip to an old fort

    Great experience!! Great tour guides and a very cool place to check out. I would highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us on the Fort Tour, and we're so happy to hear you had fun out there! We think it's one of the more unique and important aspects of Portland's maritime history, and we're so lucky to have access to it. There's a lot more to explore out here so we'd love to welcome you on another tour sometime soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    philipbL4302QI · September 2026

    A good experience

    Extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. Interesting place with interesting history.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for the kind words, and thanks even more for joining us! We're happy to hear that you had a fun time out there, and we'd love to see you again next time you're in town. Thanks!

    via Tripadvisor

    Road685499 · September 2026

    Fun Tour

    A tour well worth the time and money. Guides are super knowledgeable and the site is super cool to explore !

    Response from the operator: We're so glad to hear you had a great experience on the Fort Tour! We agree, it's an incredibly neat place to explore - Every time we're out there we see and learn something new. Thanks for joining us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    33
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by SeaPortland, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.7.

    See everything SeaPortland runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)57
    Value for money (12% weight)47
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.

    How much does Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.

    Is Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 94 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Portland?

    +

    Portland sells lighthouse and lobster-boat tours in Casco Bay, Old Port food and brewery walks, seal and puffin cruises, and fall foliage runs up the Maine coast. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local, Portland, Maine: Hidden Histories Guided Walking Tour, A Walk Through Time Tour in Portland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Portland?

    +

    June to October, with peak foliage in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Portland?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    Included: Option to purchase additional drinks aboard (credit card only); Alcoholic beverages; and Restroom Available At Departure Location / NOT Onboard the Boat. Not included: Gratuities; and NO Restroom Onboard the Boat. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    BOAT DEPARTS DOCK RIGHT AT TOUR TIME! Arrive 15 MINUTES before the start time of your tour. Meet inside of the retail store, Portland Beer Hub (320 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101), in downtown Portland's Old Port. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay: Boat Cruise & Island Tour?

    +

    Across 94 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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