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

Planning a trip to Portland and craving a mix of history, scenic views, and a touch of adventure? The Private Island Fort Tour in Casco Bay offers just that — a two-hour journey that combines a boat cruise with an exclusive look at Fort Scammel, a historic site with stories that go back nearly two centuries. Whether you’re a local wanting to explore familiar waters from a new angle or a visitor eager to discover Portland’s coastal secrets, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

What really makes this experience stand out is the chance to access Fort Scammel, a place most people don’t get to see. Coupled with the stunning views of Casco Bay and the friendly, knowledgeable guides, it’s easy to see why this tour maintains a perfect 5-star rating from past travelers. The small-group vibe and personalized commentary create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere—ideal if you’re into history or just want a memorable maritime adventure.

One thing to consider: the tour doesn’t include a restroom onboard, so if that’s a concern, plan accordingly. Also, the tour requires a minimum of four participants, so if you’re traveling solo or in a smaller group, check with the provider. This experience suits history buffs, scenic lovers, and anyone looking for a unique, educational boat trip in Portland’s waters.

Key Points

• Access to Fort Scammel: Rare opportunity to explore a privately owned historic fort built in the early 19th century.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable storytellers bring the island’s history to life, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy scenic boat rides past Portland’s iconic lighthouses and along Casco Bay’s tranquil waters.
• Small group setting: Usually around 6 guests, making it intimate and personalized.
• Value for money: At $99 per person, it offers a unique combination of history, scenery, and expert narration.
• Limited amenities onboard: No restroom on the boat, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off at Portland Beer Hub, where you’ll meet your crew and get ready for a memorable cruise. The boat, Elizabeth Grace, is comfortable and well-suited for a scenic two-hour adventure. The highlight is reaching Fort Scammel, which until recently was off-limits to the public. The private owners of the fort have partnered with the tour provider, allowing you exclusive access to explore the fort’s architecture, masonry, underground passages, and remnants of its French-influenced design.

The boat ride itself is a pleasure, with passengers often commenting on how beautiful Casco Bay is. The crew is well-versed about the area’s sights and ships, enriching the experience with stories that bring the harbor to life. As you cruise past other noteworthy sights like lighthouses, the boat’s relaxed pace allows for plenty of photo opportunities and soaking in the views.

Once on the island, the guide leads a walk through the fort’s ruins, sharing insights into the building’s past and strategic importance. Some reviews mention the underground passages, which are a particular highlight, along with the chance to see the fort’s architecture up close. The tour lasts around an hour on land, giving enough time to appreciate the site without feeling rushed.

The Highlights of Fort Scammel

Access to Fort Scammel is the main draw. Built in the early 19th century, the fort served as a coastal defense and is the only fort in Portland Harbor to have seen active combat. Most visitors will find the architecture and preserved ruins fascinating, especially with detailed commentary from the guide. Several reviews praise the tour for its storytelling, with one reviewer calling the guide “extremely knowledgeable” and “a great historian.”

The underground tunnels and the French influences in the stonework add a layer of intrigue. You might find yourself imagining what life was like for soldiers stationed there centuries ago. The site’s historical importance and the fact that it’s privately owned make it a truly rare opportunity.

Scenic Cruising & Other Sights

While Fort Scammel is the star attraction, the boat cruise itself is a treat. You’ll pass by Portland’s famous lighthouses, which many reviewers found to be an unexpectedly beautiful part of the journey. The crew shares information about these navigational aids and the maritime history of the bay, making the cruise both scenic and educational.

Past travelers have remarked on how smooth and enjoyable the boat ride is, with some noting the drinks available onboard. The included one canned local craft or non-alcoholic beverage adds to the relaxed vibe, and additional drinks can be purchased with a credit card — though be aware there’s no restroom onboard, so plan your bathroom breaks beforehand.

Price & Value

For $99, this tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the exclusive access to Fort Scammel. The small group size and guided experience allow for a personalized touch that larger tours cannot match. Many guests mentioned how the tour exceeded their expectations, praising the combination of history, scenery, and friendly crew.

While the price might seem a little steep for a two-hour experience, it’s important to remember that this is an exclusive access tour — not just a standard boat cruise. The fact that it’s booked multiple times daily and maintains a 5-star rating speaks to how well it delivers on its promises.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour meets at Portland Beer Hub, a convenient location near public transportation, making it easy to find. It starts at 10:30 am, aligning well with a morning outing before lunch. The group size is capped at 25 travelers, but most reviews indicate a cozy, small-group atmosphere, often with just a handful of guests.

Because of the moderate physical activity involved—walking around the fort’s ruins, underground tunnels—you should have a moderate level of fitness. The tour is suitable for most ages, though younger children might find some parts less engaging unless they’re interested in history or adventuring underground.

Weather can affect the experience, so it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This private island fort tour in Casco Bay is a rare gem for history buffs and those wanting a scenic maritime escape. The chance to visit Fort Scammel, with its well-preserved ruins and underground passages, combined with the scenic boat ride past Portland’s famous lighthouses, makes for a memorable outing. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, adding depth to the experience, while the intimate group setting ensures a personalized touch.

It’s a great choice if you’re interested in coastal defenses or military architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful cruise with stunning views. While the lack of onboard restrooms is worth planning for, most travelers find this minor drawback overshadowed by the overall value and uniqueness of the experience.

This tour would suit those who appreciate history and scenic adventures, especially if you’re traveling in a small group or with someone who enjoys storytelling and exploration. It’s a well-rounded activity that offers a combination of education, beautiful vistas, and exclusive access — all in just a couple of hours.

FAQ

Is there a minimum group size for this tour?
Yes, the tour requires at least four participants to operate. If your group is smaller, you might want to check with SeaPortland for private charter options for a more tailored experience.

Does the tour include a restroom?
No, there is no restroom onboard the boat, so plan accordingly before the cruise.

What is included in the price?
You get a 2-hour boat cruise, access to Fort Scammel, and one canned local craft or non-alcoholic beverage per person. Additional drinks are available for purchase via credit card.

How long is the land part of the tour?
About an hour on land exploring the fort and underground passages, with plenty of time to appreciate the architecture and history.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most reviews don’t specify age restrictions, the moderate walking and underground tunnels might be less engaging for very young children. Older kids interested in history will likely enjoy it.

What should I wear or bring?
Dress in layers and be prepared for the weather. Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the fort, and a camera for the scenic views and historic ruins.

If you’re after a relaxing, informative, and visually stunning experience with a touch of history, this private fort tour is a fantastic pick. It offers a genuine glimpse into Portland’s coastal defenses and the chance to see Casco Bay from a different perspective—all in a cozy, small-group setting that makes you feel like a local for a few hours.