Top Portland Nature and Wildlife Tours

Learn about Portland's history with this walking tour, which will take you through the Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas. You'll see all sorts of historic attractions, including the home of Hendry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and the Abyssinian Church, all with a professional guide on hand to share stories about the city's past.

Food lovers can explore Portland's historic Old Port independently, but to uncover the best places serving traditional local fare, you really need a guide to lead the way. Taste the best that Portland has to offer on this guided foodie walking tour, complete with stops at up to seven different eateries—and enough tastings to replace a meal. Along the way, your guide offers some stories about Portland's food scene, so you can get familiar with the local culinary stalwarts.

Visit the magical Ecola State Park and gaze at stunning views of the rugged and lush Oregon coast. Revel in the misty coastal rainforests which abound with wild berries, ancient Sitka Spruce trees, dozens of species of ferns and lichens and myriad other exotic species! Stroll through the quaint coastal town of Cannon Beach, known for its long stretch of sandy beach, Haystack rock, art galleries and boutique shopping. Travel along scenic Highway 101 stopping at secluded beaches along the way and enjoy the hearty Oregon surfers who brave the mighty Pacific! Look for gray whales, sea lions, seals, rare seabirds (Tufted Puffins!), bald eagles, ospreys, majestic herds of Roosevelt Elk and countless other beautiful examples of exciting fauna (& flora) throughout the day from windswept basalt cliff perches. This tour includes snacks, beverages, luxury van transportation and a naturalist guide.

Spend three hours kayaking through Casco Bay with this small-group tour led by a professional guide. You'll launch from Mere Point in Brunswick and paddle over to a couple of different islands, with the opportunity to see all sorts of marine birds, and maybe even a seal or two, along the way.

This self-guided GPS audio walk brings you through one of the most beautiful vistas in Portland, Maine. It starts with a spectacular overlook of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay and the islands, and continues down by the waterfront to East End Beach. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from a local about what it was like growing up on Munjoy Hill and having access to the Eastern Prom. As you cross the railroad tracks, you’ll hear from the engineers that keep the historic steam engines running. Included are tips on what birds to look out for depending on the time of year. Put on a pair of headphones and start the tour by downloading the app. The audio plays automatically at exactly the right place using your smartphone’s GPS. This self-guided tour is narrated by Dianne Ballon - a sound artist, sound designer and an avid bird watcher. She invites you to discover through sight and sound the Eastern Promenade — a place she returns to in all seasons.

Explore the heart of Portland and head out to see some of the area's hidden gems and less-visited spots with this guided sightseeing tour. Your guide, a born-and-raised Portlander who works as a college librarian by day, shows you off-the-beaten-path locations and shares with you all sorts of local lore along the way.

Visitors to Portland can easily miss some of Maine's most stunning sights, since you really need a car to explore the scenic coastline. Avoid the headache of arranging your own transportation, or renting a car, on this guided tour of Portland's must-see sights. Stop in downtown Portland, and visit three lighthouses, including Portland Head Light—an historic lighthouse perched on the rocky coast.

Visit Portland’s scenic coast, historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods with a sightseeing and shopping tour on a classic fire engine. Get great views of picture-perfect lighthouses and architecture from high up on the engine, and listen to live narration as you tour the city. Learn about Portland’s maritime past as you explore cobblestone streets with enjoy plenty of time to browse souvenir shops and sample the area’s most distinctive foods. Finish your tour in the heart of downtown, near historic wharves, restaurants and boutiques.

See a new vantage on Portland and the Maine coast—and enjoy a relaxing excursion out on the water—on this sailing tour. Make your own way to the Maine State Pier, and hop aboard a traditional, Maine-built windjammer. Once you set sail, soak up the sea breezes, look out for seals, and even take a turn at hoisting the sails or behind the ship’s wheel.

Explore the Portland Peninsula by bike with this guided tour. Start at the Eastern Promenade, making your way along the waterfront bike path until you reach the Back Cove Trail. Your guide takes you to the Old Port to see some of Portland's prettiest old brick buildings, and you learn the significance of local food, history and culture of this area.

Looking for a romantic way to watch the sunset while in Maine? How about chartering a vintage lobster boat and heading out to Casco Bay, where you'll take in great views of the sea and coastline. Your captain and guide will be on board to point out lighthouses and natural feature, and you're welcome to bring food and beverages, even the adult kind, on board.

Charter a vintage lobster boat, dubbed MONHEGAN, and set sail with this two-hour tour into Casco Bay. You'll get great views of the Maine coastline, passing by four lighthouses as you go. This is a great opportunity to take photos of the coastline and waters, while learning about local nautical history from a knowledgeable captain.

Discover the lighthouses and coastal landmarks of Portland on a small-group biking tour. Hop on a provided bicycle and follow your guide to the Bug Light, Spring Point Ledge, and Portland Head lighthouses. Along the way, learn about their storied histories. Other highlights include the Liberty Ship Memorial, Cape Elizabeth, and Willard Beach. Set at a leisurely pace, the adventure also includes a complimentary lobster roll lunch at an award-winning food truck.

Enjoy a relaxing morning paddleboarding along Portland's Casco Bay. After a brief instruction, set out for a stand-up tour of the area—searching out native wildlife such as great blue herons and osprey as you slowly explore the waters. Learn about the area's fascinating history, from ways Native Americans used the land to how lobsters play a big part in the local economy. This leisurely and informative 2-hour tour includes an on-shore snack break before making your way back to Mere Point.