A 20 - 30 minute ferry ride to the island. We walked along Ocean St, beautiful views of the water. You can see Portland Head lighthouse from here, also.

We used to visit these islands in our own boat, but now we use the ferry. We get a senior discount and can ride the boat to all of the islands for the same fee. Go to Peaks and take a walk or bike around to see how the summer people live. Have a lobster roll. Go to Diamond Island... More

Catch the ferry at the Casco Bay Lines terminal for the 20-minute ride across the water to Peaks Island. Considered part of Portland, Peaks Island is one of the few islands off the coast of Maine to have year-round residents and an elementary school. According to locals, it is quite busy during the summer months -- busy by Maine standards,... More

We have often taken the Casco Bay Ferry to Great Diamond Island (Diamond Cove) to visit friends. It is a pleasant ride, stopping to take on and let off passengers and cargo at other islands. Depending on which ferry you take, you may stop at Peaks Island or Long Island on the way, and get more flavor of Casco Bay... More

The Portland Ballet did a wonderful job performing the Victorian Nutcracker. I really enjoyed watching these talented dancers. Merrill is a nice place, but probably better suited for the symphony and other concerts. I say this because it's difficult to see the stage from many places there. They don't have stadium seating. I'm short, and I'm forever looking at the... More

Want a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in Portland? Visit the islands for dinner or just go along the "mail run" on a Casco Bay ferry. What a great way to experience the Bay, get some peak tanning time and see the summer folk.

Run by the Casco Bay Island Transit District (not the State of Maine), this is a local, year-round municipal service. Fares are very low - especially in the "off season". A simple round-trip excursion to Peaks Island takes less than an hour and costs under $10. The Captains and crews are top-notch, too. Salty, Maine crews will help you enjoy... More

There are several State of Maine boats that go out to the Casco Bay islands. The very best is the mailboat that leaves the state pier at 10:00 AM (and 2:00 PM in the summer). The boat travels to several islands (Peaks, Cliff, Chebeague, Little Diamond, etc.). In addition to carrying the U.S. Mail to the island post offices, the... More

It's summer or a warm spring day-- grab a good Italian Sandwich from Amato's- some beverage of your choosing and take a short cruise on the harbor! You will then have had one of Portland's great experiences and not spent much money!