Frequently Asked Questions:
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All tours launch right from Portland’s working waterfront. The marina that we depart from is called Fore Points Marina. We will also send you exact directions and tips on where to park and how to find the boat once you book your tour.
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Bring a light jacket, sunglasses, and your sense of adventure. You’re welcome to bring snacks or drinks too — just no red wine or glass, please.
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We keep a close eye on the weather and won’t head out in unsafe conditions. If we need to cancel due to weather, you’ll get a full refund or the chance to reschedule.
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Absolutely — it’s your private trip. Pack a picnic, crack a local beer, or sip something bubbly as we cruise.
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Tips are never expected, but always appreciated! If you feel like you had a great time - our captains are always hugely grateful of any gratuity passed onto them.
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While we do not have a bathroom onboard, we do have private bathrooms at the marina and if needed, we can always stop on an island to use their restrooms.
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Yes! These trips are perfect for families, and we always make sure it’s safe and fun for little ones too. We do ask to know the age and weight of your children so we can have the appropriate PFD waiting for them onboard.
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If your pup is calm on boats and friendly, they’re welcome aboard. Just give us a heads up ahead of time. We like to say, ‘if your dog is friendly then we are dog friendly’.
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Yes we will almost certainly see wildlife. If you book the Wildlife Tour, we will of course be spending more time viewing and searching for all the best sightings. However, even without booking that tour, we will always be in search of great wildlife sightings.
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Most people book 3hr tours, but you are welcome to book tours for as short as 2hrs and as long as 8hrs. The duration of your tour is up to you!
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Definitely! Our vessel is up to all U.S. Coast Guard standards and fully equipped with lifejackets and all other standard safety equipment. We cruise on a gorgeous 24ft 2021 Sea Hunt Ultra.
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Our private charters are unmatched in Casco Bay for their personalized nature and access to the bay. With a private charter, you avoid the hassle of others on your vessel and are able to communicate directly with our skilled and knowledgable captains. Whatever you want - we can provide!
Customer Testimonials
Bird’s Eye Maine Reviews
Beth – 65 – Maine
“As a newly-minted Portland resident in the early 1970’s, I spent countless hours sailing around Casco Bay and thought I knew it pretty well. Captain Matt at Bird’s Eye Maine introduced me to nooks and crannies I had never visited, opening my eyes once again to the wonders of this beautiful bay. His love of the waters, the islands and the bird life are absolutely contagious.”
Anne – 60 – Maine
“ We are a group of 6 women of a certain age (known informally as the Nasty Scotch Ladies) who get together regularly to have a drink and catch up. Last autumn, we chose Bird’s Eye for a cruise of Casco Bay as the venue for our gathering. Captain Matt was a tremendous host, gave us options of places to explore, provided historical background for various sites, even located some seals for us! It was such a fun outing that we have vowed to not only repeat this summer but even make it a regular part of our gathering rotation. We highly recommend it!”
Kyle – 33 – Maine
“ My husband and I have been out on Bird's Eye a handful of times and can't recommend it enough. This past summer it was the perfect date night-- we loved packing a picnic and catching the amazing sunsets from the boat! It has also has been our go-to activity when friends are in town giving them a different and amazing experience of Portland. Captain Matt makes you feel right at home. He is responsive, incredibly friendly, and highly knowledgeable about the history of Portland, Casco Bay, and its many islands.”
William – 96 – Massachusetts
“ Having enjoyed sailing and motoring on the water for all my 96 years, including a stint in the US Navy, I found the cruise with Bird’s Eye Maine and the close up view of the busy Portland Harbor to be great fun! The cruise was well planned and executed by Captain Matt – it was a interesting and lovely boat ride.”
Caroline – 67 – Maine
“ I have lived just inland from Freeport, Maine for 46 years and have only been on Casco Bay a few times. Our jaunt with Bird’s Eye Maine and my sister and father gave me my first water view of the Portland harbor, and it did not disappoint. I felt comfortable and safe and Captain Matt was great fun as well as being full of good information.”
Susan – 75 – New York
“Last summer I hired Bird’s Eye Maine for a family ride in Casco Bay. The very personable Captain Matt took us around Great Diamond Island and recounted interesting stories about the area and the history of Casco Bay. Going out on the water with Captain Matt was a highlight of my summer. Soon I’ll be heading north again and booking a summer 2021 trip for my extended family.”
Adam – 34 – Massachusetts
“My friends and I wanted to get away from the crowds that swarm into the state in the summer. We decided to hire Bird’s Eye Maine to take us on a beach drop tour somewhere in Casco Bay. Captain Matt found us a perfect little private beach that we could lounge at all day! When we were done, Captain Matt picked us up and brought us back to downtown Portland. It was truly a sublime experience that we will definitely be redoing next summer!”
Andy – 33 – Maine
“I am a local photographer and I love hiring Bird’s Eye Maine when I want to shoot on the water. Portland is a working waterfront and there is no better way to capture the true Portland than on Photography Tour with Bird’s Eye Maine. Captain Matt is a photographer as well, so he knows what to look for and is always able to help point you toward the ‘money shots’. My favorite time to get on the water and shoot has to be early in the morning when the fisherman start their day. “
Tiffany – 28 – Pennsylvania
“My husband and I are both early risers, so it made sense for us to reserve a Sunrise Tour. What we didn’t expect was the impact of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean would have on us. It is truly an unforgettable experience that we cannot recommend highly enough!”