yachts docked in portland maine

Gigayacht spotted in Portland Harbor attracts attention

by Ariana St Pierre , WGME

PORTLAND (WGME) -- A $400 million gigayacht floating in the Portland Harbor is turning heads.

According to the Press Herald, a yacht is typically at least 30 feet long, a superyacht is 80-100 feet long, a megayacht is 200 feet, and a gigayacht is over 300 feet long.

The yacht, named Rising Sun, is owned by billionaire entertainment mogul David Geffen, according to CBS News.

CBS News reports the boat's original owner, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, sold Rising Sun to Geffen in 2010.

The Rising Sun reportedly has 82 rooms, including a gym, a basketball court, a wine cellar, a spa, and a movie theater, according to CBS News.

• Also read: 'It's amazing:' Nearly $70M middle school set to open in South Portland

It can reportedly accommodate up to 16 guests and 45 crew members.

Geffen’s gigayacht is the 20th largest in the world, according to the Press Herald.

It’s certainly an eye-catcher at five stories high and 453 feet long.

The Super Yacht Docked In Maine's Portland Harbor Can Be Rented For $1.2 Million A Week

Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: [email protected].

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We’ve all had the same thoughts. You look out over the water and see about 10 boats we’d like to enjoy. From small sailboats to mega-yachts, they’re all perfect and they all offer that Vacationland life we love. It’s fun to imagine what each one looks like on the inside, but it’d be a whole lot more fun to actually one ourselves! If you’ve spent any time near Portland Harbor this summer you’ve probably seen that at least three giant boats have made a home here. And one of them can be chartered just for you!

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You can learn more about the KISMET by checking out the Moran Yacht & Ship website . But if $1.2 Million a week isn’t in the budget right now, there are plenty of other unique options to explore. These 10 unique places to stay in Maine will give you an unforgettable experience .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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7 Birds-Eye View Photos of a Mega Yacht Docked in Portland Harbor

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As more and more people flock to Maine for a visit, Portland Harbor starts to see more and more of those visitors arrive by private boat. One of those boats has been docked in Portland Harbor over the past week and this particular boat stands out in the harbor more than any other.

Nicholas LaRiviere of Firefly Media Inc. shared photos with us that he took with his drone flying over Portland Harbor. Down below is a massive yacht that dwarfs all the others, that according to GoLocalProv.com is named the Veva,  and it was docked in Newport, Rhode Island before coming up to Portland.

The $175 million mega yacht is sitting at the east end of Portland Harbor and is reportedly owned by billionaire Frank Fertitta who also owns Station Casinos in Las Vegas and is the founder of the company that owns the UFC. For those who aren't familiar, that's Ultimate Fight Championship, a mixed martial arts company that broadcasts events regularly on streaming and pay-per-view service.

Super Yacht Fan  lists the Veva  as 94 meters in length, able to host up to 14 guests and a crew of 18. Oh, and it also has a helicopter and a landing pad. No need to take a small boat into the city as long as you can find a place to touchdown.

Nicholas was kind enough to send us seven photos he took during his drone flight over Portland Harbor as it passed by the mega yacht, giving you an idea of just how big this thing is and how cool it looks with the city of Portland behind it.

Things to Do While Island Hopping Casco Bay Islands in Portland, Maine

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277-foot-long super yacht docks in Portland Harbor

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The largest single-mast sailing yacht ever built is now docked in Portland, towering over the other boats.

The M5 measures about 277-feet-long (84 meters) and has a mast extending 54 feet (16 meters). The Portland Press Herald reports the massive watercraft arrived Monday from Newport, Rhode Island.

“Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors” Publisher John Hanson says the people who own yachts like the M5 “have large egos and it takes a very large yacht to carry them.”

The M5 was originally commissioned by Avis CEO Joseph Vittoria.

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The vessel has a master bedroom suite on its main deck and six cabins that sleep up to 12 people. Running the boat requires a crew of more than a dozen.

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277-foot-long super yacht docks in Portland Harbor

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The largest single-mast sailing yacht ever built is now docked in Portland, towering over the other boats.

The M5 measures about 277-feet-long (84 meters) and has a mast extending 54 feet (16 meters). The Portland Press Herald reports the massive watercraft arrived Monday from Newport, Rhode Island.

“Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors” Publisher John Hanson says the people who own yachts like the M5 “have large egos and it takes a very large yacht to carry them.”

The M5 was originally commissioned by Avis CEO Joseph Vittoria.

The vessel has a master bedroom suite on its main deck and six cabins that sleep up to 12 people. Running the boat requires a crew of more than a dozen.

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Great Northern Docks

Great craftsmen making great products for great people since 1979.

Great Northern Docks in Maine specializes in the highest quality custom boat docks designed for the harsh conditions of the New England Waterfront.

We have a complete line of turn-key solutions for the do-it-yourself market.

We also stock standard pre-built aluminum dock sections for the weekend warrior who wants it all ready to install as a weekend project.

In our showroom, and on this website, we also carry a large variety of boat dock supplies and accessories .

OUR GREATEST ADVANTAGE

One of the greatest advantages of our stationary dock systems is the ability to drive pipe legs into the ground for a solid stable platform. Great Northern Docks cuts pipe legs from affordable galvanized pipe. Aluminum pipe is also available.

These platforms are often stable enough to eliminate the need for a boat lift. Consult one of our dock professionals before making a decision on securing your boat.

USE OF FLOATING OR STATIONARY DOCKS

We build both floating boat stationary boat docks. We will look at your waterfront conditions and your intended use to help you determine whether you should have a floating dock or a stationary dock.

A floating boat dock self adjusts for changing water depths, while a stationary boat dock is more stable in shallow water.

Stationary docks are lighter to handle than floating ones, while floating ones may install faster.

DOCK HARDWARE CHOICES

We have a rugged line of galvanized and/or marine grade aluminum dock hardware. It’s suitable for small to medium size lakes, rivers and even some of the largest lakes, such as Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee.

TECHNICAL DOCK DESCRIPTIONS and DOCK PERMITS

We design our docks for seasonal installation and most authorities recognize them as temporary docks. However, our docks are also suitable for permanent boat docks where ice is not present.

Specific requirements may vary, so please check with your local Code Enforcement Officer for regulations in your municipality.

Coastal applications may also require permission from coastal protection agencies and possibly the Army Corps of Engineers.

Here in the State of Maine, most lake docks are restricted to temporary dock permits. This is controlled by local code enforcement officers.

DIY DOCKS FOR WEEKEND WARRIORS

For those who like to do-it-yourself, we have wooden dock plans available in our literature and on this website. Our boat dock plans make it easy to build an affordable and reliable dock system sized to work with our quality dock hardware .

Choose a dock plan from our standard sizes and you are building from a design that has been time tested for decades of use.

The branding on our dock represents a level of quality that is widely recognized.

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If you want a dock built and installed for you, followed by removal in the fall, we can arrange service for all of your dock needs.

Depending on your location, our field expert can visit your waterfront for a survey to help you design a dock system specific to your needs.

Once you purchase your dock we will set you up with a dock installation contractor who can provide annual installations and removals for years to come. Many of our full-service dealers also offer these services through their installation contractors.

ALUMINUM DOCKS

We manufacture, distribute, and retail a line of aluminum boat docks.

Our aluminum docks are built from 6000 series marine grade aluminum. We use custom aluminum extrusions in our dock construction, designed by our engineers for ease of dock installation, and simple additions of dock accessories, like bumpers, benches, mooring whips, and dock wheels.

We build two grades of aluminum docks: Dura-Lite and Feather-Lite. Both models designed for easy setup, simple installation and removal.

Looking for an easy dock to install? Look at our Feather-Lite 4×10 aluminum boat dock sections with a 78lb frame weight. They are rugged, yet easy to handle.

The 5″ tall frame is stronger than most comparably priced products. The use of standard pipe for legs will save you money over competing square leg docks. The use of pipe will also allow you to drive the legs into the ground. This increases the stability of your boat dock and provide a more secure tie-up.

Our Dura-LITE dock sections are even stronger with a 6″ tall tubular frame and they feature removable deck panels and multiple sizes. The Dura-Lite dock is also designed for ease of adding accessories like dock cleats, or a mooring whip.

Dura-LITE aluminum floating docks are available in multiple sizes. We manufacture standard 8×8, 8×10, 6×10, 6×12, 4×10, 4×12 and 4×16 sizes. We also have rugged aluminum ramps in sizes of 4×12, 4×16 and 6×12. Longer aluminum ramps are available when required.

Enhance your swimming area with a swim raft made from our Dura-LITE aluminum line. Durable polyethylene rafts are also available here. Sizes are 8’x8′ or 8’x10′. Our polyethylene rafts are expandable to much larger sizes.

ROLL IN DOCKS

We build our own aluminum docks that roll on large wheels in and out of the water. If you have a gradual approach, a sandy or gravel bottom, and a place to store a long dock, this option will make install, removal, and adjustment much easier.

Roller Docks have several advantages, so we recommend visiting our showroom to learn if a roller dock is best for your application. See more details on the Roller Dock section of this website.

DOCK COMPANY COMPARISONS

Great Northern Docks is the number one boat dock supply store in Northern New England. We have more dock planning expertise than any other dock sales company in Maine.

Because we take the product from design through manufacturing, all the way to installation, we are vertically integrated. This has enabled us to constantly improve our products and services over the past decades.

When choosing a dock provider, we encourage you to consider the quality of the product, the reputation of the service company, the stability of the company backing the warrantee, and the level of professionalism of the sales staff.

Where price is concerned, we are very competitive and we carry a wide enough product range to accommodate all budgets. As for our reputation, if you live in Southern Maine, we suggest you talk to a neighbor who has one of our docks.

When it comes to stability, we’ve been building docks since 1979, and are a strong, second generation family owned business. When it comes to professionalism, our sales staff is the most knowledgeable in the application of residential docks and boat moorings in the Lakes Region Area of Southern Maine.

Our engineering department has experience in the construction of large-scale commercial systems. We take a thoughtful, engineered approach to every dock system we design. We take accurate water depth measurements and survey bottom conditions to ensure your system will go in right.

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Portland ME (Maine)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-06-30 14:06

Port Portland ME cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Portland ME, Maine. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Portland is Maine's second largest cruise port - following Bar Harbor . This port city is located on a peninsula (Maine USA's east coast) and north of Boston MA . On the West Coast USA is the namesake Portland Oregon .

Portland ME features historical and architectural attractions, and is also a major commercial, shipping and fishing centre. The port is a gateway to the resort islands in Casco Bay. There's a historic trail and lighthouse in the town. The nearby Kennebunkport is also worth visiting. Its art colony and Seashore Trolley Museum display more than 200 authentic streetcars.

Established in 1632, the town was destroyed in 1676 by Indians, and again in 1690 by Indians and the French. The settlement (then part of Falmouth) was damaged by the British in 1775. In 1786, after being separated from Falmouth, it was named after Portland England .

In 2015, the visiting around 55,000 cruise tourists had an economic impact of USD 5,8 million. In 2016, the cruise port handled 70 ship calls. In August 2016, the port had its ever largest cruise ship docked -  RCI' s  Anthem of the Seas , bringing to the city 4974 passengers and 1480 crew. Cruising season 2016's economic impact was USD 11 million.

In 2017, the port reported a record year as the number of visiting cruise passengers for the first time ever exceeded 100,000. Port's statistics showed a 6% increase in passenger volumes and a 10% increase in crew numbers over 2016. In 2018, the port handled total 32 ship calls (23% over 2017) and around 39,000 passengers. For season 2019 were booked 40 berths.

On March 16, 2018, was announced a plan to fund the USD 2 million ferry terminal's upgrade project. The Ocean Gateway terminal serves all ferries connecting Maine USA with Nova Scotia (NS Canada). The primary funding party will be the Canadian company Bay Ferries Ltd (headquartered in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island ), which together with the NS government would pay for most of the upgrades. The decision was made after the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency threatened to close the terminal's customs service as it didn't meet USA's federal standards. Bay Ferries is a subsidiary of Northumberland Ferries Ltd (parent NFL Holdings Ltd) and is subsidized by the NS taxpayers.

Portland ME cruise terminal

Cruise ships in Portland ME dock at Portland Ocean Terminal. Following the berth extension and dredging project (completed in April 2017), now the port can dock ships with LOA length 340 m (1115 ft) and max draft 11 m (36 ft). Port's total berthing space is around 2000 m (6560 ft).

The city is linked by  ferries  with Nova Scotia. In November 2017, the ferry service from Ocean Gateway terminal was terminated after US Customs required a terminal renovation (around USD 7 million in upgrades) in order the passenger facility to meet federal standards. The ferry service Maine - Nova Scotia will start again only if Portland provides USD 2 million for the project.

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NFL Owner Docked His $180 Million Dollar Yacht In Portland This Weekend

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If you spend enough time on the Portland waterfront in the summer, you're bound to see some impressive looking yachts. But all those impressive looking yachts pale in comparison to the luxury super-yacht that docked in Portland Harbor over the 4th of July holiday, a $180 million dollar floating mansion belonging to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

Shared on Twitter by Cathering Culley , the yacht is named DreAMBoat, and no that isn't an error in capitalization, the AMB in dreamboat is capitalized to highlight Arthur Blank's initials. Blank has made a majority of his fortune from being the co-founder of Home Depot, and has his hand in many different businesses ventures, including owning multiple professional sports teams. While Portland is accustomed to seeing massive cruise ships docked in the city, Blank's super-yacht drew a lot of eyes and attention over the weekend.

According to Superyachtfan.com , DreAMBoat was built in 2019 and holds a crew of 33 people and up to 23 guests on its various journeys around the globe. The main deck is fitted with a full sized swimming pool while the master suite is fitted with a private deck and jacuzzi. There are 27 cabins total on the yacht, and it's several floors can be accessed by a glass-encased elevator in the center of yacht.

The reason for DreAMBoat's stop in Portland is unclear. It could have been as simple as a pitstop in the midst of a longer journey or a chance to spend a long weekend in a trendy city in the northeast. Either way, Blank's big boat had almost as many eyes on it this weekend as fireworks did across Maine .

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Located right at the mouth of the historic Fore River, PYS offers the most convenient dockage in Portland. Just steps away from the charming Old Port shopping and dining district, we’re the ideal gateway to the hundreds of Calendar Islands in Casco Bay, and the Gulf of Maine… and the world.

With 128 slips and 18 transient moorings, we can accommodate vessels over 120′ long with up to 20′ of draft. Our complete range of support services includes:

• Three Hydraulic Trailers
• A Jib-Boom (for stepping masts and launching small boats)
• Launch Ramp
• Large (400′) of Transient Dock Space (22′ MLW)
• Pumpout Station
• Small Sailboat Rental

And whether you’re from around the corner, up the coast or across the Atlantic, you’ll always get a warm welcome from Phin Sprague and crew!

Summer season is May 15th to October 15th 8am to 7pm daily – Summer Hours 8am to 5pm daily – Winter Hours

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Cruising Downeast Starts with DiMillo’s

DiMillo’s Old Port Marina is located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port. We are a two minute walk to 75 bars and restaurants, fresh meats and produce for provisioning, discount marine supplies, cultural activities, and great shopping. Also at the marina, you can enjoy a great meal aboard DiMillo’s On the Water  and consider a new or used boat purchase at DiMillo’s Yacht Sales .

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Please do your part to practice social distancing in common areas and on the docks.

Masks are suggested when in close contact areas.

Hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the marina for your use.

The pump-out is currently operated by the customer only. Staff can provide the token and instructions but should not operate the equipment at this time.

The marina store will re-open on June 1st! Ice can still be purchased at the fuel house on account or with a credit card.

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We have transient slips available for sailboats and powerboats up to 250 feet and we are open year round for both tenants and guests.

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The official chamber of commerce site and the Kennebunkport business association site are both great places to learn about the area and plan your trip.

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We have transient slips available for sailboats and powerboats up to 80ft LOA with an 8ft draft.

The Best Liveaboard Marinas In Maine

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to liveaboard your sailboat full time, you should jump at it. That’s something that many people dream of doing but the opportunity sadly never arises for them.

There are lots of things to consider when deciding if you can make living aboard your sailboat work for you. Whether or not you have a big family, a dog, a job you can’t afford to give up, or elderly parents you feel the need to stay by will all play a part.

If you decide that, yes, you can make living aboard your boat full-time work for you there are going to be some big questions to answer. Most importantly is where do you want to live?

Living on a boat offers the opportunity to sail from place to place, part of the beauty of it is that you don’t need to pick one location. Unless of course you still want to have a relatively normal life. If you want to work in a normal office, have normal friendships, and feel at home in the community you might feel better sticking to one area for a while.

If that’s the case, perhaps the great state of Maine is the place for you. This article covers not only what makes Maine a great state for sailors but which marinas should be on your radar.

Table of contents

Why might someone want to liveaboard their sailboat in Maine?

Maine is a peaceful state. Sure, you can find a nightlife here and there and there is a decent population of young people. But for the most part, though, it is quiet. It is peaceful. It is a sailor’s dream. Maine is home to a huge amount of woodland national parks. The Acadia National Forest is right on your doorstep offering a plethora of camping, hiking, and various other outdoor activities. If you are planning on bringing a dog with you, there are very few places that are as good for dog walking as the Acadia National Forest. Maine also has a very low cost of living, if you are bringing your work from home job with you then you will find your money going a heck of a lot further. This means you may even find it sustainable to buy/lease a car and live on your boat. If you are a foodie you are in luck. There are dozens of annual Maine food festivals to keep you entertained throughout the year.

What are some things to consider when living aboard your boat in Maine?

Maine is an amazing place to live, there are so many things to see and so many beautiful hiking trails that the entire state is an outdoorsman’s dream. If you are moving to Maine because you are retiring, the endless walks, waterfalls, forest trails, and fishing lakes are perhaps precisely what you are looking for. Maine is also home to over 3500 miles of rocky, jagged, coastlines that will be fun to explore from land or by sea. There is more to see at sea in Maine than in many other states. Having a diverse and interesting coastline doesn’t mean too much to ordinary people. It means a heck of a lot to sailors though. They are the ones that spend their time looking at it!

The people in Maine are friendly. Very friendly. This is great for most people, moving somewhere new and immediately feeling like you fit in is so important. And feeling like you are being not just accepted but welcomed into the community is a true blessing. Unless, of course, you prefer to keep yourself to yourself. If you are a very private person who prefers to be alone then Maine might not be the state for you. Chances are your marina slip neighbors are going to want to come over to say hello, introduce themselves, and try to include you in the community. Whether it is the community of the town or just the marina. It is up to you to decide whether or not this sounds like a good thing or a bad thing. It is entirely a matter of personal preference.

The weather in Maine is best described as mild. It doesn’t get too hot, it doesn’t get too cold. But it does rain. A lot. If the fact that Maine has about 173 days of rain per year is a problem for you then you might want to look elsewhere. Rain for someone living on their boat is more important than someone in an apartment. Do you mind feeling trapped on your boat because the weather doesn’t allow you to be out and about? For some sailors, being “trapped” on a boat doesn’t feel like being trapped at all. It’s precisely where they want to be.

Once you have decided whether or not Maine is the place for you. It hopefully is! It is a good idea to start thinking about the logistics of the move. If you already have a boat, but don’t live on it full time, its time to start deciding what you do and don’t need. Discovering whether you can take your job with you or you need to find a new one is also very important. Lastly, its time to decide where in Maine is best for you. Maine is a pretty small state by comparison. It has a very short coastline, so you aren’t exactly spoilt for choice. That being said, there are some great marinas in Maine. If you have the time, visiting some of these marinas in person before you commit is a very good idea. When you are visiting, use this next section to help you know what to look for.

What are some good qualities to look for in a marina?

Some marinas are great. Some are bad. Most sit somewhere in the middle. Unless you are very wealthy or are scraping pennies together to afford the marina, you are going to be looking for one somewhere in the middle. A marina that has all the basics for a good price in a good location should be top of the list. Luckily, Maine has many such marinas. Here are some factors to consider when comparing similar marinas to ensure that you are getting the most out of your money. Marinas are not cheap, so ensuring you get good value from your lease is very important.

If you are living aboard your boat you are going to end up with very few possessions. For some people, this is a problem, for most people though it is a blessing. Having minimal possessions is easier to manage and far more sustainable. But, it does have some downsides when all of those possessions are limited to your boat. If someone were to break into your boat they would be able to take everything of value you own. It would only take them a few minutes too. Boats don’t have very many “hidey holes”. Most things will be out in the open. Unless you are planning on guarding your boat 24/7 you are going to want to rely on good marina security. Good security meaning CCTV, guards on duty, high fences, secure keycode gates, and friendly neighbors. Neighbors who will watch your boat for you and keep an eye on the happenings.

Maine technically has a very long coastline. This is because it is so rough and jagged. In practical terms, the coastline is truly quite short. There are only a few towns/cities on the coast that are worth your while staying at. So, picking the right one depends largely on work. If you don’t have a job lined up already then the best advice will be to follow the work. Find a job and choose the marina based on that. If you have the luxury of not needing to work or being able to work from home, then the best advice would be to try a few marinas out before settling on a more long term lease.

Maine has a very low cost of living. This means groceries, rent, utilities, and activities are relatively low compared to the rest of the country. It does not mean that wages are low. So, this makes Maine a great place to live financially speaking. These low costs translate directly into marina costs too. You can rent a marina slip in Maine for less than $3000 a year. This is FAR less than renting in somewhere like Florida or California that could be anywhere between 2 and 4 times that.

Good amenities include so many things. Having a nice shower block with decent bathrooms may play a part. Having swimming pools or hot tubs that are available for residents to use may be on the table. Having access to a private gym at no extra cost is a great benefit that people often fail to consider. Having a laundry room on-site that has both washers and dryers is a blessing that you will surely miss if there isn’t one available. Your marina should be considered an extension of your home. If there are no amenities you will have to find the things you need elsewhere. Whether that is carrying your dirty laundry 5 blocks to find a laundromat or having to take a bus across town to find a gym.

Wifi and good cell service:

If you are someone who needs to work from home regularly, be it full time or part, you are going to need wifi or decent cell service. Probably both. It is very hard to get by in the modern world without a stable internet connection. You cant pay your bills, can’t connect with family, and cant hunt for a job should you need to. Even if you already have a job you will be expected to be in reach. Be it from email or from text/call you will need a way of communicating with colleagues and clients alike. Even if that isn’t an issue you need to consider your personal life. Not being able to watch movies, watch sports, stream music, or chat with friends will be very draining. Sure, it may be nice for a week or two. Maybe even a month. But after that, you are going to be both bored and lonely. At least most people will be.

What are the best liveaboard marinas in Maine?

Maine is not the largest state, its coastline is even smaller, so you aren’t exactly spoilt for choice. But, there ARE choices. Luckily, since Maine is a very affordable place to live, price shouldn’t play all that much into your choice. You may want to consider what else you will need to spend your money on, what day to day expenses will need to be considered to help you get by. Like a car. Since there isn’t as much public transport available here as there would be in say, Los Angeles, you will NEED a car. Especially if you plan on exploring the rest of the state. Here is a breakdown of the best liveaboard marinas in Maine:

Portland Maine

• Maine Yacht Center
• Sunset Marina
• DiMillo’s Old Port
• Portland Yacht Service
• Spring Point Marina Dock House
• South Port Marine

Rockland Maine

• Landings Marina
• Journey’s End Marina
• Knight Marine Service
• Rockland Yacht Club
• North End Shipyard

Kennebunk Maine

• Kennebunk Port Marina
• Chicks Marina
• DiMillo’s Kennebunk
• Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club
• General Marine
• Arundel Wharf

As you can see, Maine is a pretty great place to live. Especially if you are planning on retiring there. Low cost of living means that your pension will go further, you will get more for your money and will have more disposable income to spend on the things that matter to you most. If the constant rainy weather isn’t a turn off for you, Maine is truly a place that you can make your home. The people are welcoming, the food is great, the countryside is beautiful and the marinas are cheap. What else do you need? What more could you want?

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36 Hours in Portland, Maine

By Chelsea Conaboy June 20, 2024

• Share full article

By Chelsea Conaboy Photographs by Greta Rybus

Chelsea Conaboy is a writer and editor who lives near Portland.

From the fishing piers and wharves lined up like piano keys along Commercial Street to the ocean views and historic Queen Anne-style homes atop Munjoy Hill, Portland offers a lot for visitors to take in. And then there is the food. Maine's largest city has long been nationally known as a top food destination, and just this year two Portland bakers won James Beard Awards. To host travelers, culinary or otherwise, five boutique hotels have opened since 2020. The hotel construction, new high-end condo development and rising coastal real estate prices have exacerbated a housing crisis here. But the elements that make this New England city such an attractive place to visit — a dynamic creative economy, juxtaposition of the old and the new, and the distinctive character of a working waterfront — endure.

Recommendations

• The Eastern Promenade offers picnicking, beach access and a playground with an unbeatable view, plus lots of food trucks to explore.
• The Portland Museum of Art , which stretches across four buildings, has a collection of established and emerging Maine artists and includes a small sculpture garden.
• Fort Williams Park in the nearby town of Cape Elizabeth provides visitors the excellent combination of breathtaking views and a good lobster roll.
• Casco Bay Lines , with a ferry terminal on Commercial Street, offers an affordable tour of Casco Bay or a quick trip to the islands.
• On Peaks Island , three miles off mainland Portland, one should meander, swim and enjoy the view.
• Portland Paddle organizes a three-hour kayak tour of Fort Gorges every day in the summer, starting from East End Beach and including time to explore the Civil War-era structure built on a ledge in the middle of Casco Bay.
• Công Tử Bột has a cheerful dining room, a family-style Vietnamese menu and a counter with a kitchen view.
• Ugly Duckling is a sweet luncheonette with memorable breakfast sandwiches.
• Il Leone is in its fourth season of turning local ingredients and naturally leavened dough into wood-fired pizza magic on Peaks Island.
• Luke’s Lobster was known for exporting Maine lobsters to a chain of lobster shacks around the globe, then returned to Maine to build a restaurant very close to the catch, on the Portland Pier.
• Bar Futo serves yakitori-style skewers and sharing plates with creative cocktails and whiskey highballs that will make you want to order another.
• Hot Suppa! brings from-scratch Southern cooking to this very northern city — and the crowds show up.
• Bite Into Maine ’s Fort Williams food truck offers a very Maine experience: eating a lobster roll with a lighthouse in view.
• Oxbow Blending and Bottling is where this popular Maine brewery blends and packages its aged beers, with a large bar and patio area and frequent live music.
• Anoche offers Spanish gin, wine and a wide array of hard ciders, plus all that goes with it, including Spanish cheeses, meats and tinned fish.
• One Longfellow Square draws folk and roots musicians and their fans to its intimate performance space.
• Blue Portland Maine is expanding its legacy as a jazz bar to include other genres, with an emphasis on live sound quality in this small listening room.
• Rabelais sells rare food-and-drink books and will operate a tiny pop-up shop on Washington Avenue this summer.
• Open House is a showroom of antique, vintage and handmade furnishings and clothing.
• Onggi is a market and newly opened cafe with a focus on fermentation.
• Strata is a high-end kitchenware shop with an emphasis on beautiful quality knives.
• Back Cove Books is a neighborhood bookstore with a lovely children’s section and a cozy reading nook for the littlest readers and the grownups.
• At Print: A Bookstore , the staff are funny on Instagram and helpful in real life.
• The Longfellow Hotel , named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Portland’s most famous poet, opened in May, with 48 guest rooms and a spa on the edge of the historic West End neighborhood. A bar named for Longfellow’s five-man literary group, the Five of Clubs, is the lobby’s focal point. Rooms start at $499, higher during the summer season.
• Canopy by Hilton on the Portland Waterfront opened in 2021 and has one feature that truly sets it apart: a year-round rooftop bar, called Luna , where you can watch the sky over the Fore River change colors in the evening. With 135 rooms, it sits on a quieter block on Commercial Street, a tourist destination for shopping, dining and exploring the waterfront. Rooms start at $399 during the warmer months, higher for a water view.
• The Holiday Inn By the Bay is a more affordable mainstay. Guest rooms and event spaces in this 239-room hotel, built in 1973, have been renovated since 2020. The location is convenient — a block from the Portland Museum of Art — and room rates start around $160.
• While regulated Airbnbs are allowed in Portland, short-term rentals can be hard to find in summer months. With advance planning, look in Munjoy Hill, for easy access to the Eastern Promenade. To expand your search, consider staying in South Portland, just across the Casco Bay Bridge.
• Many attractions on the Portland peninsula are within walking distance of one another. Greater Portland Metro’s bus service offers connections to the Portland Transportation Center, with bus and train service from Boston and other points, and also runs a route that circles most of the peninsula. A single ride for most adults is $2. Be sure to check for updated schedules . Uber and Lyft offer generally reliable service. The city has a biking culture but a long way to go in developing bike lanes . Those who travel by car should read parking lot signs carefully, as ticketing can be aggressive.

Post Supply

A four-block stretch of Washington Avenue is a food hub good for shopping as well as eating. Start your stroll at Onggi , a fermentation market and cafe, where shelves are stocked with sake, chili crisp, pickled blueberries and more. Buy a hojicha-butterscotch oat cookie ($3.25 each) to enjoy as you wander south to browse high-end kitchenware and Maine-made home goods at Strata and Post Supply , found inside what once was the J.J. Nissen bakery, where the New England top-split hot dog bun was created. On the way: The repurposed shipping containers at the Black Box , which serve as five tiny shops with month-to-month leases. Arriving in July is a pop-up version of Rabelais , a renowned seller of rare food-and-drink books.

On to the eating, but how to choose? Texas-style barbecue is served on Terlingua’s sprawling back decks (one pound of house-smoked meats with a side, cornbread and pickles, $35), while sake and shared plates, such as fried tofu with jalapeño soy sauce and bonito ($7) or sautéed udon noodles with duck breast and vegetables ($15) can be found at Izakaya Minato . Công Tử Bột offers a warm welcome, with Vietnamese food ordered family style, great cocktails and a buzzy dining area that’s especially pleasant when the garage-style doors are open. Try the salad of puffed rice, oyster mushrooms and “pickled stuff” dressed with chile oil ($17) or the twice-cooked eggplant ($14). Leave room for chè chuối, a dessert of tapioca, coconut and banana that is more than the sum of its parts ($11).

After dinner, take a short stroll up Munjoy Hill, which dominates the eastern end of the city’s peninsula, to enjoy not one but two incredible views. At the end of Marion Street, follow the stone steps up to Fort Sumner Park, which looks west over Portland’s Back Cove. On a clear day, you can see the peak of Mount Washington and an exceptional sunset. From there, walk up Quebec Street to arrive at the Eastern Promenade, a 78-acre park that looks east over Casco Bay. Lounge on the grass or head back downhill on Congress Street to sit outside at Oxbow , one of the many Maine breweries that make beer in Portland or have outposts here, or choose from a long list of ciders on tap (from $7.50) at the Basque-inspired Anoche .

A four-block stretch of Washington Avenue is known for good shopping as well as good eating, including at places like Island Creek Oysters.

Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling , which opened in 2023 with a big U-shaped counter and a come-as-you-are vibe, is the latest project by Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti, owners of the nearby Spanish-French brasserie Chaval. Breakfast sandwiches come on housemade English muffins. The No. 2, which includes two fried eggs, house pork sausage, American cheese and ketchup, is a popular order ($11.75). You might need a fork to finish the Como Se Dice Buongiorno ($12.75): fried egg, hash brown, prosciutto, jalapeño, arugula and garlic aioli on an English muffin with everything-bagel seasoning.

Catch the 10:15 a.m. boat to Peaks Island at the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal on Commercial Street. The island, with nearly 1,000 year-round residents, was once home to an amusement park and now has a no-shoes-required vibe. Part of the city of Portland, it sits just three miles offshore but feels much farther. During the 17-minute trip (from April to October: $14 roundtrip for adults, $7 for seniors and children), take in a view of Portland from the water, watch for harbor seals and pass by Fort Gorges, a formidable granite military fort built in the mid-19th century and now a frequent host to kayak tours and history buffs.

You can explore the island by foot, but a bike is handy to make the nearly four-mile loop around the perimeter. Bring your own on the ferry for an extra fee ($7 adult, $3.50 children), or rent one from Brad & Wyatt’s Island Bike Rental ($20 for two hours, $30 for four hours — rentals are first-come, first-served, no website). You’ll find great spots for exploring the rocks on the east side of the island, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Before catching the return ferry, circle back to Il Leone for salad and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven and eaten at a shady picnic table. The menu typically includes at least one pie that follows the harvest, highlighting Maine-grown garlic scapes, heirloom tomatoes or squash blossoms (pizzas start at $17.95).

Think of an indoor flea market and you might imagine rows of booths, some full of beauty, others full of dust. Back on the mainland, Open House instead arranges furniture in cozy living-room vignettes throughout its 10,000-square-foot shop on Congress Street, which has a large selection of vintage clothing and handcrafted goods. Items range in price from $5 for packable trinkets to a few thousand dollars for midcentury-modern antiques. And the owners welcome browsers — no stuffy gatekeepers here.

Maine has a rich literary past and present — for starters, Stephen King and Lois Lowry live and write in the state. In Portland, used, independent and specialty bookstores abound. Linger in the beautiful children’s section at Back Cove Books , in the Woodfords Corner neighborhood, which displays its biographies and current affairs books in an old bank vault. Or visit Print: A Bookstore , with its expertly curated staff picks and a large section highlighting Maine writers. Both shops draw an impressive slate of author readings and other events each month, so check their calendars online.

Plenty of restaurants in Portland serve lobster, but few get you as close to the lobster boat as Luke’s Lobster , a lobster-shack chain that has a full-service restaurant on the end of Portland Pier, off Commercial Street. The two-story restaurant, with a view of the Fore River as it meets Casco Bay, sits next to the company’s commercial lobster-buying facility, where lobster boats dock to sell their catch, some of which goes directly to the kitchen. (No reservations during the peak summer season.) Or reserve a table at Bar Futo in the Old Port to try skewers of squid, fish, pork belly or chicken ($7 to $9 each) grilled over binchotan, or Japanese charcoal, alongside a perfectly carbonated whiskey highball made with a Suntory Toki machine ($14).

Blue Portland Maine

Portland’s go-to venue for summer concerts by nationally touring artists is Thompson’s Point , an outdoor stage near the bank of the Fore River. Included in the 2024 lineup are Goose, Counting Crows and Dark Star Orchestra. But One Longfellow Square , in the West End with 180 seats, has a cozy feel that lends itself well to the folk and roots music that makes up most of its shows. Ticket prices vary but start around $20. Just half a block away is Blue Portland Maine , which hosts jazz and more. Half the shows are ticketed, with prices between $10 and $20, and half are free with a hat passed for the artists.

The Old Port, with its cobblestone streets and old brick buildings, is Portland’s traditional tourist district.

Start your Sunday at Hot Suppa! , with some shrimp and cheesy grits ($22) or scrambalaya ($17) — that’s eggs scrambled with jambalaya. Don’t choose your meal without consulting the specials, which highlight the kitchen’s from-scratch Southern cooking and seasonal produce. Recently, they included eggs Benedict with bacon and ramps ($23). And if your plate doesn’t already include corned beef hash, order a side for the table ($16).

Intricacy and devotion are on display in “ Jeremy Frey: Woven ,” through Sept. 15 at the Portland Museum of Art . Mr. Frey is a seventh-generation basketmaker from the Passamaquoddy tribe in Maine whose works have been shown at art markets for years and are found in major museums across the United States. This is the first solo museum exhibition for Frey, with more than 50 baskets and a short film documenting his process. While at the museum, you can see paintings by Winslow Homer and N.C. Wyeth, but don’t miss the work of artists who have broadened and deepened the legacy of Maine art in recent decades, including paintings by Reggie Burrows Hodges and Daniel Minter , and sculpture by Lauren Fensterstock . (Admission free for ages 21 and under. Seniors and students, $18. All others, $20.)

Portland Head Light

Leave time for the 15-minute drive out to Fort Williams Park , a 90-acre park owned by the nearby town of Cape Elizabeth that has a cliff walk, a children’s garden and a panoramic view of Casco Bay. It’s also home to Portland Head Light , a historic and much-photographed lighthouse. If you haven’t eaten a lobster roll yet (or even if you have), visit the Bite Into Maine food truck to choose between a Maine-style with mayo or a Connecticut-style with butter, or try the picnic-style roll, with lobster piled on a bed of coleslaw ($29.95). Yes, these rolls are pricey, but consider the view.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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Most City of Portland offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.

Boat Docks & Launches

Where to launch or dock

Willamette park  boat ramp and dock.

• Open 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Pay to park; no overnight parking
• Active boat loading and unloading only (1 hour maximum on wings)
• No overnight moorage  

Cathedral Park  Boat Ramp and Dock

• Open 5:00 a.m. to midnight.
• No overnight parking

Sellwood Riverfront Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch

• Open 5:00 a.m. to midnight
• 2-hour maximum moorage

Gov Tom McCall Waterfront Park North and South Breakwater Docks

• No on-site parking available
• Payment is required to use this dock. See signs and payment options on the dock.
• Overnight moorage is available with proper payment or permit.
• To reserve dock space for large vessels, contact PP&R Customer Service .  

Holman Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch

• South of Hawthorne Bridge on Eastbank Esplanade
• Non-motorized watercraft only.
• Active loading and unloading only
• No overnight moorage

Kevin Duckworth Dock at Eastbank Esplanade

• 8-hour maximum moorage; no overnight moorage.
• Active loading and unloading only in designated areas
• Dock may be used for swim access. Learn more here.

• All vessels that are required to be registered by the state of Oregon must be registered and display valid stickers to use PP&R docks and ramp sites.
• All park rules (Title 20) and dock/harbor rules (Title 19) apply to using PP&R docks.
• PP&R Administrative Rules PRK-1.17 apply to boat docks and ramps.

Pre-seizure notices for abandoned and derelict vessels

Vessels that are left on city docks or ramps and that are in violation of park rules, city code, or Oregon law may be cited, towed, and impounded. Pursuant to rules set forth by the Oregon State Marine Board, PP&R Park Rangers are considered an enforcement agency for the purposes of removing and impounding abandoned or derelict vessels on PP&R managed property. Policy requires that vessels posted for removal be listed on our agency website.

If you are the owner of a vessel listed below, please remove your vessel immediately to avoid further enforcement action. You may appeal the decision to impound your vessel before the tow date by contacting the Hearing's Office . After the vessel has been seized/towed, an appeal must be received within 30 calendar days from the date of tow.  The owner of the boat is liable for all costs associated with removal. For more information on abandoned or derelict vessels on state waterways, please visit the Oregon State Marine Board .

Portland Park Rangers Call Center

Pp&r customer service center – commercial activity, sellwood riverfront park, willamette park main entrance, cathedral park main entrance, waterfront park main entrance, eastbank esplanade.

See something we could improve on this page?  Give website feedback .

Last edited by:

• Griswolds and Jesse Deupree
• June 28, 2024

Maine , South Coast and Casco Bay

Photo: Kaleb Kloppe on Flickr

Portland, the largest city in Maine, is located on Casco Bay. It has several marinas, great provisioning, and is a big "foodie" destination with dozens of excellent restaurants. Stay awhile and explore the bike paths, working waterfront, and art museum. Or spend a few days on Casco Bay with its scenic, secluded anchorages.

Portland is a great city to visit, although not necessarily easy to access by boat. Marinas are expensive and none currently offer transient moorings. The public dinghy dock is limited to a two-hour tie-up and Fore Points Marina, which offers a dinghy dock for extended periods, charges a fee. Despite the prices, Portland is a wonderful place, and the sailing community and Portland city officials are working to make the waterfront more accessible to transient sailors.

Approach & Cautions

Photo: Portland Head Light by Dennis Weeks, Flickr

The approach into Portland Harbor is straightforward, with a well-marked channel used by large commercial and cruise ships. Navigate carefully in fog and watch out for fishing boats, frequent ferries, occasional barges, and cargo ships. The most visible landmark is Portland Head Lighthouse outside the channel entrance.

Click the chart to open Navionics

Not to be used for Navigation .

Docking, Anchorages, or Moorings

Portland (Northern Side) Fore Points Marina , 1 Marina Way, 207-517-4860, concierge@ forepointsmarina.com or on dockwa . Slips, laundry, dinghy dock (transient rate for dinghy tie-up is $30/day).

DiMillo’s Marina , 25 Long Wharf, 207-773-7632. Reserve on dockwa . Slips, fuel, laundry. Transient dinghy tie-up is $20 for three hours.

Maine Yacht Center , 100 Kensington Street, 207-842-9000, [email protected] or on dockwa . Slips, fuel, haulout, outdoor and heated indoor storage. Full-service boatyard. A short distance from downtown by car, bicycle, or Metro Bus Route 7.

Portland Ship Yard/Portland Yacht Services , 100 West Commercial Street, 207-774-1067. Full-service boatyard.

Anchorages Fish Point – approximate location 43.39.8 N/070.14.2 W. Adjacent to Fore Points Marina, outside the moorings. Be careful not to anchor between the moorings and the marina – this is an approach channel for Fore Points.

East End – approximate location 43.40.0 N/070.14.0 W. Anchor outside mooring field, and note that this area and Fish Point are exposed to frequent wakes and occasional strong winds from the easterly quadrants.

South Portland  The South Portland side of Portland Harbor has several marinas that offer docking. As you enter Portland Harbor, the Willard Beach mooring area to port has places you can anchor on a settled night but no facilities. Just beyond the Spring Point Lighthouse and breakwater are two marinas, Spring Point (reservations on dockwa ), (207) 767-3254 , and Breakwater , which may well have dock space. Spring Point and Breakwater Marinas are both owned by Port Harbor Marine. Continuing around Bug Light, there is Sunset Marina (reservations on dockwa  or VHF Channel 9/12 or 16; phone 207-767-4729) and the Centerboard Yacht Club , limited space for boats up to 36 feet, drawing less than 6 feet; no reservations (first come/first served), VHF Channel 68.

From any of these locations, a well-powered dinghy can run across to the Portland shore and the docks as noted below in Getting Ashore. Note, however, that this crosses all the commercial, ferry, and recreational traffic in the harbor, so pay attention!

Ch 16 for Portland Harbor Master Ch 9 for Maine Yacht Center, DiMillos, Breakwater, Spring Pt., Sunset Ch 68 for Centerboard YC Ch 71 for DiMillos

Fore Points Marina Maine Yacht Center DiMillos Marina

Most marinas - inquire when booking

ELECTRICITY

Fore Points Marina DiMillos Marina Maine Yacht Center

Some marinas - inquire when booking

Maine Yacht Center (also has a kitchen and a nice lounge) Lookin' Good Laundromat, 292 Congress St.

Most marinas - inquire when booking Portland Public Library

Search online for "Maine Pumpout Services" or "Pumpout Boats" Maine Yacht Center Portland Yacht Services South Port Marina Spring Point Marina DiMillos Marina

Chase, Leavitt & Co. Hamilton Marine Maine Yacht Center Portland Yacht Services West Marine

Maine Medical Center Urgent Care Plus - 207-383-3239 ConvenientMD Urgent Care - 207-517-3838 Maine Medical Center Emergency Room - 207-662-0111 Others listed online

MORE BOAT AMENITIES

Chandleries: In addition to the marinas, Portland has many chandleries and stores that sell boat parts. These are three good options:

Chase, Leavitt & Co , 84 Cove Street, (207) 772-6383. No longer on the waterfront (but worth a taxi ride), CL&Co specializes in marine safety consulting and equipment service and sales, including life rafts, EPIRBs, safety flares and Spinlock life vests, as well as paper charts, chart kits, navigational tools, and many books specializing in safety equipment (including life rafts), charts, and cruising guides.

Hamilton Marine , 197 Presumpscot St. Building A, (207) 774-1772. Not walking distance to the waterfront, unfortunately. Metro Bus Routes 7 and 9A/9B will get you close. Hamilton is a Maine-based chain with stores in other towns along the coast. It features equipment and supplies appropriate for local mariners, including lobster fishers.

West Marine , 127 Marginal Way, (207) 761-7600. A bit of a walk from the waterfront but doable, or take Metro Bus Route 8.

Hardware store:

Maine Hardware , Union Station Plaza Shopping Center, 274 John Street, (207) 773-5604; take Metro Bus Route 1 along Congress Street.

Laundromats:

Lookin’ Good Laundromat , 292 Congress St., (207) 772-6676

Getting Ashore

Photo: Gary Deetz on Unsplash

The city currently offers no dinghy dock where one can tie up for the day to explore. City officials are aware of the problem, and we expect the issue will be addressed. In the meantime: 1) A small public dock, at the end of State Pier next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal (at 43˚ 39.433′ N, 070˚ 14.969′ W), may be used for pick-up, drop-off, and short-term, less than two-hour tie-up at the very end of the pier (but not at the float by the seawall). 2) Fore Points Marina offers dinghy tie-ups for $30/day. 3) East End Beach boat launch permits 15-minute pick-up and drop-off. 4.) DiMillos offers temporary dock tie-up on a space available basis (including dinghies). Cost is $20 for 3 hours for boats under 35′, $40 for 3 hours for boats over 35′. Contact the marina.

Water taxi (though it may not be immediately available): 1) Fogg’s Water Taxi , (207) 415-8493 or 2) Portland Sea Taxi , (207) 879-2562

Alternatively, consider sailing north (approximately 5 miles) to Falmouth Foreside  for docking, mooring, or anchoring options; then call a taxi for the short drive to Portland. 207 Taxi : (207) 774-2255. Uber and Lyft also operate in Portland.

Photo: Back door at dawn. Courtesy of Harbor Fish Market

Provisioning

There are way too many places to list them all. The following are some of our favorites. All are walkable to the waterfront, although some are a bit of a hike.

The Food Coop, Harbor Fish, Micucci, and Standard Baking are not far from Fore Points. Metro Bus Route 8 (the Peninsula Loop) goes from the waterfront to Hannaford, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods:

• Whole Foods , 2 Somerset Street, 207-774-7711
• Trader Joe’s , 87 Marginal Way, 207-699-3799
• Hannaford , 295 Forest Avenue, 207-761-5965
• Browne Trading , 262 Commercial Street, 207-775-7560
• Portland Food Coop , 290 Congress Street, 207-805-1599
• Portland Farmers Market , Wed. and Sat. 7 AM – 1 PM Deering Oaks Park
• Harbor Fish Market , 9 Customs House Wharf, 207-775-0251
• Micucci Grocery , 45 India Street, 207-775-1854 (closed Sunday)
• Standard Baking Co ., 75 Commercial Street, 207-773-2112

Photo: Evo chef Matt Ginn

Portland has become a “foodie” mecca with many dining options; too many to list here. The best way to navigate the ever-changing Portland food scene, which includes dine-in and take-out restaurants as well as food trucks, is to go to:

Portland Food Map , both comprehensive and up-to-date; and

Truckalico , an awesome app that lists the location of multiple food trucks in real-time.

Also, check out the many breweries, distilleries, fermenters, meaderies, kombucheries, and cider shops scattered throughout the city, especially in the East Bayside and Washington Avenue neighborhoods. Follow this link for a map of the area: deanssweets.com/eastbayside/

To get you started, here are a few places where you will get a good meal, from formal dinner to casual lunch (listed alphabetically). We have many favorites, and this is just a tiny sampling!

Benkay  – Japanese, 16 Middle Street, (207) 773-5555

Chaval – Spanish/French, 58 Pine Street, [email protected] , (207) 772-1110

Eventide – Seafood, 86 Middle Street, (207) 774-8538

Evo  – Mediterranean, 443 Fore Street, (207) 358-7830

Fore Street – American, 288 Fore Street, (207) 775–2717

Green Elephant – Asian, vegetarian, 608 Congress Street, (207) 347-3111

Hi Bombay  – Indian, 1 Pleasant Street, (207) 772-8767

Hot Suppa – Cajun/Creole, 703 Congress Street, (207) 871-5005

Miyake  – Japanese, 468 Fore Street, (207) 871-9170

Ribollita  – Italian, 41 Middle Street (207) 774-2972, [email protected]

Scales ​ – Seafood, 68 Commercial Street, (207) 805-0444

Sichuan Kitchen – Chinese, Sichuan, 612 Congress Street, (207) 536-7226

Solo Italiano  – authentic Italian cuisine, 100 Commercial St., (207) 780-0227

Street and Company – Seafood, Mediterranean, 33 Wharf Street, (207) 775-0887

Twelve – Upscale, 115 Thames Street, (207) 910-7400

Via Vecchia  – Italian, 10 Dana Street, (207) 407-7070, [email protected]

Photo: View from the Beehive Trail near Portland - Madeleine Deaton

See this website for best trails near Portland: alltrails.com/us/maine/portland

For bike riding along Portland Trails bike paths, see trails.org

Bicycle hire:

• The Portland Encyclepedia , 6 Commercial Street, 866-877-9544
• Gorham Bike and Ski , 693 Congress St., 207-773-1700 (closed Sundays)
• CycleMania , 65 Cove St. (corner Anderson St.), 207-774-2933 (closed Sundays)
• Portland has a bike share program with 200 bikes at over 40 locations, using the movatic app .

Photo: Portland Museum of Art - Arthur, Flickr

Other Things To Do

Getting Around:

Greater Portland Metro , Public transit, offering several bus routes within Portland and to nearby communities.  

Car rental:

Enterprise , 1 Marginal Way, 772-0030, enterprise.com

Additional Ideas:

• The Old Port and wharves along Commercial Street
• Eastern Promenade
• Portland Museum of Art , 7 Congress Square
• Portland Signal Tower and Observatory , 138 Congress Street
• Micro-breweries and restaurants
• Bike riding along ‘Portland Trails’ bike paths
• Ferry ride to Peaks or any of the many island destinations in the Greater Portland area.

Miscellaneous Helpful Information

Portland Harbor Master :(the names change from time to time, but this link should be up to date)

2 Portland Fish Pier #105, Office Phone: 207-772-8121

Harbor Master – Kevin J. Battle (after-hours 207-831-6962); [email protected]

Deputy — Randy Richardson: 207-329-6098

VHF Channel 16, portlandharbor.org

OUR REVIEWS

What CCA Members are saying:

All the foodie, music and artsy bennies of a metropolis without the hassles - and with a nice airport! Too many people skip this gem - the biggest little city you'll find anywhere. Take the time to stop and savor Portland - and Casco Bay - on your way downeast.

Zdenka & Jack Griswold

Got some feedback or notes for this page?

Send us your input., 2024 storms have wreaked havoc on the maine coastline., click here to learn more about how we are updating our pages to reflect the changes affecting cruisers., subscribe to our newsletter for updates your inbox.

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DIMILLO’S PORTLAND, MAINE MARINA

1 Long Wharf, Portland, Maine 04101 207-773-7632

DiMillo’s Old Port Marina is located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port. We are a two minute walk to 75 bars and restaurants, fresh meats and produce for provisioning, discount marine supplies, cultural activities, and great shopping. Also at the marina, you can enjoy a great meal aboard DiMillo’s On the Water and consider a new or used boat purchase at DiMillo’s Yacht Sales. DiMillo’s Yacht Sales is based at DiMillo’s Old Port Marina which can accommodate 125 yachts in slips with lengths up to 250 ft and offer full service marina accommodations, fuel, overnight transient slips. Recently, 450 ft of new service dock space was acquired to meet the growing demands of our clientele.

24/7 Fuel Gas & Diesel – Multiple pumps, high speed, volume discounts offered.

Electricity – Single phase: 30amp, 50amp, 100amp

Restrooms/Showers/Laundry – 24 hour access to private heads.  Laundry on-site or by delivery service.

Internet – Wireless Connectivity available on the property.  Contact marina office for access.

Gated, digitally monitored facility – full time staff 8am – 8pm daily, in season

Cable Television – Basic cable through channel 70 is included

Provisioning – We coordinate with many vendors for delivery of produce, alcohol, flowers, oil and other provisions or maintenance supplies.  Our staff is available to shop for you with prior notice.

Fresh Water – Accessible at each slip May 1st to November 1st at no additional charge

Sewer – Pumpout available at the Fuel Dock, 24/7.  $5 tokens are available at the marina office or fuel house

Vehicle Parking – See the marina staff for an on-site parking permit valid only during the boat’s stay.

Ship Store – Beer, Wine, Ice, Gifts, Clothing, Snacks & Convenience Items

Service Department – Contact our on-site Service Department to schedule your repair or maintenance visit.

Package & Mail Delivery – We can accept packages & provisioning for your boat.  Please note the boat name.

FuelMaster Prokee – 10 cents off per gallon of fuel purchased on your key, 24hr access, billed monthly on account

If you are interested in becoming a tenant please contact our office to obtain a Wait List Slip Application to sign up for our waiting list.

All tenants must have current proof of insurance and keep a valid credit card on file with the marina office. Long-term rates require a contract and must be paid prior to arrival. If you need assistance with computing fees, please contact us.

EAST SIDE (excluding A-Dock Extension)

$ 2,750/season  – 20’ LOA and Under (No Power, Limited Availability) $157.50/ft – 35’ Minimum LOA (Basic Rate) $162.75/ft – 40’ Minimum LOA (Minimum for A1, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2) $168.00/ft – 45’ Minimum LOA (Minimum for A9-14) $178.50/ft – 55’ Minimum LOA

WEST SIDE & A-Dock Extension

$176.00/ft – 45’ Minimum LOA (Minimum for W4-13) $187.00/ft – 55’ Minimum LOA (Minimum for W1-3, W14-19)

$194.25/ft – 35’ Minimum LOA (Basic Rate) $199.50/ft – 40’ Minimum LOA $204.75/ft – 45’ Minimum LOA $215.25/ft – 55’ Minimum LOA

Additional charge for dinghies $50/ft. All dinghies 10’ or larger OR any dinghy that does not fit in the assigned boat owner’s slip will be charged this rate.

$85 per foot for the season; paid in full prior to arrival.

*Long term rates require a contract, proof of insurance and a current credit card on file.

Electricity – Metered and charged per kilowatt hour, billed monthly. All tenants must have a card on file.

Water – No charge. Service is shut off on November 1st. After that date you may choose to run an underwater hose and hook into the system set up by the live-aboard tenants for the winter.

Departure – Winter storage ends on April 15th. Vessels remaining in the marina will be charged per foot per day, depending on the size. In order to ensure proper billing, the marina office must be notified at the time of departure.

Dock space is limited, please note the following:

– A deposit of one night’s dockage will be charged at the time the reservation is made. Requests for specific slips cannot be guaranteed as slip assignments are not determined until your arrival date.

– We will try our best to keep you in one slip, but it may be necessary to move you during your stay.

– Check-in: After 2:00 PM. Early arrivals are subject to availability.

– Check-out : No later than 11:00 AM.  Late Departures will be subject to a temporary dockage fee and are based on availability. You must check-in and out with the marina office.

Cancellation Policy – Reservations for vessels under 54’ may be canceled 7 days prior to your arrival date with no penalty. Deposits will NOT be refunded to vessels under 59’ canceling within 7 days of the arrival date but may be used on a future visit within one year. Changes may be made to your reservation up to 48 hours prior to your original arrival date.*

– Reservations for vessels over 55′ may be canceled 14 days prior to your arrival date with no penalty. Deposits will NOT be refunded to vessels over 60’ canceling within 14 days of the arrival date but may be used on a future visit within one year. Changes may be made to your reservation up to 48 hours prior to your original arrival date (subject to availability).*

*ANY CANCELLATION MADE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF YOUR RESERVATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE. THIS INCLUDES EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED DEPARTURES ON VESSELS OVER 40′. Cancellations due to weather will be determined at the marina’s discretion. Administrative fees may apply.

$100.00/night – 35’ and Under

$3.25/ft – 36’ to 42’ LOA

$4.25/ft – 43’ to 54’ LOA

$4.50/ft – 55’ to 69’ LOA

$4.75/ft – 70′ to 95′ LOA

$5.00/ft – 96’ and Greater

$125.00/night – 35’ and Under

$3.75/ft – 36’ to 42’ LOA

$4.75/ft – 43’ to 54’ LOA

$5.00/ft – 55’ to 69’ LOA

$5.50/ft – 70′ to 95′ LOA

$6.00/ft – 96’ and Greater

$110.00/night – 35’ and Under

$3.50/ft – 36’ to 42’ LOA

$4.50/ft – 43’ to 54’ LOA

$4.75/ft – 55’ to 69’ LOA

$5.00/ft – 70′ to 95′ LOA

$5.50/ft – 96’ and Greater

$65.00/night –  35’ and Under

$2.00/ft –   36’ to 42’ LOA

$2.25/ft –   43’ to 54’ LOA

$2.50/ft –   55’ to 69’ LOA

$2.75/ft –   70′ to 95′ LOA

$3.00/ft –   96’ and Greater

$15/night –  30amp

$25/night –  50amp

$50/night –  100amp

Luke DiMillo

Marina manager, portland, maine.

DIRECT: 207-773-7632 x248

OFFICE: 207-773-7632

Amber Whynot

Marina office assistant & buyer.

We have received your request and a representative will contact you shortly.

                                      Welcome to Handy Boat                      

Welcome to falmouth, maine’s largest anchorage and home to handy boat service since 1934. our members enjoy season after season of sailing and boating on beautiful casco bay. with the convenience of being less than 15 minutes from maine’s largest city portland, maine, and a full service boat yard and marina without the commercial traffic and bustle of the city. for our cruisers stopping in for a shorter stay handy boat has over 50 transient mooring rentals for boats up to 65’ and dock space available, our launch service, full service boatyard, dockside provisions convenience store, fuel, ice and of course the dockside grill restaurant. all of our amenities are available to our seasonal and short term customers to make handy boat a can’t miss for boating in southern maine..

Our season starts May 10th through Columbus week • Launch service 8am-9pm ~ 7 days a week • Transient / Seasonal mooring rentals • Convenient parking • Laundry / shower rooms • Dockside provisions w/ fuel, ice, beer & wine • Mooring equipment sales / service

Mooring Service 

• New  set-ups • Hardware upgrades, chain, pennants, buoys, etc. • Installation & haul outs • Inspections - Town of Falmouth requirement every 2 years. • Fall / spring change overs - winter log on, storage of your buoy, in the spring repaint name & permit number, reinstall your buoy and inspect as needed.

Dockside Provisions

Dockside Provisions 8am – 9pm • Fuel (diesel and gas) • Shore Power • Ice, Water, Coffee, Snacks, Beer & Wine • Gifts and apparel • Transient moorings for boats up to 65'  • We monitor VHF CH 9 • Free Wi-Fi • Showers • Laundry Room • Contact our dock staff about available dock space 207-781-5110 ext. 106 or Option 2

Dockside Grill

The Dockside Grill is located in the heart of Casco Bay at Handy Boat Marina. Opening in September of 2013, the Dockside Grill offers fresh, fun and flavorful New England fare with a modern twist. Our seaside location offers spectacular views of Casco Bay at any time of year. Our downstairs dining area has a wrap around mahogany and stone bar, which opens up to an outdoor patio. Wall-to-wall glass garage doors make this waterfront location like no other. Find yourself lost in the ocean breeze, comforted by the surrounding islands and engulfed in our excellent menu.

Transient Moorings

Transient moorings  get the app for ios   and android $ 50 & UP per night depending on LOA

Marinas.com

After your stay with us at Handy Boat  please take a moment to let us and other know.

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Home → News → $451,553 in Coastal Planning Grants Announced

$451,553 in Coastal Planning Grants Announced

June 28, 2024

Augusta  - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Maine Coastal Program (MCP), is proud to announce the award of $451,553 in coastal planning grants. These grants will support vital projects focused on climate vulnerability assessments, designing resilient infrastructure for working waterfronts, and updating municipal land use regulations to address current and future coastal hazards and guide development away from vulnerable areas. Projects will begin in late summer 2024. These planning grants are funded through the MCP Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant, supported by an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) award.

"As climate change continues to challenge our communities, these grants underscore our commitment to helping them protect and enhance crucial coastal resources," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal . "By investing in sustainability and adaptability, we safeguard the resilience and long-term health of our coastal areas."

“Ensuring the resilience of public working waterfronts and coastal infrastructure is essential for Maine’s coastal communities,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “These projects highlight how municipalities and their partners can find solutions to adapt to a changing climate while protecting vital commercial and recreational opportunities.”

Coastal Community Grants (CCG)

Under the Coastal Community Grants (CCG), MPAP has granted $196,553 to the following municipalities and organizations:

• Frenchboro’s “Update and Revision of 1991 Land Use Ordinance and Maps Incorporating Climate Resilience” project is twofold: updating Frenchboro’s parcel data, building a digital mapping system, and conducting a comprehensive update of land use ordinances while integrating coastal resilience.
• Gouldsboro’s “Planning for Resilience in Gouldsboro’s Working Harbors” project will inventory public and private working waterfront infrastructure in three harbors to assess existing conditions, future uses, vulnerability to sea level rise, storm surge, flooding, and erosion, and existing waterfront infrastructure resilience plans. The project will develop design recommendations to increase climate resilience and recommend changes to municipal land use and shoreland zoning ordinances to address current and future coastal hazards.
• Hancock County Planning Commission (HCPC)’s “Climate Ready Communities: A Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan for Coastal Sullivan and Sorrento” project provides joint flooding and sea-level rise vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans for the towns of Sullivan and Sorrento.
• South Portland’s “Resilience Overlay and Zoning Standards” project will result in the development of a climate resilience overlay zone and related land use policies for South Portland, which will set forward-looking resilience standards for new development across the city.
• Surry’s “Surry Newbury Neck Peninsula Storm Evacuation Project” will improve the resilience of Newbury Neck Road by advancing the engineering designs to a 35% design development stage, positioning the town to apply for final planning and construction funds.

For insights and case studies on CCG projects, including “Lessons Learned,” please visit MPAP’s CCG Case Studies webpage . For inquiries about the CCG program, kindly contact Joan A. Walton, AICP, at  [email protected]  or (207) 419-8661. The Coastal Community Grant program has been operating since 2012 and has distributed over $2.5 million to coastal communities. The next round of funding is anticipated in early 2025.

Shore and Harbor Planning Grants

Within the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant program, MCP has awarded $255,000 to the following municipalities:

• Blue Hill’s “SLR/Storm Resilient Public Wharf Design” project will develop 30% permit-ready engineering designs to elevate and increase the resilience of the two municipal wharves in Blue Hill.
• Chebeague Island’s “Understanding and Mitigating Coastal Erosion in Casco Bay’s Island Communities” project will empower communities to face the challenges of sea level rise and coastal erosion through education and engagement activities, all of which will support the development of a Coastal Community Toolkit for municipalities and landowners.
• Jonesport’s “Henry Point Working Waterfront” project will support the development of a modern, climate-friendly, and resilient working waterfront. The project will advance the existing concept plans for the parking lot, boat launches, and pier to construction-ready plans and support preparation for construction and the selection of qualified contractors.
• Kittery’s “Pepperrell Cove Working Waterfront Resiliency Assessment” project plans for the future of Pepperrell Cove, the municipal marina and primary public landing for the town’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. The town will hire an engineering firm to explore resilience upgrades for the property and create a plan for future maintenance and upgrades for the timeframes in which the site will remain usable.
• Monhegan Island’s “Resilient Redevelopment of Monhegan Island’s Public Wharf” project prepares engineering designs for raising and increasing accessibility at the island’s only public wharf, which was damaged during the January 2024 storms and is facing increasing damage from sea level rise. A conceptual design for raising the wharf was completed in 2023 with funds from the FY22 Shore and Harbor Planning Grant; this award will continue the engineering and survey work needed to prepare the wharf design for permitting and eventual construction.  
• Vinalhaven’s “Vinalhaven Working Waterfront Infrastructure Preliminary Design and Engineering Report” project will assess vulnerability and get preliminary engineering designs and cost estimates for the reconstruction of a pier, floating docks, and wave attenuator/crib located next to the ferry terminal. The crib was damaged in the January 2024 storms and will need to be repaired and raised to continue protecting the harbor. Redesigning the pier and floating docks will provide additional access, reduce crowding at the public dock, and potentially provide tie-up space for an emergency vessel.

To explore past projects and access "Lessons Learned," please visit the  MCP webpage . For inquiries about the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant program, kindly contact Melissa Britsch at  [email protected]  or (207) 215-6171. This program has been operating since 2006 and has distributed over $2.5 million to coastal communities since 2010. The next round of funding is anticipated in early 2025.

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Maine boat & home show won't happen this year.

Organizers blame staffing issues and things beyond their control

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The Maine Boat & Home Show, which had been scheduled for Aug. 9-11, 2024, at Harbor Park in Rockland, will not happen this year.

Tuesday, organizers announced that the show was being postponed until the summer of 2025 "due to staffing issues and circumstances beyond our control."

It is now scheduled for Aug. 8-10, 2025.

Organizers said some unexpected issues mean they need to use the rest of this year to get things in place to have "the highest quality show possible" for people who attend and take part.

Organizers were working to refund tickets to those who had purchased them already.

The show description says, "Each year we gather Maine's finest artists, architects, boatbuilders, craftsmen, designers, furniture makers, jewelers, and marine gear vendors together in one place at one time."

Portlanders celebrate opening of new $900K dock, swim area at Cathedral Park

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Portlanders celebrated the opening of a new dock and swimming area at Cathedral Park on Saturday,

Park-goers can now use the new $900,000 multi-use dock to jump off of or to use for fishing.

This is all part of the Human Access Project to make the area more accessible, which started in 2021 and removed 25 tons of concrete and rubble from the beach.

People who attended the party said it was a warm welcome at Cathedral Park.

“It’s good to see the community, you know, putting some money back into something and making it usable for everyone,” Tanner Bradley said.

Michelle Hanna said, “The dock is beautiful and it’s clean water now and it’s just awesome, so everybody from around the city that live in Tigard, that used to come from North Portland, you know, now they have a place – home-town feeling here, so that’s awesome. I think it’s great.”

The party was free to attend and had plenty of things to see and do like free kayak rentals, a life jacket giveaway, a synchronized swimming performance, food and a live D.J.

Copyright 2024 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.

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You can sea kayak to this Casco Bay island for swimming, hiking and a picnic

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This story was originally published in August 2022.

Little Whaleboat Island in northern Casco Bay is a special place. Actually a trio of small islands and ledges named Little Whaleboat (West), Nate and Tuck, they’re connected at low tide. I’ve been visiting them since I began sea kayaking a couple of decades ago. The reason is simple — it’s a beautiful location easily reached by launching from Mere Point in Brunswick or Lookout Point and Mitchell Field in Harpswell.

During my many visits, I never realized Little Whaleboat was privately owned and access was due to the generosity of the landowner. When the island was placed up for sale, Maine Coast Heritage Trust led an effort to raise $1.3 million to buy and conserve the island for the public for perpetuity. In December 2021, the trust announced it had successfully purchased the island.

Recently, my retired friend Bob Rowe and I decided it was time to resume our relationship with Little Whaleboat by thoroughly exploring the newly acquired island. We elected to depart from the closest boat launch, Mitchell Field, about 3 miles from Little Whaleboat.

This was my first experience departing from Mitchell Field. I found it to be an exceptional facility. The complex offers opportunities to walk, bike, swim and picnic. Hand-carry boats can be launched from two beaches. The proximity to islands in northern Casco Bay is another benefit.

Left to right, A kayaker approaches Little Whaleboat Island in Casco Bay. A paddler hauls his kayak ashore Little Whaleboat Island at low tide. A hiker begins an exploration of the eastern shore of Little Whaleboat Island. Credit: Courtesy of Ron Chase

We carried our kayaks down to the shore at North Beach. Little Whaleboat could be seen in the distance about a mile west of much larger Whaleboat Island. We traveled southwest in gentle swells and a light headwind toward Whaleboat. Carefully avoiding lobster boats and pleasure crafts in the busy bay was a necessity throughout our voyage. 

From Whaleboat, we navigated west to the eastern shore of Little Whaleboat. The tide was low when we arrived at a substantial gravel beach on the north side. This is an excellent location to land kayaks at any tidal level. Two pleasure crafts were moored offshore and several occupants were swimming from their boats. While walking onto the beach, a noisy osprey circled above quickly capturing our attention.

Adjacent to the beach is a large Maine Coast Heritage Trust campsite. After completing an inspection, Bob and I continued our land exploration. Low tide and a rocky shoreline allowed for fairly easy foot travel proceeding clockwise. We stopped to reconnoiter a smaller campsite on the east side of the island. The narrow channel that separates Little Whaleboat and Nate Island was impassable at that tidal level.

Large boulders and extensive ledges were more prevalent on the south side of the island, providing for a stimulating scramble. The densely forested interior discouraged any inclination to shorten the journey. Rounding the bend and turning north, we encountered a veritable muddy highway between the western shore of Little Whaleboat and Tuck Island.

Surmounting a substantial ledge, we returned to the northern beach completing a trek around the exterior of the island. In addition to the ubiquitous osprey, bird sightings were plentiful throughout our trek. While enjoying views of the islands of Merepoint and Middle Bays in the north, we were impressed with the remarkable peacefulness of the location.

Embarking in our kayaks, we concluded a circumnavigation of the archipelago. The numerous inlets, coves and ledges provided for a stimulating investigation of the rugged shoreline by water.

After running off the north end of Whaleboat, we encountered stronger winds and bigger seas during our crossing to Mitchell Field. A continuum of outgoing sailboats delayed our traverse. While bobbing in swells, we exchanged greetings with the exuberant occupants as they passed.

Left to right, Extensive ledges are prevalent on the south side of Little Whaleboat. A muddy highway was encountered between Little Whaleboat and Tuck Island. Numerous ledges were observed when completing a circumnavigation of Little Whaleboat. Credit: Courtesy of Ron Chase

North Beach at Mitchell Field was a much busier place when we returned. Hot weather had attracted a multitude of beachgoers. Despite the crowd, there was adequate space to land and carry our kayaks to the loading zone.

For me, Little Whaleboat Island has been an exceptional destination since I began sea kayaking. Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s successful effort to protect it for the public is a substantial achievement. As a result of our visit, we left the island with a heightened sense of the magnitude of their accomplishment.

Read about eight more exciting sea kayak trips along the Maine coast in my book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine.”

More articles from the BDN

Ron chase, outdoors contributor.

Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is now available at northcountrypress.com/maine-al-fresco.html. His previous books are... More by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor