PORTLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Birds of Casco Bay: A 2.5‑Hour Boat Search of Freeport, Brunswick and Harpswell
A guided boat outing that explores the inner islands and coves of Casco Bay to seek ospreys, eiders, terns and other shoreline birds — this guide helps you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Birds of Casco Bay: A 2.5‑Hour Boat Search of Freeport, Brunswick and Harpswell.
Join the crew of Seacoast Tours and Derek Lovitch from Freeport Wild Bird Supply for a focused, 2.5‑hour boat tour that works the inner islands and waterways around Freeport, Brunswick and Harpswell. The trip searches for the common breeding water and shoreline birds of the region — from osprey and eagles to eiders and Common Terns — and looks for seals on sunny ledges while making the most of photographic opportunities without disturbing nests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coastal breeders and shorebirds up close
The tour concentrates on the common breeding water and shoreline birds of Casco Bay, including osprey, eagles, eiders and Common Terns, with on‑board interpretation from an experienced birding host.
Middle Bay and Maquoit Bay: seasonal surprises
Conditions and tides permitting, the boat will explore the mouth of Maquoit Bay and push into Middle Bay, where species not usually seen in Maine’s warmer months — such as scoters, loons and Long‑tailed Duck — have lingered in recent years.
Hidden coves, rocky ledges and seals
Beyond birds, the outing scans sheltered coves and rocky ledges for seals basking in the sun, and seeks photographic opportunities whenever possible while taking care not to disturb nests.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The 2.5‑hour boat tour moves through the inner islands of Freeport, Brunswick and Harpswell at a bird’s‑eye pace: steady observation from the vessel, brief stops to glass coves and ledges, and a focus on breeding water and shoreline species with opportunities for photography when conditions allow.
THE BIRDS
Coastal breeders and shorebirds up close
The tour concentrates on the common breeding water and shoreline birds of Casco Bay, including osprey, eagles, eiders and Common Terns, with on‑board interpretation from an experienced birding host.
THE ROUTE
Middle Bay and Maquoit Bay: seasonal surprises
Conditions and tides permitting, the boat will explore the mouth of Maquoit Bay and push into Middle Bay, where species not usually seen in Maine’s warmer months — such as scoters, loons and Long‑tailed Duck — have lingered in recent years.
THE SCENE
Hidden coves, rocky ledges and seals
Beyond birds, the outing scans sheltered coves and rocky ledges for seals basking in the sun, and seeks photographic opportunities whenever possible while taking care not to disturb nests.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip offers photographic opportunities whenever possible; guests should be mindful of keeping distance so nests and wildlife are not disturbed.
The outing focuses on breeding shoreline and water birds and seeks photographic moments while emphasizing non‑disturbance of nests.
Guides will prioritize wildlife welfare; participants should expect guidance about maintaining distance and avoiding disturbance of nesting birds.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for 2.5 hours.
What are the rates?
Adult (ages 12+) tickets are $45; child (ages 2–11) tickets are $25.
What ages are considered children or adults?
The operator’s pricing classifies children as ages 2–11 and adults as ages 12 and up.
What species might we see?
The trip searches for osprey, eagles, eiders, Common Terns and, at times, scoters, loons and Long‑tailed Duck; seals are also occasionally seen on rocky ledges.
Will we go into Maquoit Bay or Middle Bay?
Conditions and tides permitting, the tour may explore the mouth of Maquoit Bay and especially Middle Bay to look for species that linger there in the warmer months.