PEAKS ISLAND BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Islands: Kayak Casco Bay’s lighthouses, forts and hidden pocket beaches
A 3-hour guided, half-day kayak tour from Peaks Island—use this guide to plan the launch, route options and afternoon shore-side time.
Paddle the Islands: Kayak Casco Bay’s lighthouses, forts and hidden pocket beaches.
From Peaks Island you’ll set out on a roughly three-hour guided paddle through Casco Bay that’s tailored for athletic beginners. Routes vary with weather and group ability but commonly include offshore lighthouses, quiet lagoons, Civil War–era forts and small pocket beaches, with frequent wildlife sightings; after the tour many guests linger to explore the island’s restaurants, beaches and walks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Frequent wildlife sightings
Trips regularly produce wildlife encounters as you paddle between islands, lagoons and exposed headlands—one of the trip’s consistent draws.
Lighthouses, forts and pocket beaches
Almost every tour stops at abandoned Civil War forts, hidden pocket beaches and, when conditions allow, offshore lighthouses—destinations are chosen based on weather and guest ability.
Peaks Island’s post-paddle options
After landing you’ll find many restaurants, beaches, museums and scenic walks on Peaks Island; many guests spend the afternoon exploring the island.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
The morning unfolds quickly: you arrive via the short ferry hop to Peaks Island, meet your guide, get a safety briefing, then launch for a focused three-hour paddle. Expect a mix of exposed stretches and sheltered lagoons as you move between forts, beaches and lighthouses, returning to the island in the early afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Half-day tours are approximately three hours on the water with a 9:45 start time noted in operator materials.
Take the 9:15 Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island and meet at the Peaks Island ferry landing; guides will meet you when you arrive.
Destinations are chosen depending on weather and guest interest/ability; typical stops include lighthouses, forts, lagoons and pocket beaches.
After the paddle there are many restaurants, beaches, museums and scenic walks on Peaks Island, and many guests spend the afternoon exploring.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The half-day kayaking tour is approximately three hours on the water with a 9:45 start time.
Where do I meet the group?
Meet at the Peaks Island ferry landing; take the 9:15 Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island and the guide will meet you when you arrive.
What paddling ability do I need?
Tours are described as suited for athletic beginners, so participants should be prepared for a focused, active three-hour paddle.
What will we see on the trip?
Trips commonly include offshore lighthouses, remote lagoons, Civil War–era forts and hidden pocket beaches, with frequent wildlife sightings.
When will we be back on Peaks Island?
The group launches after a safety talk and is expected to return to the island by about 1pm.
Can I stay on Peaks Island after the tour?
Yes. There are many restaurants, beaches, museums and scenic walks on Peaks Island and many guests choose to spend the afternoon exploring.