Portland Harbor, Maine

For the boater, Portland Harbor is both a treasure and a challenge.  A treasure because Portland is the commonly accepted center of cultural and entertainment happenings in Maine. As my friends at the Portland and Casco Bay Convention and Visitor's Center say, it's a bit of "Everything Maine". It's a modern city that somehow manages to retain the flavor of a seaport with roots that pre-date George Washington. In fact, George Washington ordered the construction of Maine's most famous lighthouse - the Portland Head Light.

But the harbor is a challenge, too. Although pleasure boats dot the harbor during the summer months, it's the large commercial ships the rule it. The entrance to Portland Harbor is the end of an oceanic superhighway that connects Portland to everywhere else. As these big ships approach they slow down - a little - but because of their huge size they look like they are barely moving.  It's easy for the pleasure boater to misjudge their approach.

Boaters should monitor the radio and keep an eye out for these huge ships. When you see one, get out of the channel *before* you think you need to get out of the channel! And sailors remember - commercial ships have priority over you!

Sights to See in Portland, Maine

www.visitportland.com  is the best website to learn about Portland. Checkout their calendar of events, lodging lists, activities pages, discount coupons or buy cool Maine souvenirs. If there's time ahead of your trip, request their annual Portland Visitors Guide - it's a beautiful full color guide to sights and activities in Portland, and it's free.

Favorite places in Portland, Maine

• Forte Gorges, a civil war era fort in the harbor. Visit it by boat (and dingy) for insights into Portland's nautical past. www.portlandharbormuseum.org is a good resource to learn more, or visit their museum located near Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.
   
• Dimillos Floating Restaurant. While eating on a converted car ferry boat may not sound exciting, it's actually decked out with a lot of class. Some seats offer great views of the harbor. Learn more at www.dimillos.com/restaurant/.

Marinas and Places to Stay While Visiting Portland Harbor, Maine

Look below in the "nearby list", you will see marinas. These dot the harbor. (To literially see the dots, go here.) They get busy in the summer - do call ahead. Click on their link to learn more.

Anchoring is not allowed in the harbor. Besides the Marinas however there are some 300+ islands in Casco Bay, many of which offer free gunk holes and small harbors where you can anchor. Go to the BoatMaine.us gunk hole page to find several of them.