Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The hours just before sunset offer the best time for paddling on the waters of Casco Bay. The sky tends to explode with color and the seas often become glassy and calm. This trip involves a leisurely paddle just far enough along the waterfront or into the islands to enjoy a panoramic view of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach. This two-hour tour is designed for paddlers of all experience levels -- including first-time kayakers.
The exact route you take will depend on the weather conditions and the group's interests and experience, but the Sunset Tour often starts out venturing into the waterfront of Portland harbor, and then into the open waters towards the islands of Casco Bay.
We will cancel this tour if there is steady rain, strong winds or other conditions that we believe will prevent guests from having a great paddling experience. However, we will run our tours when there are light showers, overcast skies or cooler than average temperatures.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each child under age 16 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to check-in. Allow time for parking.
Minimum age is 10 years old
Most participants will be given tandem (two-person) kayaks unless they request a solo kayak
Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It is usually cooler on the water than on land.
What To Expect
Casco Bay
The waters of Casco Bay contain abundant wildlife, including seals, seabirds and all sorts of fish and intertidal creatures
Mackworth Island State Park
We often paddle towards the ledges near beautiful Mackworth Island State Park. It's a great area for spotting seals and other wildlife!
Options
Sunset Sea Kayak Tour
What‘s Included
Professional Maine sea kayak guide
Dry bag to keep your phone and other small items from getting wet
Sea kayaks and necessary paddling gear (lifejackets, paddles, etc.)
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
107 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tina n Dina tandem
empty92,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved every second of the sea kyack trip. Joe was a delight and personable. The sunset, calm water, light breeze, history lesson and small group size was a great way to enjoy the 2 hr excursion in Portland on the Casco Bay.
This is a must-do activity in Maine!
MarkLoubert H,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This activity was hands down the best experience I had during my spontaneous trip to Maine! Joe was incredibly patient with me, especially since it was my very first time kayaking. He made me feel comfortable and confident the entire time, and he was also very knowledgeable, sharing so many interesting facts about Maine’s bodies of water and surrounding history along the way. Calvin was such a cool guy too! He was very interactive and made the whole experience even more enjoyable and memorable. Both of them created such a welcoming and fun atmosphere that it honestly felt like an adventure with friends rather than just a tour. Everything about this experience was amazing... fun, active, educational, and unforgettable. They both did an excellent job, and I would absolutely love to do it all over again. 1000/10 recommended!
Seals and sunsets!
JenniferB180,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly Recommend Portland Paddle. Beautiful sunset views with SEALS! Staff is fun and knowledgeable. Very safe! Location is beautiful on East End Beach.
Beautiful night!
Katie T,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved this tour! Joe was super friendly and the kayaks are well taken care of. Also the staff was really kind and they were very accommodating and kept our bags safe behind the desk. Great paddle, would love to come back and do the city line paddle. We did the seal paddle and saw a few.
Worth it!
Sharnise S,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sunset kayaking in Portland, Maine was the best excursion to start my trip with. Joe, the instructor was amazing and most knowledgeable. Before taking off into the water, Joe provided a brief instruction to help us navigate. This is perfect for never been on a kayak, and even for those that are a little bit more skilled. Joe took us around to try and catch a glimpse of the seals, the Osprey nest, and of course the sunset. Two individuals that were in our group decided that they did not want to complete the tour and Joe was able to gather us all together and wait for them so no one got lost. It was the perfect experience and the perfect sunset on a perfect day. Highly recommend!
don't book with viator
emma b,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00do not book with viator - they did not send our reservation to portland paddle and we weren't able to go due to them being at capacity. portland paddle handled this with grace and accommodated us to get in as soon as possible but i would book directly through them and not viator.
Great experience.
Mike M,Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. The guide was knowledgeable and helpful. Would go again. Would have liked to have an option of single or tandem kayak.
Cove at Sunset
Chris M,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Up front lesson by Joe was informational. Joe and the ground crew were all very helpful and efficient. The young woman that helped out was excited to hear the story about the young seal swimming around the kayaks and even bumping one of them several times so that it could have been petted! The group was fun and interesting! The addition of the rudders on the kayaks was helpful for the tandems. Beautiful weather! It was a pleasant experience just being out in the cove. Joes additional comments about the wildlife and fort were interesting!
Tom was a great guide and...
Joseph J,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tom was a great guide and was able to quickly teach us less experienced kayakers. The weather was great which made for a perfect sunset.
Beautiful Tour!
Olivia H,Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with Sam! Got to go out on the Casco bay and saw some seals and an ospreys nest with osprey in it. Also got to see a porpoise! Sam was a great guide and the weather was perfect. Definitely a highlight for us!
Related Experiences
Operated by Portland Paddle