New for Autumn

Fall Foliage Cruises
on Casco Bay

Depart from the Portland, Maine waterfront for private charters timed to Maine’s autumn color — sailing the same islands and coves you know in summer, just dressed for fall. Fully private, at your own pace, with a USCG-licensed captain.

New for Autumn

Fall Foliage Cruises
on Casco Bay

Depart from the Portland, Maine waterfront for private charters timed to Maine’s autumn color — sailing the same islands and coves you know in summer, just dressed for fall. Fully private, at your own pace, with a USCG-licensed captain.

Explore Casco Bay in Its Most Colorful Season

Casco Bay Legacy Charters runs private, captain-led charters from the Portland, Maine waterfront from May through October. In the fall, that means the same islands, lighthouses, and open water you’d see all summer — with autumn color along the shoreline and a quieter bay to enjoy it from.

Why Go in the Fall

See the Season From the Water

As the hardwoods along Casco Bay’s shoreline and islands turn color, a private charter puts you right in front of it — no crowds, no trailheads, just open water and a view that only looks like this for a few weeks a year.

Peak Fall Color

The hardwoods along Casco Bay’s shoreline and islands usually turn in early-to-mid October, and a private charter puts you right in front of it — no trailhead required.

A Quieter Bay

Boat traffic drops off after Labor Day, so fall charters tend to mean calmer anchorages and a quieter bay than the height of summer.

Crisp, Clear Air

Cooler fall air typically brings excellent visibility, which usually means better light for photos of the islands and shoreline.

Wildlife Still Active

Seals, eagles, and seabirds remain active well into fall, so there’s still plenty to look for along the way.

Still Fully Private

Every fall charter is the same fully private, captain-led experience as any other season — just you and your group, on your schedule.

May Through October

Casco Bay Legacy Charters is family-owned and operated, sailing May through October — fall is simply the last, and often prettiest, stretch of the season.

Wildlife You Might See Along the Way

Casco Bay is home to an abundance of marine wildlife and your captain will keep an eye out throughout your charter. Common sightings include:

  • Harbor seals lounging on rocky ledges
  • Bald eagles perched high in the pines along the shoreline
  • Osprey diving for fish in the shallows
  • Harbor porpoises surfacing near the boat
  • Loons, cormorants, and a wide variety of seabirds
  • Lobster boats hauling traps along their routes
Popular Timeframes

Choose Your Fall Charter

Not sure which is right for you? Contact us and we’ll help you choose based on what you want to see and do.

2-Hour Private Charter
SAVE $100
$ 500 WAS $600
Perfect for a shorter outing built around the season change. Your captain will cruise the islands and shoreline closest to Portland, with fall color along the way. Up to 6 guests.
4-Hour Private Charter
SAVE $200
$ 900 WAS $1,100
The complete fall charter experience. With more time on the water, your captain can venture farther into the bay for a longer look at the season’s color, wildlife, and quiet coves. Up to 6 guests.

A Casco Bay Fall Charter Is Perfect For

A fall charter on Casco Bay is a great fit for a wide range of groups and interests.

  • Leaf-peepers who’d rather see Maine’s color from the water than a crowded overlook
  • Nature lovers and birdwatchers
  • Couples and small groups looking for a scenic, low-key fall outing
  • Photographers chasing fall color and golden-hour light on the water
  • Visitors who want to experience the real Maine beyond the Old Port
  • Anyone who wants to get off the beaten path and see something truly special

What to Bring

Layers matter even more than they do in summer — it’s noticeably cooler on the water, especially with any breeze. A warm jacket or windbreaker, closed-toe shoes, and a hat are all good calls. We provide light snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks on every charter, and you’re welcome to bring your own food or drinks to celebrate the season.