Build sea kayaking skills in a small-group lesson on Casco Bay
3 Hours
Kayak gear, wetsuit, drybag
Get started with sea kayaking in a 3-hour, small-group class in protected waters near Portland’s East End Beach. Begin onshore with equipment and safety basics, then paddle on Casco Bay to practice essential strokes and a wet exit.
You are likely to get wet during this class. A wetsuit is recommended and is provided if you do not have your own.
Cancel more than 48 hours before start for a full refund. Cancel 2–48 hours before for a 50% refund. Cancel less than 2 hours before for no refund. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather conditions.
No. Take this class if you’re new to sea kayaking or want a stronger foundation of skills and knowledge.
Yes. You’re likely to get wet, and you’ll have a chance to practice a wet exit (getting out of your kayak after a capsize).
Wear synthetic (non-cotton) clothing that’s comfortable for paddling and swimming, plus footwear that can get wet. Dress for immersion in the cool waters of Casco Bay and bring extra non-cotton layers.
1 Cutter Street, Portland, Maine
This kayaking outfit offers both guided tours and independent rentals along Casco Bay, and the guided experiences clearly shine. Tour leaders like Josh, Dan, Whitney, Joe, and Michael earn consistent praise for being knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled at mixing local history with wildlife spotting. People specifically mention seeing seals, ospreys, and herons, plus getting fascinating historical context about Fort Gorges and the coastline. The sunset and half-day bay tours seem to be crowd favorites, with guides creating that sweet spot between adventure and relaxation that makes for a memorable outing. Here's where it gets tricky: if you're planning to rent equipment independently rather than join a tour, you need to be extremely specific when booking. Several frustrated reviewers drove an hour after calling ahead, only to be turned away because staff didn't have time for the required safety course. There's also a concerning incident where someone felt their life jacket wasn't properly checked before heading out solo, leading to a dangerous situation in the water. The pattern is clear: the guided tours run smoothly with experienced, attentive staff, but the rental side seems to have communication and safety protocol issues. For off-peak visits, definitely book tours in advance since they may cancel without enough participants. If you're considering a rental, call ahead multiple times and confirm exactly what's required, or better yet, just spring for a guided tour where the stellar guides will take care of everything.
Great way to explore Casco Bay! If you are not doing a tour you're limited to exploring a certain zone - you'll only need 1 hour to fully paddle it. Next time we want to do the tour but if you're going during off peak season you should book in advance so they know not to cancel!
Christopher Roman
October 5, 2025
Great way to explore Casco Bay! If you are not doing a tour you're limited to exploring a certain zone - you'll only need 1 hour to fully paddle it. Next time we want to do the tour but if you're going during off peak season you should book in advance so they know not to cancel!
Christopher Roman
October 5, 2025