Mainers know that fall is one of our state’s most beautiful seasons. And what could be better than enjoying the crisp temperatures, vibrant colors of the season, and the beauty of our rugged coastline with us? We can’t think of anything!
With the end of summer comes the end of our Bailey Island Run. But each fall we bring the cruise back for two weekends so that Mainers, and those from away, can enjoy the spectacle that is autumn on Casco Bay.
The first weekend of the Fall Foliage Cruise was last weekend, but if you didn’t get on board, don’t worry, we’re going out again this weekend, October 7 and 8.
The cruise follows the same format as our summer cruise to Bailey Island – the boat leaves Portland at 10 a.m. and arrives on island at 12 p.m. Because we only do these trips for two weekends a year, we’d recommend arriving at our Portland terminal a little early to purchase your tickets.
It may take a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the vibrant colors of the bay, but you can still listen in as the captain narrates the history of the area while the boat cruises by lighthouses, forts, and, of course, plenty of foliage.
When you get off of the boat on Bailey Island, you have two hours to explore this island before re-boarding and heading back to Portland at 2 p.m.
You could grab lunch at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House, taking in the autumnal splendor of the harbor while you scarf down a couple of lobster rolls, or you could pack a lunch and bring your bike along (don’t forget your bike ticket) for an adventure.
Land’s End trail is just a two mile ride from the ferry landing and offers a gorgeous look at Maine’s many faces – rocky coastline and soft sandy beaches with a view of lobstermen pulling their traps. We’d suggest biking down and wandering through the trails for an hour or so before you climb back on board and return to Portland.
Definitely remember the camera for this trip, because the coastline of Casco Bay loves to show off at this time of year—blue skies, crashing waves, and the dynamic reds, yellows, and oranges that are a hallmark of the season.
To check the schedule or get more information, visit our website.