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Explore Portland with a REAL local!

Portland, maine's #1 city & lighthouses historical tour.

Welcome to The Real Portland Tour!

Hop aboard for a fun and authentic Historical Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine and 3 lighthouses with a guide who is a REAL local, born and raised right here in Portland! Let me take you for an insider’s look at the rich history and current happenings of this charming and highly acclaimed city. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a REAL local knows! 

The Real Portland Tour is the only tour of Portland that includes a full city historical tour and a trip to 3 lighthouses! I've been a tour guide since 2001, and I'm also a college librarian. I've spent years researching the hidden history of Portland, and I take pride in being the most informative, entertaining, and experienced guide in town! 

The Real Portland Tour has been featured in American Libraries magazine, named the #1 Thing to Do in Portland, Maine by The Abundant Traveler , and is the top rated City & Lighthouses Tour of Portland on TripAdvisor and Viator!

"Been to Portland 100 times...never knew most of the info shared. This guy needs his own tv show."

The real portland tour named the #1 thing to do in portland, me by the abundant traveler.

Check out the video !

The Real Portland Tour is featured in American Libraries magazine!

Read "The Man with a Van" here !

The Real Portland Tour Portland, Maine Spoken Word Poem/Rap recently published!

I'm honored to say my Real Portland Tour spoken word poem/rap about Portland, Maine history was published in the Longfellow Days Anthology titled "Read To Me Some Poem" 

Over 99% 5-Star Reviews on TripAdvisor & Viator!

The real deal..

I've been giving tours of my hometown of Portland, Maine for over 20 years, and in the offseason I'm a librarian at Southern Maine Community College. I have a Master's degree in Library Science, and I'm always digging into Portland’s history to find something new and interesting, while at the same time keeping on top of current happenings and making sure to visit as many local establishments (especially our world class restaurants and bars) that I can. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an authentic tour delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor! 

In addition to being a tour guide, I am a featured poet for the annual Longfellow Days festival where I perform my Portland history spoken word poem/rap (you'll hear some of my rap on the tour)!

I've given more than 10,000 tours over the years to hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and the world. It has been an absolute honor to tell so many people the unique history of my hometown! I'm thankful every day to be able to do what I love to do. I hope to see you soon!

 *Tour length is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Most tours sell out in advance, so make sure to book ahead of time directly on my website.

"Derek was a wealth of knowledge! So much personality! A driving/talking teaching/rapping librarian"

Important booking notice.

  *I strongly recommend booking directly on my website. Booking directly on my website brings you to FareHarbor, which is my preferred booking processor. Bookings processed via FareHarbor have full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours before your tour time.

If you decide to book on a different 3rd party site such as TripAdvisor, Viator, Groupon, etc, you are subject to their terms, conditions, and refund policies which may differ from FareHarbor.

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96 Commercial St, Portland, ME 207-329-7401

The Real Portland Tour

Hop aboard for a fun and authentic City & 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour of Portland, Maine with a guide who is a REAL local, born & raised right here in Portland!

94 Commercial St # 4 Portland, ME 04101

P. (207) 329-7401

Welcome to my hometown!

Let me take you for an insider’s look at the current happenings and rich history of this charming and highly acclaimed city. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I’ll take you places other tours don’t – you’ll see hidden gems that only a real local knows!

I’ve been a tour guide in Portland for over 20 years, and I’m also a college librarian. I’ve spent years researching the hidden history of Portland, and I take pride in providing a personalized, entertaining, and informative tour with the right amount of humor, history, and local flavor!

This is the only Portland tour that offers a full City Tour and a trip to 3 Lighthouses!

You’ll get a full city tour of Portland, and then we’ll head across the Casco Bay Bridge to visit the most photographed lighthouse in the country, Portland Head Light (you’ll be able to get out here to explore and take photos). Then we’ll also make a trip to Spring Point Light and Bug Light. On the way to these lighthouses you’ll get an up close view of Fort Preble (one of the oldest forts in Casco Bay), you’ll see a memorial to Liberty Ships that were built during WWII, and you’ll be taken to the spot that offers the best panoramic view of Portland, Casco Bay and surrounding islands!

To see an updated listing of tour times and availability please visit my website realportlandtour.com . Tours sell out quickly, so make sure to book ahead of time on my website!

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City & 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a REAL local!

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• Real Portland Tour

The Real Portland Tour

Sightseeing Tour of Portland and three lighthouses narrated by a REAL local, born & raised in Portland!

Welcome to The Real Portland Tour!

Hop aboard for a fun and authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and three lighthouses with a guide who is a REAL local, born and raised in Portland!

Let me take you for an insider’s look at the rich history and current happenings of this charming and highly acclaimed city. We’ll go where other tours go, and then I'll take you places other tours don't - you'll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a REAL local knows!

I've been a tour guide in Portland since 2001. I'm also a college librarian, and I've spent years researching the hidden history of my hometown. I take pride in representing this city, and providing an informative, entertaining tour, delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor!

This is The Real Portland Tour!

*Tours offered year round. Private/group shuttling also available.

• Address 96 Commercial Street Portland, Maine 04101
• Phone 207-329-7401
• Website realportlandtour.com
• Payments Accepted Cash, check, and all major credit cards
• Hours Visit https://realportlandtour.com for updated tour times and pricing. Tours offered year round!

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The Real Portland Tour

Welcome to The Real Portland Tour!

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Hop aboard for a fun and authentic 90 minute sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine and nearby lighthouses with a guide who is a REAL local, born and raised right here in Portland! 

Let me take you for an insider’s look at the rich history and current happenings of this charming and highly acclaimed city.  We’ll go where other tours go, and then I’ll take you places other tours don’t – you’ll see hidden gems and learn little known facts about Portland and the great state of Maine that only a REAL local knows!  I’ve been a tour guide since 2001, and I’m also a college librarian.  I’ve spent years researching the hidden history of Portland, and I take pride in being one of the most knowledgeable, experienced, and entertaining guides in town! 

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PORTLAND DISCOVERY

Portland, maine tours by land & sea, choose your dates and book today.

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Discover Land & Sea Portland, Maine Tours!

Portland city and lighthouse tour.

Enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minutes, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine?s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minutes stop. The childhood home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Victoria Mansion and the bustling Old Port are just a few of the landmarks you will see as we travel from city streets to rocky coast!

• most popular land tour!
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Calendar April 27 – October 27

Enjoy a 1 hour and 45 minutes, fully narrated trolley tour of scenic and historic Portland and visit Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light for a 30 minutes stop.

Featured Tours

• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Calendar June 17 – October 14

Peek at Portland Tour

Hop aboard our classic trolley and get a peek at all that Portland has to offer. Explore the rich history and highlights of the “Forest City” with our experienced guides.

• Calendar September 3 – October 20 (12:30 p.m.)

Lighthouse Lovers Cruise

Enjoy this narrated 1 hour scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds.

• Calendar May 24 – September 22

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

This 1 hour and 45 minutes cruise offers guests a chance to relax and unwind as we make our way around the inner islands and lighthouses of the bay at dusk.

An Exhilarating Experience with Portland Discovery Tours!

Had a spectacular tour!

Our operators (thanks Bill!) were refreshingly knowledgeable and did a great job conveying the history and sights of Portland. Walking away with a wealth of new knowledge.

Highly recommend!

Do the sunset tour! We had a wonderful time touring the bay and learning about Portland. Saw some wildlife, lighthouses, and awesome sunset colors. The boat experience itself was calm and enjoyable.

Great experience!

Had a great experience with these guys and gals! They provided a wonderful Lighthouse Sunset Tour. It was so enjoyable for our whole family. We will do this again the next time we are in Portland!

Definitely worth it!

Well executed tour that shows you most of the areas attractions and tells you about the history and how people live here. No motion sickness. They sell have a bar and sell basic snacks.

Fantastic tour guide!

So knowledgeable and the history of Portland and all the views were amazing. We are glad we came in early may right before the busy season because to tour was small and intimate. A must do activity while visiting!

BOOK YOUR KENNEBUNK OR PORTLAND TOUR BEFORE SUMMER SLIPS AWAY!

Portland’s Ultimate Lighthouse Tour

Quick details.

• Star Outline Adventure type: Lighthouse tour
• Hour Glass Duration: 2.25 hours
• Map Marker Location: Portland, Maine

Ages 6-11 | Minimum Height Required of 48 inches

Private charter, see all seven lighthouse.

Experience the picturesque beauty of the Maine coastline with our exhilarating boat tour from Portland, Maine. This guided adventure will take you on a breathtaking journey along the rugged shoreline to view more lighthouses than any other tour in the state! Get ready for an unforgettable excursion that combines history, natural beauty, and maritime charm aboard a performance rib boat that allows you to experience more in less time while enjoying a fun ride along the way.

Our tour departs from historic Portland Harbor, where you’ll step aboard a comfortable and well-appointed boat. As we speed off, the sea breeze will invigorate you and prepare you for the adventure that awaits. Have your camera ready as the first lighthouse occurs almost immediately on the tour.

As we cruise the waters around Portland Harbor we will make stops at Portland Breakwater Light, Spring Point Light and Ram Island Ledge Light before stopping at Maine’s oldest and most iconic lighthouse, Portland Headlight. This historic beacon, with its striking architecture and stark coastal backdrop, is a sight to behold from the perspective of the Atlantic Ocean as seafarers have done for more than 200 years. After photos and information about this iconic lighthouse, we continue the ride along the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth to Two Lights State Park, whose twin lighthouses perch atop dramatic cliffs.

Our best chance for wildlife comes during the next leg of the ride as we cruise open waters to Halfway Rock Lighthouse, a true maritime relic. Standing proudly on a remote ledge in the open ocean, it has guided mariners through thick fog and turbulent waters for over a century. Seals are often found on this remote rock and harbor porpoise are regularly seen feeding in this region rich in sea life.

Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will share captivating stories and facts about each lighthouse’s history, while keeping an eye out for wildlife and other points of interest along the way. Our boat tour in Portland, Maine will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the maritime heritage of this stunning region. Come aboard and let us be your guides on this maritime journey of a lifetime.

• Chevron down What To Expect
• A first-class adventure tour without any crowds
• A narrated ocean adventure
• Amazing wildlife and scenery
• Amazing photo opportunities
• Custom POD seats for maximum comfort
• 360 Degree views for everyone
• Educational face-to-face interactions
• A knowledgeable captain
• Chevron down What's Included
• Front-Row seats for everyone
• Complimentary water
• Cooler with ice
• Motions sickness wristbands
• The best Captain and Crew in the business
• Chevron down What You Need to Bring
• Your camera (make sure it’s charged)
• Warm clothing (dressing in layers is always smart)
• Sturdy Footwear (flip-flops are fine)
• Chevron down What Not to Bring
• We also recommend NOT wearing a dress
• Chevron down Important Information

After you Book your Tour

• You will be emailed a receipt immediately after you book. The receipt will contain all the necessary information that you will need.
• YOU DO NOT NEED A PHYSICAL TICKET.
• Please meet at the picnic tables just outside Fore Points Marina’s gate. The First Mate will meet you and take you to the boat by 10 minutes of.
• There is very little storage aboard the boat – please no large bags or coolers.
• If you are taking a child, we have life jackets for children that are between 50 lbs and 90 lbs.
• If you are pregnant or have a history of back problems, we recommend another tour.
• Chevron down Our parking is located at:

Marina Parking is located in the pay lot after 115 Thames St. Portland which is Twelve Restaurant. There is a large black and white sign that reads, ‘Portland Co.” on the restaurant. – There are blue picnic tables between the parking lot and the marina, this is the waiting area.

Related Tours

• Most Popular!
• Star Outline Whale watching
• Hour Glass 3 hours
• Map Marker Portland, Maine

Adventure Whale Watch – Portland

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean on our whale-watching tour departing from Portland, Maine. Set sail from the historic harbor, where you’ll board a comfortable vessel equipped for a thrilling marine adventure.

• Star Outline Seal watching , Lighthouse tour , Scenic cruise
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Best of Casco Bay

Depart with us from bustling Portland Harbor as we tour one of Maine’s most picturesque boating destinations. Casco Bay is littered with islands, historic forts, wildlife, birds, and lighthouses in our unique 14-passenger RIB boat.

148 Mckinley Court,  Portland, ME 04109

Single Family

Alexa Oestreicher

Legacy Properties Sotheby'S International Realty

Last updated:

September 5, 2024, 12:46 AM

About This Home

A Rare Opportunity on Great Diamond Island! Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort. This exquisite 1850 home, originally part of Fort McKinley, offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Situated on the coveted parade ground, this home was renovated in 2004 to showcase: a gourmet kitchen, 2 covered porches and 2.5 modern baths. Historic craftsmanship features include: original tin ceilings, elegant pocket doors, a dining room built-in with passthrough, a walk-in pantry and more! Enjoy the welcoming entry, living room with wood burning fireplace, dining room with wood-stove insert, kitchen and half bath on the first floor. Upstairs, 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths plus a versatile third-floor guest bedroom or office! As a resident of Diamond Cove, you will also have access to an array of amenities, including: in-ground pool, gymnasium, community center, bowling alley and arcade, community library, trails, extensive grounds and more! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a piece of history in a magical, year-round island community.

Built in 1850

Price Summary

$370 per Sq. Ft.

Last Updated:

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2,363 Sq. Ft.

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Concert review: Bikini Kill’s first appearance in Portland was worth the 34-year wait

The pioneering riot grrrl group's sold-out State Theatre show Friday was visceral, no-frills fun.

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Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna, left, and drummer Tobi Vail perform Friday night at State Theatre in Portland. Photo by Robert Ker

It was legends night at the State Theatre on Friday. Bikini Kill, a pioneering group of the feminist punk movement known as riot grrrl, made its first appearance in Portland, just 34 years after its inception in Olympia, Washington. Original members Kathleen Hanna (vocals), Tobi Vail (drums) and Kathi Wilcox (bass) were joined by touring guitarist Sara Landeau to sprint through a number of their groundbreaking songs, with an emphasis on their mid-1990s albums “Pussy Whipped” and “Reject All American.”

Concert review

WHAT: Bikini Kill

WHERE: State Theatre, Portland

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 6

The stage presentation contained no frills – unlike most performers at this level, there were no backdrops or projection, no LED lights and no fancy risers. They let the music speak for itself with a language that was pummeling, energetic, thoughtful and positively stuffed with melodic hooks. Between songs, the band members spoke at length about whatever crossed their minds, relaying their opinions and general ethos like old friends. Vail, in one of several turns at the microphone (which pushed Hanna to bass and Wilcox to drums) discussed her love for zine culture and the need to keep it going. Hanna, who recently published her memoirs, talked about her past and expressed her feelings about the upcoming election by singing a line from Lana Del Rey’s “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but I have it.”

When seeing the band in person, one responds to the visceral effect of their music and how songs like “Suck My Left One” blur the lines between rage and joy. One also reflects on their clothing, which seems very intentional as part of the presentation. In their dress, they eschew all stereotypes and what might spring to mind when you think about “punks” (denim, leather, black clothing, etc.) in favor of brightly colored clothing that you might wear to a rave or dance club. Hanna went so far as to the skirt the line between outfit and costume, wearing a glittery top, a poofy skirt and tights, having fun with traditional ideas of femininity.

Of course, if a punk is fortunate to live long enough, they eventually become subversive about age in addition to all else, and that applies here, too. Hanna’s dance moves are akin to how a small child might perform – arms twirling, herky-jerky movements, flopping like a rag doll before springing back to life. She reacts to the music by doing whatever feels good in the moment, daring to ask the question: Why don’t we all react to music this? When did we lose this impulse? This notion also underscores the inherent simplicity of punk – with the right amount of confidence, you can also do this, and part of Bikini Kill’s appeal from the start was its ability to inspire that confidence in other women.

That initial impact created ripples that have now spanned generations. Those who were teenagers in the 1990s, when Bikini Kill was in its Walkman all over the pages of publications like Spin magazine, were now bringing their kids to this Portland gig. This created a beautiful all-ages affair that offered new resonance for lyrics like “Dare ya to do what you want/ Dare ya to be who you will” from “Double Dare Ya.”

At one point, Hanna reflected that she last performed in Portland in 1989 with her band Viva Knievel. Shortly afterward, she and her bandmates formed Bikini Kill and released their demo cassette “Revolution Girl Style Now,” which featured that song. The band’s debut in Portland was a long time coming, but worth the wait.

Robert Ker is a freelance writer in Portland. He can be reached at  [email protected] .

This story has been updated to correct the name of the touring guitarist. Her name is Sara Landeau.

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