EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
An integral part of Portland, Maine’s island communities, the mailboat is a true working boat carrying passengers, mail and freight to the Casco Bay’s Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff, and Chebeague Islands. As the longest-operating service of its kind, this Maine Mailboat Run Cruise tour is a wonderful way to see the sights of the Bay.
Little Diamond Island was known as “Little Hog Island” during Colonial times. It is part of the city of Portland, and as of the 2000 Census, the island had a year-round population of five. Great Diamond Island has a year-round population of 77. The island is not easily accessible by motor vehicle and has a limited network of roads. At low tide, Little Diamond Island connects to Great Diamond Island via a semi-submerged sandbar.
Like other Casco Bay islands, Long Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans until settlers arrived in the 1600s. Colonel Ezekiel Cushing purchased the island in 1732 and is credited with being the first westerner to settle and build a house on Long Island. During World War II, Long Island served as a fueling depot for the U.S. Navy. Supply stations and army buildings were constructed on the island, and many of these buildings still stand along the shore.
Cliff Island is the smallest year-round island in Casco Bay. Chebeague (pronounced: shuh-BEEG) is one of Maine’s most beautiful islands. At 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, Chebeague is the largest island in Casco Bay and is home to over 360 year-round people and over 4,000 summer residents The island has a storied history of sailing, notably the stone sloopers, men who carried ballast for the sailing ships of 19th-century America and later granite for many of the country’s most spectacular buildings, including the Washington Monument. The many lovely Greek Revival homes on the island were built by these sloopers.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
