Taking a Portland, Maine, sunset cruise is one of the top things to do in the city, but most tours are surprisingly expensive.
Fortunately, I found an amazing travel hack that lets you enjoy a sunset on Casco Bay without breaking the bank. For just $14 round trip, you can enjoy one of the best sunset views in Maine!
Here is everything you need to know.
Take This $14 Portland, Maine Sunset Cruise
One of my best local Maine travel hacks is taking the Casco Bay Ferry Line from Portland Harbor to Peaks Island at sunset.
This round-trip cruise costs only $14 for a passenger ticket and gives you bucket list-worthy sunset views.
Along the way, you’ll pass sailboats, small islands, and get a true taste of life on Casco Bay.
Best of all, you can spend a little time exploring the island before heading back at sunset.
My Sunset Experience on the Casco Bay Ferry
We arrived in downtown Portland around 5:00 PM and headed straight for the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal to purchase tickets to Peaks Island.
Tickets are only sold at the terminal—you can’t buy them online—so plan a little extra time for that.
The best part is that tickets are flexible and valid for 60 days, meaning you don’t have to pick an exact departure time.
After buying our tickets, we got in line about 20 minutes before the 5:45 PM ferry.
We opted for passenger tickets, but you can also bring bikes or even your car for an additional cost if you’re staying on the island.
Boarding was quick, and within 10 minutes, we were gliding across Casco Bay, surrounded by sailboats and tiny islands.
The ride is only about 30 minutes—the perfect amount of time to enjoy the views without getting restless.
Golden Hour at Peaks Island
When we arrived at Peaks Island, we had about two hours before catching the return ferry at peak sunset.
Sunset Cocktails at Island Lobster Co.
Our first stop was Island Lobster Co.! It’s a casual waterfront spot with some of the best island vibes.
You order at the counter, then grab a seat wherever you want!
There are picnic tables on the deck, a big lawn with more tables, and even a small beach area with Adirondack chairs and cornhole.
We grabbed two chairs right by the water and soaked in the ocean breeze during golden hour.
The view of the harbor and passing boats was stunning, and I walked to the end of the dock.
Next time I am definitely going to order their lobster roll and have a full sunset dinner here!
Neapolitan Pizza at Il Leone
Next, we headed to Il Leone, a tiny Neapolitan pizza spot right next door.
They make all their pizzas with 100% naturally leavened sourdough!
Followed by a 72-hour fermentation process before baking them in an 800-degree Italian wood oven.
We ordered a pizza to-go and spent the 45-minute wait enjoying the water views.
Once our pizza was ready, we made our way back to the ferry line for the 7:45 PM return trip, nibbling on a few slices while we waited.
The Sunset Ferry Back to Portland
The ride back was the highlight of the evening.
As the ferry pulled away from Peaks Island, the sky lit up with bright pink and orange streaks reflecting off the water.
We even passed sailboat sunset tours that cost three times as much, cruising the same route we were on for a fraction of the price.
By the time the ferry reached Portland, the sun had set behind the city skyline, leaving the sky a soft twilight blue.
The whole experience felt like the perfect amount of time on the water—peaceful, scenic, and an incredible value for just $14.
Portland Maine Sunset Cruise Video
Here is a quick video of my Portland Maine, sunset cruise!
Explore More of Maine
This is hands-down one of my favorite budget-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine!
If you are spending more time in Portland, take my The Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of Portland, Maine: By A Local!
Looking for lobster rolls? Read my Local’s Guide to the Best Lobster Rolls in Maine 2025
Visiting Bar Harbor? Take This Sunset Happy Hour Nature Cruise In Bar Harbor.
Read all of my Maine Travel Guides!
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