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Updates & News From Portland Paddle

Maine Sea Kayak Guide Training For the latest information on Portland Paddle’s sea kayak guide training please visit this page.

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March 3, 2025

Crooked River Source to Sea Film Release

Last Summer we were excited to support a group of local Maine paddlers as they took a source to sea journey down the Crooked River, across Sebago Lake, down the Presumpscot River, and finally to Casco Bay. The group’s goal was to learn about themselves, and raise awareness for, the importance of the Crooked River…

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January 16, 2025

Our 2025 Lessons and Multiday Trips Are Now Open to Bookings

Our 2025 Expeditions & Lessons Schedule is Complete and Bookings Are Open! Check out our brochure below that shows all our lessons and multi-day trips scheduled for 2025. We’ll be running our three-day trips in Casco Bay and Muscongus Bays throughout the summer, as well as additional dates for our longer and further afield trips,…

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November 15, 2024

How to Store Your Kayak for the Winter

Winter is fast approaching, and for many paddlers this means the end of the paddling season. Want to store your boats and paddle craft safely during the colder months? Check out our hot (actually cold!) tips below.  (And for all of you year-round kayakers, be sure to take a look at our post on cold weather…

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November 3, 2024

Our 2025 Weekly Community Paddle Schedule

Join us for an early morning Community Paddle this summer! Every summer we host group paddles on Tuesdays and Thursdays for sea kayakers and stand-up paddlers. Kayak on Tuesdays at 7:30 am SUP on Thursdays 7:30 am WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June – August, 7:30 am (please arrive 15 minutes early) WHERE: Portland Paddle’s…

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October 26, 2024

2024 Annual Gear Sale

Our Annual Gear Sale is This Weekend!  Saturday, October 12th & Sunday, October 13th  At the end of every season we sell off some of our used kayaks, SUPs and other paddling gear to make room for new inventory. That time has arrived! The sale is taking place a bit later than in past years,…

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October 9, 2024

Seabirds to Spot While Paddling Coastal Maine

When you’re kayaking on the coast of Maine, you’ll be sharing the water not just with fellow paddlers, but a menagerie of wildlife, especially seabirds. Seabirds are birds that are adapted to marine environments, and spend much of their life foraging or breeding at sea. To help you get better acquainted with some of the…

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July 25, 2024

A Paddler’s Guide to the Seals of Maine

A closer look at the most commonly spotted marine mammal on the Maine coast If you’ve been on the ocean in Maine, whether by paddle, oars, motor, or sail, you’ve probably spotted at least one seal. But did you know that Maine is home to four different kinds of seals? Some of these blubbery creatures…

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July 18, 2024

Know Thy Paddle Craft

Sea kayaks. Recreational kayaks. SUPS. Canoes. Rowboats. With so many kinds of paddle craft out there, it can be hard to know where to start, or which one can best help you achieve your paddling dreams. Read on to learn the difference between each type of vessel, and how and why to choose the one…

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July 16, 2024

Paddlesports in the 2024 Summer Olympics

Paddlesports have been part of the Summer Olympics for almost as long as the modern Games have been held. In fact, paddlesports made their Olympic debut 100 years ago in 1924 at the Paris Olympics, meaning this year is the centennial of their inclusion!  The XXXIII Games will again be held in Paris, France (and…

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July 11, 2024

Interview with Jenny O’Connell: Author, Teacher, Activist, and Guide

Award-winning author Jenny O’Connell is joining Portland Paddle this summer to offer an adventurous three day writing retreat on Casco Bay’s islands. We sat down with Jenny to learn more about her career, the workshop, and other adventures she has gotten up to recently. Eric Nathanson: How long have you been a guide? Jenny is…

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June 21, 2024

Community Paddles are Back for 2024!

Join us for early morning community paddles this summer! All kayakers and stand-up paddlers looking for a chance to get on the water with others are invited! Kayak on Tuesdays at 7:30 am SUP on Thursdays 7:30 am WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June – August, 7:30 am (please arrive 15 minutes early) WHERE: Portland…

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June 9, 2024

Fort Gorges Sea Kayak Tour
  • Offered daily!
From $75

Kayak across Portland harbor to visit one of the most fascinating historic sites on the Maine coast. This 3-hour guided sea kayak tour includes a stop on a small island and the chance to explore Portland’s legendary Fort Gorges. As you venture into the inner islands of Casco Bay you’ll spot lighthouses and wildlife along its rocky coast and you’ll experience the fascinating sights and sounds of a true working waterfront.

Sunset Sea Kayak Tour
  • Most Popular!
From $55 per person

Glide across Casco Bay as the evening sun begins to set and witness the colors of the golden-hour sky over Portland’s islands! This 2-hour sea kayak tour involves a leisurely paddle along the Portland waterfront and onto the open waters of the bay to enjoy the panoramic views of the sun setting over the city as we paddle back to the East End Beach. Along the way you’ll look out for seals and seabirds as your expert guide offers paddling tips and shares their local knowledge of this unique place.

Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour From $85

Venture further into the gorgeous islands of Casco Bay during this 4-hour tour to visit some of the most stunning spots in the region. This trip offers an island-hopping adventure in the archipelago of islands that lie between the open ocean and Portland harbor. As you paddle closer to the mouth of the bay your chances of spotting wildlife like seals, porpoises and eagles increases, and the coastline becomes more wild and rugged.