Some of these islands are accessible by ferry or tour boats and are well worth the trip. In fact, no visit to the Portland area is complete without an island-hopping cruise in Casco Bay. Click Here to visit the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Schedule.
Chebeague Island
The largest of the islands is Chebeague, which has a year-round community and is serviced by both Casco Bay Lines and Chebeague Transportation Company (CTC). CTC offers much more frequent service from the wharf on Cousins Island, which is accessible from Yarmouth via bridge. Tickets are $5 for adults and $1.25 for children 12 and under. There's also a parking fee if you park at the lot on Cousins Island, but you can take a free shuttle bus from Cumberland (on Route One just over the Yarmouth town line, between Tuttle Road and Exit 16 off I-95) to Cousins Island.
You can't take a car on the ferry, but Chebeague is a great place to walk or bike (bike rentals are available on the island). Spend the day on the white sandy beach at Chandler's Cove or the beach near Coleman's Cove. If you'd like to spend the night, the Chebeague Inn (207-846-5155), open Memorial Day through September, is just up the road from the ferry dock. There's also a grocery store, golf course (207-846-9478), tennis court, and gift shop on the island.
Great Diamond Island
Great Diamond Island, a 30-minute ride from Portland on a Casco Bay Lines ferry, was once a military installation and is now known for its summer homes, beaches, and the community of fine homes at Diamond Cove. At Diamond's Edge Restaurant you can dine at the water's edge, with beautiful views of Diamond Cove. The island has a general store (207-766-3087) which sells pizza, sandwiches and ice cream, and also has public restrooms.
The Casco Bay Lines departure point is located at the corner of Commercial Street and Franklin Arterial, Exit 7 off I-295 in downtown Portland.
Peaks Island
Peaks Island is the closest island to Portland, just a short 17-minute Casco Bay Lines ferry ride, and the most popular for visitors. Walk or bike the five-mile scenic perimeter road around the island, enjoying spectacular views of the open ocean on the west side and the Portland skyline on the east side, explore the long, rocky shore, check out the remains of an old fort, or rent a kayak and explore the island via water. Bike and kayak rentals are available near the ferry dock.
The only lodging on the island other than cottage rentals is Peaks Island House (207-766-4406), offering four rooms. There are two restaurants on the island, The Island House Restaurant at the Peaks Island House, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Jones Landing Restaurant (207-766-5542), close to the ferry, serving lunch and dinner in season. There's also a general store and a grocery store where you can buy sandwiches.
Long Island
Long Island is a great place to spend a day exploring beaches, tidal pools, and remains of old schooners. Bike rentals are available at The Spar Restaurant (207-766-3310), which serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar, moorings for boats, and picnic lunches.
Cliff Island
Cliff Island is the most remote and rustic of the islands serviced by Casco Bay Ferry, taking an hour and a half from Portland. There's no lodging, but you can pick up lunch supplies at the Fisherman's Cove General Store (207-766-2046) and spend the day on one of the nice sandy beaches.
