Best Lighthouse Tours in the USA: 7 Worth Booking

1.Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,111 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Leave Bowens Island aboard a small Carolina Skiff bay boat with a naturalist captain such as Chris, George, Jacob, or Tripp. Cruise through salt marshes and tidal creeks, watch for dolphins and birds, then spend about an hour on Morris Island collecting shells and viewing the inaccessible lighthouse. Bring water, sun protection, and shoes that can get sandy.

“Great experience! Check-in was easy! Boat was nice and clean. Captain was knowledgeable of the area and its marine life. LOVED seeing so many dolphins! Definitely made a special memory during our visit to Charleston!”

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2.The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,448 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join Portland native Derek for a 1-hour-45-minute small-group tour through the city and out to three lighthouses. You’ll see Commercial Street, the Eastern Promenade, historic churches, Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light. The air-conditioned van holds up to 13 people.

“Derek the most entertaining and informative guide that we have ever had with our many Viator tours. The correct amount of prople (13)”

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3.Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,019 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $54Best value

Ride an open-air trolley through Portland’s Old Port, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront, then stop at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest working lighthouse. Guides such as Dorothy, Gloria, Steve, Barry, and George bring local history and humor to the route. The tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and carries up to 30 people.

“Great tour guide, pointing out unquie points around the city. Lovely town with lots to explore. Would love to go back.”

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4.Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

Ride from Portland’s Old Port in a comfortable Ford Transit van with a local guide such as Eric, Jeff, Pete, or Joe. See Fore Street and Commercial Street, then visit Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light. The two-hour tour includes bottled water, charging, umbrellas, and time to walk at each stop.

“I expected more content. Love the Portland, beer hub, and love the lighthouses. Just wanted a little bit more.”

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5.Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 661 reviews · 1h 45m · from $56

Cruise Casco Bay from Portland for 105 minutes with an English-speaking guide, indoor and outdoor seating, and views of four lighthouses, forts, islands, seals, and harbor traffic. Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse are among the sights. Snacks and drinks are available to buy onboard.

“Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. We are ‘locals’ and learned a lot about Portland that we did not know before.”

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6.Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 355 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Cruise from Fort Myers Beach for about 90 minutes with captains such as Dan, Deacon, Carly, or Forrest. Look for dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife while passing the Shrimp Boat Fleet, Mound House, Bowditch Point, and Sanibel Lighthouse. Your ticket includes water, soda, and an alcoholic drink for adults 21 and over.

“It was a nice smooth ride. The w weather was beautiful. We did see a couple of dolphins. Our captain was Carlee and she was fantastic. She knew the area well and gave us a lot of history, which was great. We had a wonderful time.”

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7.Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 343 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $124

You’ll cruise from downtown Ketchikan toward Ward Cove, Totem Bight, Guard Island Lighthouse, and remote forested islands. Guides such as Dan and Dylan add local stories, while fog-proof binoculars help you search for bald eagles, seals, otters, and possibly humpback whales. Snacks, hot drinks, indoor seating, and outdoor viewing are included.

“We had a wonderful experience finding eagles, seeing totems and the lighthouse, and as a bonus got to see a pod of whales bubble- net fishing”

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