Cruising Guide to Portland and Falmouth, Maine |

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive cruising guide to Portland and Falmouth, but a summary of our experience and recommendations and what we believe would be interesting to fellow travelers. If you have additional recommendations, please feel free to reach out.

Anchorages, Dockage, and Mooring

Portland

We spent our time in Portland on anchor. Later on in our stay, we ended up talking to someone on a private mooring who said we could use their ball when they moved to the dock during the winter. When we passed back through on our way south, we did just that. However, due to the timing, we were only able to stay one night because they were taking the balls out and replacing them with winter sticks the next day.
- Coordinates of our anchorage here.
- This was one of our least favorite anchorages. Although we didn’t experience much wake, the swell was very apparent.
There was free dinghy dockage next to the cruise port.
- Coordinates here.

Falmouth

Falmouth Town Landing – We were lucky to know someone with their own mooring ball here. Although we were probably over the rating, there was no one else tied to nearby balls to be afraid to hit. We were also lucky to be able to tie the dinghy at the dock without paying the fee.
- Although there is a parking lot at the boat ramp, there is no overnight parking. Once we brought the car up, we parked on the top of the hill across from the Town Landing Market. This lot allows overnight non-resident parking from April 16 – November 14.

Laundry

Lookin’ Good Laundromat – From the Portland dinghy dock, this laundromat is straight north. Last wash is at 5 p.m. and they do not mess around with the timing. We watched the woman go out to the parking lot at 5:10 p.m. to let someone know they wouldn’t be able to put their laundry in. We spent about $20 for two industrial size washers and dryers.

Things to Do

Portland

Peaks Island Land Preserve – This island is only accessible by boat. There are a few mooring balls that you can tie up to for the day for $25. We walked the perimeter of the island and saw a handful of weddings taking place. There are a few shops along the main street but this is mainly a residential island with beach access. And by beach, I mean a rock beach.
Fort Williams Park
Quarry Run Dog Park – This is an enclosed park that allows off-leash dogs. There are a few trails which makes it feel like a small hike that goes around the perimeter of the park. In the center there is an open area where the dogs and owners congregate.
Belleflower Brewing Company
Oxbow Blending and Bottling
Portland Zoo – This is where I felt like all the university students hung out. The beers were basic and I didn’t feel the need to try a bunch of them.

Falmouth

Town Landing Market – This is a very cute market on the top of the hill from the dock. Serving food and some select groceries, you can tell this is a staple in the community. Across the street is a parking lot with resident and guests spots. This is where we parked the car while we were there and while we were making our way north.