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Water

Possible Aventures

There are so many amazing places to explore in the greater Portland area and they all offer something different. You can find peaceful paddles on a pond to ocean adventures. Each trip will create memories which will last a lifetime. Here are some of our recommendations. 

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SCARBOROUGH AND CAPE ELIZABETH LAUNCH SPOTS

1. SCARBOROUGH MARSH AUDUBON CENTER

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2. SCARBOROUGH RECREATION CENTER BOAT LAUNCH

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3. NONSUCH RIVER BOAT LAUNCH

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4. JONES CREEK BOAT LAUNCH

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5. FERRY BEACH

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All five spots above provide you with different spots to put in and explore the 3,100 acre estuary known as Scarborough Marsh which is the largest salt marsh in the state, comprising tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh, and uplands. The marsh is particularly important for wildlife as a resting, breeding, and feeding ground. These are all spots you will want to check the tides first as you could get stuck around low tide. 

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6. SPURWINK RIVER BOAT LAUNCH

This tidal river provides a gentle paddle inland, twisting out to Higgins Beach with wildlife everywhere and picturesque views the entire way. This is a paddle you should plan around the tides... you don't want to get stuck in the mud! You can also head further into the river, twisting and turning your way through and then ride the tide back out.  

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7. GREAT POND, CAPE ELIZABETH

A shallow pond that is calm and easy to paddle. There are many coves and places to explore and plenty of wildlife to look for. A great place to cast a line and see how lucky you get. 

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8. KETTLE COVE STATE PARK

From here you can access Ram Island easily. You can hang out on the beach, look for sea glass or pretend you are on a tropical island and enjoy the peace and quiet. Pack a cooler and spend the day! There are trails you can walk on, but make sure you check for ticks! 

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SOUTH PORTLAND LAUNCH SPOTS

1. CASCO BAY BRIDGE

Paddle around Portlands working waterfront. See some of the big yachts to visit our great city or head into the harbor further towards the Fore River and explore the various inlets. 

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2. BUG LIGHT BOAT LAUNCH

An easy spot to put in and you have many different options to explore. From here its a 30 minute paddle out to Fort Gorges or Peaks Island. Explore the old fort and see the most amazing view of the harbor and downtown Portland from the top of the fort. Or go next door to Peaks Island and get some ice cream. On the weekends the harbor can be busy and the paddle out there can be tricky if you are new to paddling, weekday paddles are much quieter!

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3. SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

An easy spot to put in and you have many different options to explore. From here its a 30 minute paddle out to Fort Gorges or Peaks Island. Explore the old fort and see the most amazing view of the harbor and downtown Portland from the top of the fort. Or go next door to Peaks Island and get some ice cream. On the weekends the harbor can be busy and the paddle out there can be tricky if you are new to paddling, weekday paddles are much quieter!

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4. WILLARD BEACH

From here you and paddle out and around numerous islands. If you are lucky you can see a bald eagle off of Diamond Island or some harbor seals sunning on the rocks. You can head south out of the harbor and see some amazing waterfront homes or see the the various lighthouses in Portland Harbor.  

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