Boston to Kennebunkport with Optional Lobster Tour

Discover the Maine and New Hampshire Coasts in Comfort and Style

This full-day, private tour from Boston offers an easy, luxurious way to explore some of New England’s most charming coastal towns—Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, and the iconic Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse. For $125 per person, you’ll spend about 8 to 10 hours with a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable private van, making it perfect for those who prefer a personalized experience with flexibility. The tour includes round-trip transportation from downtown Boston, with the option to upgrade by adding a lobster tour at Kennebunkport, which many reviewers rave about for its fun and fresh seafood.

What we love most about this tour is how smoothly it balances sightseeing with relaxed, unhurried stops—no rushing, plenty of opportunities to soak in the scenery. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge shines, making the history and stories behind each spot come alive. On the downside, if you’re not a fan of long drives or variable weather, be prepared for potential weather-related changes, especially since much of the tour is scenic drives and outdoor sightseeing.

This experience is ideal for history buffs, seafood lovers, and anyone eager to see New England’s coast without the hassle of planning. It suits travelers with a sense of curiosity and a desire for authentic, photo-worthy moments in picturesque towns.

Key Points

• Private and flexible: Your own guide and vehicle create a personalized experience.
• Includes round-trip transportation: Relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.
• Multiple highlights: Portsmouth’s historic charm, iconic Nubble Lighthouse, and Kennebunkport’s quaint harbor.
• Optional lobster tour: A fun and tasty add-on that many reviews highly recommend.
• Well-reviewed guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing local stories.
• Comfortable and convenient: Bottled water, snacks, and a detailed map enhance the day.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Boston to Portsmouth

The trip begins bright and early, with a 6:30 am pickup from your downtown Boston hotel. This early start lets you beat some of the crowds and get a full day of sightseeing. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, we appreciated the large windows that offered great views of the New England coast as we headed north. The short drive to Portsmouth, about an hour away, gives you a chance to appreciate the scenic coastline before arriving in the historic town.

Portsmouth’s Market Square is a highlight, offering an inviting blend of boutique shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. The hour-long stop here is enough to browse, grab a coffee, or enjoy a quick breakfast—ideal for stretching your legs after the early morning drive. Several reviews mention how your guide, like Matt, creates a friendly atmosphere and shares interesting tidbits that make the stop even more engaging.

Visiting the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse

Next, we head to Maine’s most photographed lighthouse—the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse. Sitting on a rocky outcrop, the lighthouse offers excellent photo opportunities and a sense of Maine’s rugged coast. The 30-minute stop is short but sweet, giving you time to snap pictures, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy the scenic views. Since it’s a free stop, you might find yourself wishing for a little more time to explore the surrounding rocky shores or nearby spots, but the drive along the coast makes up for it with stunning vistas.

Kennebunkport and the Optional Lobster Tour

The town of Kennebunkport is a true Maine gem—picturesque, lively, and full of character. You’ll have about four hours of free time here, enough to wander the harbor, visit local shops, or relax in a café. For those who opt for the lobster tour, you’ll be dropped at the docks to hop on a 1.25-hour boat trip that many guests find unforgettable. Multiple reviews highlight how fun and authentic this experience is, with Debbie saying, “Don’t pass on the Lobster Boat Tour. Fun!!”

The lobster tour provides a hands-on feel of Maine’s seafood industry, often including glimpses of lobster boats, the chance to learn about lobster fishing, and, of course, tasting fresh lobster. The added cost is well worth it for seafood lovers and those eager to experience local culture firsthand.

A Quick Peek at the President Bush Compound

Before heading back, your guide will take you on a brief stop at the President Bush Compound—a notable summer residence in Kennebunkport. It’s a quick photo op and a nice way to see the private side of the town’s famous visitors, adding a touch of presidential history to your coastal adventure.

Return to Boston

The day winds down with the scenic drive back to Boston, aiming to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. The relaxed pace and engaging commentary from your guide make the long drive feel shorter, and many reviews mention how the personal stories and local insights add depth to what could otherwise be just a sightseeing drive.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $125, this tour is a compelling choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive, guided day at a reasonable price. The cost includes private transportation, bottled water, snacks, and a guide who knows the area inside-out. The optional lobster tour is an extra but often praised as worth the splurge—adding a memorable, authentic touch to your Maine experience.

Compared to large group bus tours, this private option offers more flexibility, intimacy, and tailored attention, which many travelers value, especially those who prefer a relaxed pace and personalized storytelling. The high ratings and glowing reviews about guides like Matt underline the importance of good local knowledge and friendly service.

How the Itinerary Breaks Down

Portsmouth’s Market Square: This historic town sets the perfect tone for your day—delightful shops, colonial architecture, and friendly cafes. A quick but meaningful introduction to New Hampshire’s coastal charm.

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse: Iconic, photogenic, and evocative of Maine’s maritime heritage. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, with ample photo opportunities.

Kennebunkport: Known for its quaint harbor, colorful shops, and relaxed seaside vibe, Kennebunkport’s charm can be fully appreciated in four hours—plenty of time to walk, shop, or relax. The optional lobster tour adds a layer of hands-on seafood culture, highly praised by those who include it.

President Bush Compound: A brief sightseeing stop that offers a glimpse into the town’s exclusive summer residence, perfect for photo ops and adding a dash of political history.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with Matt receiving glowing remarks about his personality and storytelling skills. Debbie calls him a “great tour guide” and says, “Full day but worth it,” highlighting the value of the experience.

Guests also mention how the scenic drives along the coast are stunning, with Donna noting that even in rainy weather, the guide made it fun and informative.

And those who upgrade to the lobster tour emphasize how fun and authentic it is—“Don’t pass on the Lobster Boat Tour,” is a common refrain.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book early, as this tour is popular and has a limited group size of 12.
• Bring layers, especially if weather is unpredictable—coastal fog and wind can surprise you.
• Prepare for a full day: Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera to capture the picturesque stops.
• Check your pickup details: The guide will notify you the day prior, but ensure your contact info is up-to-date.
• Consider the optional lobster tour in advance—many find it a highlight, but it does require a small extra fee.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who appreciate comfortable, guided experiences with plenty of authentic sights and stories. It’s perfect for those who want a day of scenic drives, charming towns, and seafood without the hassle of planning or driving themselves. History buffs, seafood enthusiasts, photographers, and folks new to New England will all find value here.

If you’re short on time but eager to see a slice of Maine and New Hampshire in one go, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated, engaging way to do just that.

The Sum Up

This Boston to Kennebunkport tour offers an excellent balance of comfort, authenticity, and scenic beauty. The private setting and knowledgeable guides make for a relaxed, personalized day that covers key highlights, from Portsmouth’s historic charm to Kennebunkport’s seaside allure. The optional lobster tour stands out as a memorable cultural experience, especially for seafood lovers eager to taste fresh Maine lobster in its natural setting.

While it’s a full day and involves some driving, the well-planned itinerary and friendly guidance ensure that you’ll spend your time soaking up the scenery and stories, not stressing over logistics. For those seeking a meaningful, enjoyable introduction to New England’s coast, this tour delivers solid value and delightful moments.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who want comfort, authenticity, and a taste of Maine’s seafood bounty—all wrapped in a small-group, flexible format that enhances the trip’s personal touch.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s a relaxed, scenic day suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers with good mobility.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks, a detailed map, and a friendly guide.

Can I add the lobster tour?
Yes, it’s available as an optional upgrade, approximately 1.25 hours long, with many reviews recommending it for the fun and authentic seafood experience.

How long do we stay in Kennebunkport?
You’ll have about four hours of free time, enough to explore the harbor, shops, or relax at a café.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How early do I need to meet the guide?
The pickup begins at 6:30 am, and you’ll be notified the day before about your exact pickup time and location.

Where do we meet in Boston?
Pickup is from hotels in downtown Boston, with possible alternative meeting points nearby if outside the designated zone.

What’s the group size?
Maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and personalized attention from your guide.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
As a small group tour with a skilled guide, some flexibility may be possible, but the itinerary is generally fixed to ensure timely visits and comfort.

How far are the stops from each other?
All stops are within a scenic drive along the coast; travel times are brief and comfortable, with plenty of time allocated at each site.

This tour offers an authentic taste of New England’s coast, guided by friendly experts with a focus on comfort, storytelling, and genuine local culture. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, it’s a memorable way to see Maine and New Hampshire in one easy day.