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The sunset view from the Bagheera takes in another Portland Schooner Co. vessel, the Wendameen. Both vessels sail from the Maine State Pier.

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The Chippewa departs from Long Wharf near DiMillo's for lobster bakes and tours of Fort Scammel on House Island.

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L.L. Bean offers several different guided kayak tours of Portland Harbor from 180 Commercial St.

"Won't ya let me take you on a sea cruise" crooned Frankie Ford in the 1959 hit "Sea Cruise." It quickly comes to mind when strolling Portland's Commercial Street.

Sea-goers with all interests and on every budget will find numerous boating options from this bustling street that runs parallel to Casco Bay.

Those who choose to cruise from this convenient spot can travel as far as Nova Scotia, while landlubbers can stay as near as DiMillo's Floating Restaurant.

So "anchors aweigh," and try hopping aboard:

Atlantic Adventurer, east side of Custom House Wharf on Commercial Street. Capt. Jim Harkins takes a maximum of six passengers deep-sea fishing on his 30-foot Cape Dory for 10 hours. Cost is $200 per person, which includes all gear, breakfast, lunch, a snack, drinks and the processing of all caught fish. A marathon 15-hour trip costs $250. Harkins also offers charter trips for shark or tuna and a private upscale whale-watching trip for $1,200 for six people. "We guarantee fish," he said. 838-9902; www.atlanticadventures.biz

Casablanca Cruises, 170 Commercial St. Event director Beth Poitras calls this double-decker harbor cruise vessel, which holds up to 150 passengers, "a floating banquet room." Rental is $500 per hour (minimum of two hours). 632-4192; 774-7220.

Casco Bay Lines, 56 Commercial St. Travel to Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Chebeague and Cliff islands. Round-trip fares range from $7.75 for an adult for Peaks Island to $11.50 for the farthest island, Cliff. Cost for children ages 5 to 9 range from $3.85 round-trip to Peaks and $5.75 for Cliff.

CBL ticket agent Jennifer Gillies recommends the three-hour Mail Boat Run that runs daily until Labor Day at 10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., and Monday through Friday at 7:45 a.m. Cost is $13 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and $6.50 for children. On a beautiful day, Gilles highly recommends the 2 1/2-hour Sunset Run at 5:45 p.m. 774-7871; www.CascoBayLines.com

The CAT, 14 Ocean Gateway Pier at the International Marine Terminal. Operated by Bay Ferries, The CAT, called "one of the World's Top 10 Super Ships" by the Discovery Channel, is a high-speed catamaran car ferry that provides passenger service from Portland to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. During July and August, it leaves Portland for Yarmouth at 8 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. The ferry stops its Thursday sail in September, but continues with its other 5 1/2-hour ferry service to Yarmouth until Oct. 14.

Cost each way is $99 for adults, $94 for seniors, $65 for ages 6 to 13, and free for ages 5 and under. Passengers need a passport or an original birth certificate, plus a government-issued photo ID. (877) 359-3760; www.catferry.com

DiMillo's Floating Restaurant, 25 Long Wharf, serves food from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. 772-2216; www.Dimillos.com

Downeast Duck Adventures' ticket booth is inside Harbor View Gifts at 177 Commercial St. Passengers on the amphibious touring vessel receive an education about the city's past, and see such sights as the Portland Observatory, the Longfellow House, Fort Gorges and Bug Light. Cost is $24 for adults, $20 for ages 60 and older, $17 for ages 6 to 12, and $5 for ages 5 and under. Tours run through mid-October. 774-3825; www.DowneastDuckTours.com

Eagle Island Tours, 170 Commercial St. on Long Wharf. History buffs and nature lovers will enjoy this narrated cruise to Eagle Island for a tour of the former summer estate of Adm. Robert E. Peary. After viewing Peary's Arctic memorabilia inside, check out the nature trails outside. Until Aug. 31, the cruise departs at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays, and returns at 2 p.m. From Sept. 6-21, it departs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Cost is $29 for adults, $27 for seniors and $18 for ages 3 to 12. 774-6498; www.eagleislandtours.com

Guided Kayak Tours with L.L. Bean, 180 Commercial St. If paddling is more your style, take a 90-minute...