diamond tours maine

Great Diamond Island

Great diamond island, private island community.

For visitors set on finding the Maine experience nonpareil, discovering the beautiful welcoming shoreline of a Maine island can be the equivalent of striking gold. A private community that preserves tradition and embraces modern day grandeur, Great Diamond Island answers the call.

A 20-25 minute trip from Portland by ferry, Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay is one of the most picturesque in Maine. This jewel features picnic areas and hiking trails that allow for taking in the island beauty as well as an inn, a 5-star restaurant, and marina. Biking or getting around the island via golf cart is de rigueur– no gas-powered vehicles are allowed.

During their travels, visitors may hear of literary greats that frequented the island such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow or Harriet Beecher Stowe. Or, they may hear of its history as a military base during the 19th century, and note the attention to preserving the architectural integrity of the time.

Inn at Diamond Cove

Diamond's edge restaurant.

Diamond Cove is a noteworthy ferry stop at the northeastern side of Great Diamond Island. It is Maine’s premier private island community and the site of the historic Fort McKinley, which has been restored to its original elegance and is now is home to residences. Though visitors are welcome to the restaurant and General Store, escorts are required on private property, and tours of the grounds can be scheduled by reservation. 

Lay of the land

Get a taste of island living with restaurants, an inn, and plenty to see and do. Just a 20 minute ride from Portland.

Unwind with tranquil harbors and ocean breezes at this small, island community with vacation, cabin, and home rentals.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture to the private island community of Little Diamond Island.

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Diamond Cove

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Diamond Cove - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.64 mi) The 8th Maine Regiment Lodge and Museum
• (2.98 mi) Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
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• (3.87 mi) The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast
• (3.69 mi) Blind Tiger Portland – Carleton Street
• (1.57 mi) Bite Into Maine
• (1.67 mi) Scratch Baking Co.
• (2.93 mi) Gorgeous Gelato, Portland
• (2.92 mi) The Gelato Fiasco Old Port
• (0.85 mi) Cockeyed Gull Restaurant

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Diamond Pass Run

Take this scenic Diamond Pass Run cruise tour of Maine's Inner Casco Bay, past lovely Victorian cottages on the shorelines of Little and Great Diamond Island, and Peaks Island. Catch a glimpse of island life as we travel to four different stops.

Little Diamond Island was known as "Little Hog Island" during Colonial times. It is part of the city of Portland, and as of the 2000 Census, the island had a year-round population of five. Great Diamond Island, another island in Casco Bay, has a year-round population of 77. The island is not easily accessible by motor vehicle and has a limited network of roads. The primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. At low tide, Little Diamond Island connects to Great Diamond Island via a semi-submerged sandbar.

Like other Casco Bay islands, Long Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans until settlers arrived in the 1600s. Colonel Ezekiel Cushing purchased the island in 1732 and is credited with being the first westerner to settle and build a house on Long Island. During World War II, Long Island served as a fueling depot for the U.S. Navy. Supply stations and army buildings were constructed on the island, and many of these buildings still stand along the shore of the island. Once known as the Coney Island of Maine, and later an important WW II outpost, Peaks Island today is a neighborhood within the city of Portland. Home to artists, retirees, commuters of all sorts, and a substantial summer population, Peaks Island boasts a small-town feel with unparalleled ocean views and access.

Please note: Restroom facilities are available onboard for your convenience.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

The Luxurious And Secluded Maine Island Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

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A pristine and tranquil island surrounded by Casco Bay, Great Diamond Island is one of 200 plus islands referred to as the “Calendar Islands” — where you can supposedly explore a new island each day of the year. This peaceful and secluded island is the perfect spot for luxuriating in a secluded, romantic weekend getaway. Dotted with small beaches, parks, and homes for approximately 100 year-round residents, the charming island is perfect for contemplative walks, romantic beach sunsets, and quiet conversations.

The laid-back vibe of the island is enhanced by the minimal amount of cars. There are a few commercial vehicles, but in general, cars are not permitted on the island. The back-to-nature experience is enjoyed on foot, bicycle, or golf cart adding to the charm and elevated camp-like nature that permeates the island lifestyle.

Great Diamond Island was part of Fort McKinley’s coast defense system protecting Casco Bay and Portland Harbor; the central green with encircling buildings reflects its military history. You will find the historic Inn At Diamond Cove and charming cottages ringing the green space.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

Inn At Diamond Cove

The Inn at Diamond Cove , formerly the army barracks, dominates one end of the central green. This is your home for the duration of your island getaway. The beautiful building has been carefully restored to retain its grand original style.

The wide-sweeping porch overlooking central green is an oasis just off your spacious room; perfect for idling away the afternoon with a great book or a pre-dinner glass of wine while enjoying the sounds of nature.

The inn is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Requirements to be inducted into the program include: the hotel must be at least 50 years old, designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as having historic significance.

Pro Tip: When you disembark the ferry, you will likely encounter a line of golf carts and a few vehicles. The Inn at Diamond Cove offers a van shuttle to carry you up the hill to the inn.

Casco Bay Lines

Great Diamond Island is accessible by the Casco Bay Lines ferry. The ferry services several islands along the route, picking up and dropping off passengers, mail, and provisions. The ride time varies and takes about 30–45 minutes, but the beautiful coastal Maine scenery will hold your attention. You can feel a marked relaxation take hold as the ferry glides over the bay waters and the breeze cools your skin. Have your binoculars handy as you may spot a variety of coastal birds and wildlife along the journey.

As the ferry crew goes about their tasks, it is easy to gain an understanding of how much effort is involved in procuring food, clothing, and everyday items. As you watch the dock hands march bins of goods off the boat and load up other pallets waiting on the dock, it imparts a sense of hardiness mainlanders take for granted.

You can explore some of the other Calendar Islands by hopping on and off the ferry.

Pro Tip: Other methods of transportation to the island include private boats or water shuttles.

Pleasant Cove Beach

Hitting the beach tends to be at the top of most vacation lists and you will find a few good options on the island. Little enclaves of beaches (mostly sand and pebbles) are sprinkled around the island. Pleasant Cove Beach is one such spot, perfect for a nearly secluded beach day. Pack a picnic lunch and your favorite beach read for a day of peaceful relaxation along the shoreline.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind, the water in Maine is cold — very cold! All you need is a quick dip to cool down.

Fort McKinley Museum

The Fort McKinley Museum is open seasonally offering tours, historical exhibits, and other events throughout the summer months. The small museum building is located near the ferry dock.

Pro Tip: Advanced reservations to visit the museum are required.

Nature Walks

A simple stroll down a dirt road will bring you up close and personal with some of Mother Nature’s beautiful gifts. Unplug and watch a family of deer grazing in the field, enjoy a picture-perfect view of Casco Bay, or get slightly lost in an old-growth forest. Take full advantage of the secluded island and seek out her quiet solitude.

Pro Tip: Carry your binoculars and camera. Be on the lookout for eagles, osprey, herons, and loons gliding past.

Diamond Cove Tennis Courts

Practice your serve and work up an appetite on the Diamond Cove Tennis Courts. Set in the natural beauty of the island, the courts are available for locals and island guests.

Fort McKinley Post Exchange

Fort McKinley Post Exchange, the former base Post Exchange, is now the island activity center. It is a perfect space to get out of the hot summer sun or hide out on a rainy day.

The large building houses a wealth of activities. A well-equipped fitness center is available if you need a little indoor workout. Weekly yoga classes are held in the spacious yoga room. There is the original indoor basketball court, game room, pool table, and other games to keep you occupied.

Most interesting is the refurbished pre-war-era duckpin bowling alley. Bowlers set the pins and then mow them down with a thunk of satisfaction. Even if you don’t bowl, you need to give this a try at least once.

Diamond Edge Restaurant

The Diamond Edge Restaurant is situated right on the marina with panoramic views of Casco Bay and Diamond Cove Marina. The seasonal restaurant offers a casual vibe and fabulous coastal cuisine.

For a classic Maine dinner, the traditional lobster bake with corn on the cob, Littleneck clams, Maine potatoes, and a nicely-sized lobster is the perfect plate to celebrate a Maine Coast vacation.

The Lobby Bar + Cafe

In a sweet, secluded courtyard adjacent to the Inn at Diamond Cove is The Lobby Bar + Cafe . It is a wonderful spot for a leisurely breakfast or quiet dinner. With only a few tables surrounded by lush plantings, the patio imparts an almost private ambiance.

The menu is filled with fresh ingredients for a light meal, served with a glass of wine. It is a wonderful way to end a day exploring Great Diamond Island.

Romantic Weekend Getaway

Great Diamond Island is the quintessential coastal Maine romantic weekend getaway. The secluded island is a secret paradise. Your stay at the Inn at Diamond Cove is just what you need for a private getaway where you can simply immerse yourself in the luxuriousness of relaxation. Guests return year after year to relish the peace and quiet of this unique Portland, Maine, vacation spot.

Pro Tip: The Inn at Diamond Cove, the Diamond Edge Restaurant, and other attractions are open for the summer season — May through September.

Related Reading:

• 8 Amazing Experiences In Beautiful Wiscasset, Maine
• How To Spend A Beautiful Weekend In Quaint Camden, Maine
• 12 Amazing Maine Vacation Rentals On The Water

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

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Diamond Tours: Curators of Memorable Group Vacations

Activities , Site InSpections

Travel with Diamond Tours and experience the convenience of America’s largest tour bus company specializing in motorcoach group tours

Sit back and relax as Diamond Tours provides your group with the most exciting and memorable trips across the U.S. and Canada. Itineraries are designed with the needs of senior citizens in mind, and comfort and ease of travel are always top priorities.

Diamond Tours offers something for everyone – from lovers of the big city to those interested in the great outdoors. There is the popular Nashville Show Trip, a New York City and the Statue of Liberty tour, visits to Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard, and a Mackinac Island & Northern Michigan excursion, just to name a few. Diamond Tours has been a favorite among trip planners and senior-citizens since 1987, and continues to offer dependable service with tours that show the best of what North America has to offer.

Diamond Tours is the perfect solution for your group travel needs, and the value is unbeatable. Check out what they have to say about planning your next excursion.

Why do groups use Diamond Tours?

Groups use Diamond Tours because we provide the best value in the group travel business. We optimize our position as one of the largest providers of group motorcoach tours in the United States by negotiating the best deals with hotels, restaurants, attractions and bus companies, and pass the savings along to our customers. Groups also travel with us because of our expertise and longevity. We have been in business since 1987, and have a team of highly qualified tour planners to ensure that every aspect of your itinerary and your travel experience is done to the highest level of satisfaction.

How does Diamond Tours reach travelers?

We have a call center which is open for sales inquiries from 9AM to 6PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. We also have our website, www.diamondtours.com , where a group leader can register for free and instantly view exact pricing and itineraries, including motorcoach transportation customized to depart from his or her hometown. We also publish a yearly catalog with all our pricing and itineraries, customized to be comprehensive departing from the recipient’s hometown. In addition, when you are traveling with Diamond Tours, the group leader has 24-hour access to our emergency telephone numbers so we can immediately address any issue that may arise while the trip is in progress. We also have a team of Destination Managers who work in-person at most of our destinations to greet the groups and make sure the tour goes as planned.

What types of groups use Diamond Tours? What are the group size ranges and what group size is most common?

Diamond Tours hosts church groups, senior citizen centers, AARP groups, alumni associations, family reunions, social groups, travel agencies and more. We typically accommodate groups from 30 to 52 people, with many averaging around 40 to 45 people. However, when groups are unable to reach the minimum of 30 people, we are often able to find solutions that enable them to travel with fewer people, such as sharing a bus with another small group. We also have a “Join a Bus Tour” program, which connects individual travelers and small groups with existing Diamond Tours travel groups that have a tour scheduled to depart from their area.

Does Diamond Tours book pre-established trips or offer exclusive group departures?

All Diamond Tours departures are initially booked by a group leader looking to fill a bus with his or her group members.

What’s the touring style? What’s customizable, what’s included and what’s offered?

Diamond Tours offers a comfortable, senior citizen-friendly touring style. Our customers can depend on clean, safe, comfortable accommodations which include a continental breakfast and a dependable, modern motorcoach. Our itineraries are designed with the needs of senior citizens in mind. We time the itineraries to ensure that our customers have a relaxing, rewarding travel experience each day and are well rested each night. We keep in mind that senior citizens often prefer to limit the amount of walking required on the tour. Our tours are pre-planned, but there are often options available for groups with specific interests, for example, groups interested in African American history or groups which prefer not to include gaming in their tour. Our tours include all breakfasts, most dinners, all transportation, all accommodations, and all tours and attractions. We also provide free full-color custom promotional flyers, and the services of our on-site Destination Managers and our 24-hour telephone support while on the tour.

What are the average lengths of trips?

Most of our trips are structured around a four-night stay in the destination, plus anywhere from one to three nights en route each way, depending on how far the chosen destination is from the group’s departure point.

What are the most popular destinations where Diamond Tours’ groups are choosing to travel?

We serve a broadly diverse customer base, so the popularity of various destinations depends upon the interests of the various groups. Cape Cod and Mackinac Island are popular with customers interested in quaint picturesque towns, and our Maine trip is an exciting offering as well. People who love big cities love New York City, Washington DC, Chicago and New Orleans, among others. We also offer a trip which features the best of Canada’s major cities: Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City, all in one travel experience. For customers interested in show trips, Branson, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Pigeon Forge and Lancaster are favorites. We also have many customers seeking warm-weather experiences, who choose destinations like Miami, San Antonio or Savannah. Customers interested in a spiritual experience often choose our Cincinnati trip, which features a visit to the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum.

How many years has Diamond Tours been in the business? How much experience does the group team employ?

We have been in business since 1987. We are proud of the longevity of our team, many of whom have been working with Diamond Tours for over ten years, or far longer.

Does Diamond Tours offer any ideas or sample itineraries?

A group leader can view sample itineraries for all of our destinations by registering at www.diamondtours.com.  Or, if they prefer, we welcome group leaders to call our call center at 800-336-5711, and we can send sample itineraries for any destination they are interested in. We can also provide a customized tour catalog, which includes sample itineraries for all of our destinations.

Visit www.diamondtours.com today to start planning your next group motorcoach excursion.

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• Diamond Pass Run

Take this scenic seasonal cruise of the Inner Bay past lovely island cottages on the shorelines of Little and Great Diamond Island and Peaks Island. Catch a glimpse of island life as we travel to four different stops.

Duration:  1.75-2 hrs. (times vary based upon route and cargo volume)   Runs:  Daily

• Mailboat Run
• Sunrise Run
• 2023 Cruising Casco Bay Concert Series

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Exclusive and rustic.

Drive down the winding dirt road into the backwoods of Maine to this beautiful log cabin, with the smell of fresh Pine as you exit your vehicle. The cabin has a post & beam construction with a pine interior and a cozy 1200 square feet of living space. Plenty of room to fit 8 without bumping into one another. Relax on the porch with your feet up or use the wood stove inside which is perfect for a chilly fall evening or cold winter. There is 1 master bedroom plus a loft that sleeps 6, a ¾ bathroom, washer/dryer, dishwasher, skylights, vaulted ceilings, wood and deck.

The Wild Beauty of the East Coast

It's not unsual see all types of wildlife here -bears, birds, moose and deer.We are tucked away away from the road, but with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

MASTER BEDROOM, LOFT & LIVING SPACE

We have a Master bedroom, an open-air loft that holds 1 full-size bed and 4 single beds. There is also an open-space concept living room and kitchen area.

Loft Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Living Room

Couch with Chaise Lounge

Dining Room

Standing Grill

Full Kitchen

Chairs Available

Try a S'more

UNBELIEVABLE BEAUTY

The mountains at Grafton Notch State park and Mahoosuc Reserve await you. Come explore the waterfalls, trails, mountain hikes, and breathtaking views of the area. Kayak down the Androscoggin and see the mountains and water animals from your seat.

DEFINITION OF COZY

Spend a cozy night around the campfire roasting s'mores, and don't forget to bring out the portable s'more station I've created just for guests!

RUSTIC COMFORTS

Visit the local well-known Puzzle Mountain Bakery. Remember to bring cash and your best scouts honor. You pay using the honor system!

ABOUT DIVER'S DIAMOND

Hi, I'm your AirBnB Host, Amanda. Welcome to my little home away from home. I hope you love it here as much as I do, and when you look back at some of your best trips I hope that 'Diver's Diamond' and the time you spent here in Maine, comes to mind.

Choose from some of the most popular vacation packages. Each package includes 2 nights/3 days, max of 8 people, complete customized itinerary for each day, breakfast each morning with choice of Mimosa's or Bloody Mary's.

Adventure Awaits

Cross-country Ski & Stay

Spa and Relaxation

Wanderlust Custom Package

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Brewery tour, eat, explore and experience, questions about our packages.

WE CUSTOMIZE OUR PACKAGES FOR EACH STAY. PLEASE EMAIL US FOR PRICING, CUSTOMIZATION AND AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU!

• The Crown Jewel Restaurant and General Store
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Great Diamond Island: Artists’ Retreat, Island Fort, Vacation Resort

Narrated tours of Diamond Cove are available from a group of resident volunteers.  Tours need to be booked in advance. If you are interested in arranging a tour, please email (function(){var ml="i%4cuot.vemdanrs0",mi="654>?12@;0 *protected email* .

The summer hours of operation of the diamond cove museum can be found here ..

Just before the turn of the 20th century, Great Diamond Island was transformed from an artists’ retreat — visited by American literary greats such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe – to a military base. The island fort was built as part of the United States’ coastal defense system to protect Casco Bay and the deep-water Portland harbor. Construction started in 1891, when the nation was only vulnerable to attacks by sea. The fort was finished in 1906 after serving as a key military base during the Spanish-American War from 1898 to 1902. In 1902, the fort was named for President William McKinley, who was assassinated a year earlier. When it was complete, Fort McKinley’s barracks, officers’ quarters and NCO quarters could house nearly 1,000 soldiers. Among the 70 structures built at Fort McKinley between 1891 and 1943 were roughly three dozen tactical buildings, including mining casements, batteries, observation stations, telephone switchboard buildings, and storehouses. By the end of World War II, the development of air war tactics made the island fort obsolete, and it was abandoned.

After decades of neglect and decay, the fort has been restored to its original elegance. Now known as the community of Diamond Cove, the barracks and officers’ quarters have become gracious homes with slate roofs, wooden porches, grand staircases and fireplaces. The former quartermaster’s storehouse is a fine restaurant, the wagon shed is an art gallery, and the blacksmith shop a general store. Diamond Cove is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and every effort is made to preserve its architectural integrity.

Diamond Cove is now a year-round community of historic homes and waterfront properties. The population quadruples in the summertime as the majority of homeowners make their way back to the island and visitors arrive to experience our island resort life. Outside the boundaries of Diamond Cove there is a sister community of Great Diamond Island homeowners. The state of Maine operates the dock on the south side of the island (GDI), and a second dock is privately operated in Diamond Cove (DC), on the north side. Both docks are used by Casco Bay Lines to ferry residents and visitors to and from Portland. The entire island sits within the Portland city limits.

This diagram shows what happens during a total solar eclipse

• A total solar eclipse will be visible from Texas to Maine on Monday.
• This cosmic event occurs when the Earth, sun, and moon align perfectly.
• One diagram shows how a total solar eclipse works, and why it darkens the sky in the middle of the day.

A total solar eclipse will turn afternoon skies dark from Texas to Maine on Monday.

During the eclipse, the moon will cross between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun's light. If you're in the moon's shadow, the sky will go dark for about three to four minutes, depending on your location.

It's the climax of a cosmic dance between our planet , the moon, and the sun.

What causes a total solar eclipse

During a total solar eclipse, three key conditions happen at the same time: The moon is in the "new moon" phase; the moon crosses the plane of the Earth's orbit ; and the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

When those conditions are just right, the Earth, sun, and moon line up. This diagram shows how that looks:

Then, if you're in the path of totality — which is basically the center of the moon's shadow, called the umbra — the moon appears to obscure the sun.

If you're in the penumbra — the outer region of the moon's shadow — you'll see a partial solar eclipse , where the moon appears to partially overlap the sun.

A total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth about every 18 months on average. It's rare for one to occur in any single place, though, because of the complex movements of the Earth and moon.

The moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days, while Earth has its own orbit around the sun. The moon's orbit is tilted about five degrees, which is large enough to keep its shadow off the Earth and the Earth's shadow off the moon most of the time.

There are two points — called nodes — where the moon's orbit crosses the Earth's plane. In the diagram above, the moon is lined up on a node.

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The moon aligns with the nodes and the sun about twice per year, which is how we get eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when the moon is between the Earth and sun. A lunar eclipse happens when the moon is on the other side of the Earth, farthest from the sun.

What the total solar eclipse will look like

In the path of totality on Monday, where the moon's umbra falls over Earth, the total solar eclipse will have 10 distinct phases , each with different amounts of the sun visible from the ground.

The phenomenon kicks off with what's called first contact, when the moon starts to pass across the sun. After about an hour, the moon will almost completely mask the sun, and you'll start to see a bright light radiate out of the sliver of remaining sun, known as the "diamond ring."

Then the moon will fully eclipse the sun, turning the sky dark in the middle of the day.

During totality only the sun's outermost atmosphere, called the corona, will be visible glowing around the dark disc of the moon.

After that, the moon will continue to travel across the sky to form another crescent. The eclipse ends when the moon ceases to cover the sun.

Types of solar eclipses

There are three types of solar eclipses .

Total solar eclipses, like this one, occur when the moon appears to completely cover the sun. If the moon only somewhat covers the sun, that's a partial eclipse . Many people who are near the path of totality, but not in it, on Monday will see a partial eclipse.

The third type, an annular eclipse , occurs when the moon is too far from Earth to fully block out the sun from our perspective. The outer edge of the sun remains visible as a bright ring around the moon.

A total solar eclipse is considered the most spectacular. Globally, only about a third of all solar eclipses are total.

The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous US will be in 2044.

How to watch the eclipse

If you plan to watch the eclipse, make sure you are wearing ISO-certified eclipse glasses . These are 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. Without them, staring at the sun could damage your eyes.

The only safe time to look at the eclipse without glasses is during totality.

Leanna Garfield and Anaele Pelisson contributed to an earlier version of this post .

Watch: Why the sun has two giant holes, and what that means for Earth

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