Our Story
About Us
A father & son team. From Iceland to Casco Bay.
Our Story
A father & son team. From Iceland to Casco Bay.
Meet the Crew
With over four decades of experience — from the fjords of Iceland to the islands of Casco Bay — Captains Larus and Tristan bring passion, expertise, and a personal touch to every charter.
The Beginning
After watching the family boat tied to a mooring for a couple of summers, Captain Larus ran into a hotelier in Portland who asked if he could take his guests out on the water.
The idea had been brewing for a couple of months, and with that chance encounter, the business took off. What started as a favor for hotel guests quickly grew into Portland Private Charters — a company built on a genuine love for the sea and sharing it with others.
The Captain
Captain Larus Isfeld has been on the water for over 45 years. He grew up sailing in Iceland and after moving to the United States, had boats on Long Island Sound and in Chesapeake Bay before settling on an island on Casco Bay.
His deep love for the ocean and decades of experience across some of the world's most beautiful waterways make every charter an unforgettable journey.
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The Captain
Tristan grew up on boats — from childhood summers on Long Island Sound and the Chesapeake Bay to island life on Casco Bay. The water has always been home.
Before joining Portland Private Charters, Tristan served with Atlantic Beach Rescue as an ocean lifeguard, EMT, and rescue boat captain — honing the seamanship and calm-under-pressure instincts that define every charter.
Now based on an island in Maine, Tristan brings a next-generation energy to the family operation, guiding guests through the archipelago he knows inside and out.
Why Casco Bay
"The bay is a magical place. The archipelago is tucked behind layers of islands shielding it from the Atlantic. The majority of the summer, the bay is flat as a lake — a perfect playground for boaters. The weather in the summer is warm, yet crisp, and the backdrop of the New England rocky waterfront is spectacular."— Captain Larus Isfeld
Credentials
Your safety and comfort are our top priority.
Licensed
Both Captain Larus and Captain Tristan hold USCG Captain's Licenses, certified to operate commercial passenger vessels.
Experienced
From Iceland to Long Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay, ocean rescue, and now Casco Bay — a father-son team with a lifetime on the water.
Prepared
All vessels are fully equipped with safety gear and regularly inspected to the highest standards.
