PORTLAND — If you like the sight of the ocean, the smells and the sounds, a boat ride with Casco Bay Lines lets you get away without going too far or spending a lot of money.

We took the Sunset Run last weekend. The cost: $14.50 per person for a two-and-a-half-hour ride. You can cut that price by clipping the $2 coupon on Page A5 of the Sunday, Sept. 6, edition of the Sun Journal or Page C14 of the Wednesday, Sept . 9 edition.

From downtown Portland, the sunset run takes riders past islands in Casco Bay, making stops at Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Diamond Cove, Long Island, Chebeague Island, Cliff Island, and back again.
Mail and people are picked up and dropped off at each stop. Typically, the boat is a freight boat, the Maquoit
II. There are plenty of seats, a few outside on the deck and some
inside.  It’s not fancy; no ties or high heels on this cruise.

There’s some narration from the captain, explaining which island the boat is stopping at and giving a little history.

At some islands on Sunday, kids were diving 10 feet or more from the docks, amusing the passengers on the boat. 

It’s enjoyable to look at the coast from the water, to take in humble cottages and inns, as well as fancy homes, including one lofty, island mansion complete with stables and horses.

The ocean views become different as the light changes, like Monet’s paintings. At first the sun is high and bright. The sights of the buoys, seagulls, the rugged lines of the islands, all those houses you imagine yourself in, are easy to see. Soon the sun begins its descent, slowly changing the color scheme and the views. (When the sun sets it really sinks fast; don’t take your eyes off it!) Just after the sun sets the sky turns pink, then it kind of glows a cobalt blue.

Near the end of the trip it’s dark. The moon glows on the water. Island homes are lit up like Christmas trees, as is Portland Harbor upon re-entry.

Summer is ideal for a sunset cruise, but it’s still nice on a sunny, fall day. Dress warmly: The air cools when the sun goes down. A winter jacket isn’t overdoing it.

Another popular Casco Bay cruise is the daily mail run which makes the trip at 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

There’s a parking garage next to Casco Bay Lines, $1.50 an hour, and others throughout the downtown. Or, save money by parking at Baxter Boulevard across from Hannaford’s on Forest Avenue. It’s a good 15-minute walk, which may be too much for some people, but if you have time and energy you save money and get to see more of Portland.

The sunset run departs at 5:45 p.m. Riders should arrive a half-hour early. You may want to eat an early dinner before going.

For more information on parking and Casco Bay Lines: http://www.cascobaylines.com/.