Sunday, March 31, 2024

Wildlife & Sightseeing Cruises

puffin cruise bar harbor

The crew were accommodating, professional, a little humorous, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend if you're up for a boat ride in the Bar Harbor area. When visitors stay at Newagen Seaside Inn, they are just minutes away from all of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Plan to take a puffin cruise in Maine, then be sure to book a stay at our historic inn. At Newagen Seaside Inn, every accommodation is equipped with comfortable beds, charming coastal decor, and premium amenities like free Wi-Fi and fun activities. Choose between private cottages or traditional guest rooms, which both boast sparkling views of the nearby ocean.

Bar Harbor Motel Your Basecamp for Adventure

It was a great experience we saw several whales and porpoise and dolphins while on the tour. The crew and staff were great and they really took time to make our tour extra special. We highly recommend this company to all who want to experience an once in a lifetime experience. We luckily choose a beautiful day for the cruise in early August with warm temperatures, little wind, and lots of wildlife out and about! On our cruise we saw three lighthouses, some porpoise, bald eagles, seals, ospreys, and many other species of birds.

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Facing my fears to experience everything I have always wanted to do. Interesting history of Bar Harbor area coupled with eagles, hawks, cormorants, gannets and other sea birds. Good narration by our naturalist, Ruth, who was informative and interesting. Enjoyed the lighthouses and seeing the diverse harbors and island shores. Throughout the tour we have a very knowledgeable guide providing us with the history of the lighthouses we visited and pointed out all of the active wildlife that we saw. Our cruises depart daily from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel in Bar Harbor in search of eagles, porpoises, seals, and other marine life.

Maine Moose Watching Tours

Other species you may see are Razorbills, Arctic Terns, Roseate Terns, Common Terns, Guillemots, Cormorants, Bald Eagles, Eiders, and a variety of gulls. There is also opportunity to see both Harbor and Gray Seals. Enjoy a taste of Maine with a culinary walking tour where you will experience a combination of uniquely Maine food samples from local businesses and local history and facts. The tour circles the village green and provides some great views of the harbor. Next we continued on with Bar Harbor’s Puffin and Lighthouses Cruise as we passed by the Schoodic Peninsula which gave us gorgeous views of the Acadia National Park shoreline. The island is home to a nesting colony of Atlantic Puffins.

puffin cruise bar harbor

If you choose other destinations, it will be reasonable to bring binoculars along. The long drive to the border is worth it, not only for the prime puffin watching but also for the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States.

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Acadian Boat Tours

Come aboard the Acadian, Eden Star, Islander, Rambler and the Jennifer Ann. Our boats are clean and family-oriented and the Acadian & Eden Star are pet-friendly! The larger boats offer a snack bar and indoor heated cabin. We enjoyed getting to see what came up with the traps and getting to hold a live lobster.

puffin cruise bar harbor

Join us as we explore the waters of Mount Desert Island and beyond to enjoy spectacular views of historic lighthouse, coastal islands, and Acadia National Park. This cruise can feature a variety of wildlife including harbor and grey seals, bald eagles, and seabirds. The puffin and lighthouse tour also stops by Schoodic Island in search of eagles and other wildlife. The boat then takes a scenic ride along Schoodic Peninsula to view a bit of the shoreline of Acadia National Park. Other wildlife includes seals, harbor porpoise, osprey and other seabirds. Tour boats depart from Jonesport, Cutler, Bar Harbor, Millbridge, Stonington, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde depending on which puffin colony you wish to visit.

To receive some of the locals’ best tips and recommendations, simply visit our Things to Do page! This helpful resource is all travelers need to make the most of their coastal New England getaway. Petit Manan Island is another place to encounter puffins. Puffin watching cruises run from Bar Harbor and Milbridge. We have plenty of free parking on site for guests while on one of our Acadian nature cruises. We have four boats, the Acadian, the Islander the Eden Star AND our six-passenger private charter boat — the  Rambler.

See puffins at Eastern Egg Rock and whales at the feeding grounds. We also feature views of lighthouses, the vintage homes of Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Seal Harbor, and the quaint village of Southwest Harbor. Cruise with us through Frenchman Bay or Somes Sound into the only fjord on the East Coast.

Don’t worry; all lobster claws will have rubber bands attached so everyone’s fingers will stay safe! Our tours are very kid-friendly, and we welcome young curious minds on board. The cruise is narrated by the National Audubon’s Project Puffin so you get the history of puffins and the Eastern Egg Rock restoration directly from people involved with the project.

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Therefore, puffins have nowhere to hide from curious watchers. Along with the birds, one may spot seals and bald eagles. The tours to Eastern Egg Rock depart from New Harbor in the town of Bristol, Boothbay Harbor, and Port Clyde. Explore the rich wildlife population and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, the islands of Frenchman Bay, and the shoreline of Bar Harbor.

It was a good length of a tour and I'd definitely recommend it for the kids or adults like me who are still kids at heart. The ship captain and naturalist were very friendly and great guides. Travel aboard the M/V Miss Samantha 9 miles out from Bar Harbor, to visit one of the crown jewels of Acadia National Park. Explore the 130-acre island, Gilley family farmstead, and Baker Island Lighthouse. Petit Manan is home to a variety of seabirds and water-dwelling mammals, more notably the Atlantic Puffin.

I am still beating myself up to this day about forgetting my zoom lens, but I did capture some distant shots of the seals. The wildlife at Egg Rock was one of the highlights of Bar Harbor’s Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise. The three hourcruise is offered by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

See what our guests have to say about vacationing at Newagen Seaside Inn by browsing our reviews — click here to read reviews. Then, check our availability and book your stay to experience our beautiful property for yourself. The Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a museum focusing solely on the Gulf of Maine's whale and seal populations. We are located next to Bar Harbor Whale Watch, so grab food from our cafe to bring on the boat with you, including coffees, pastries, lobster rolls and other sandwiches.

Some have naturalists on board to share details about the birds and their island homes. Machias Seal Island is the only island that visitors can land on and view puffins from close range behind blinds. Our team does their best to provide you with a high quality experience and has a long-history of conducting successful trips. However, wildlife moves around all of the time so we don’t follow the same route for every trip. That means that these cruises may run longer than 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

Check out the puffin loafing ledge and the exterior view of the puffin burrow for other seabird activity. Another option for viewing Maine’s puffin colony is the Hardy Boat Cruises Puffin Tour near Bristol, Maine. Most people know the state of Maine for its nautical traditions, breathtaking natural wonders, and fresh seafood. There are, however, plenty of hidden secrets to discover when visiting this special region!

Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise Cap'n Fish's Cruises

puffin cruise bar harbor

Watch our experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps, then head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks. Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge with the surface of 65 acres (26 ha) is home to the largest puffin population in the state itself. The island is located nearly 22 miles (35 km) off the coast, and the tours depart from Stonington.

Join us aboard the Miss Samantha, Maine’s largest lobster passenger boat!

During the warmer months, guests can also attend exciting on-property events like our signature lobster bakes! There’s truly no better place to stay in Midcoast Maine. The Gulf of Maine and the region that encompasses Acadia National Park is rich with marine life. Among the marine life are Finback, Humpback and Minke whales.

What You Need to Know About Taking a Puffin Cruise in Maine

One of the most entertaining activities to try in New England is a puffin cruise in Maine. This is a great way to see these unique birds in their natural habitat! They’re only around for a few months each year, so here’s what you need to know before planning a trip. It is pure joy to be able to observe these unique and fascinating birds in their native habitats. Book a cruise today that will enable you to see both whales and puffins in their natural environment. Spend an afternoon packed with the wonders of nature on this incredible tour.

Where to Go on the Best Puffin Cruise in Maine

Join us on this one of a kind cruise dedicated to off-shore birding! The fall excursion gives a chance at some very sought after pelagic species, such as the Great Skua. The light is a conical granite tower, standing at 119 feet tall, making this the second tallest lighthouse in Maine.

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If no whales or puffins are sighted on YOUR trip, you will receive a standby ticket good for another whale watch, puffin cruise, or other cruises. There are many reputable tour boat operators on the Maine Coast, both large and small, that visit seabird nesting islands. Some have naturalists on board, some try to find whales and seals, some make it a point to pass by lighthouses. All are dependent on the variable weather of the Maine Coast!

Powered by brand new, green, clean burning tier 3 diesel engines. This area is also home to the Atlantic Puffin - previously know as the Common Puffin. This pigeon-sized seabird actually lives on the open ocean during the majority of the year. Puffins swim underwater, using their wings to propel them through the water, while their feet act as a ruder. Puffins do not live on the land other than during the breeding season.

Whale Watching, Puffins, Lighthouses,Acadia National Park & More!

Our captains, crews and naturalists are expertly trained and promote responsible whale watching and conservation efforts on our Bar Harbor tours. Some of the wildlife we will be seeking are whales, Atlantic puffins, pelagic birds, ocean sunfish, seals, dolphins, sharks, and more. The history of puffins on Maine islands is complicated. In the past, these birds populated the coastal areas of Maine, but by the early 1900s, there were no puffins spotted on the islands besides a single pair of puffins on Matinicus Rock. After the implementation of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which banned the killing of wild birds in the US, puffins slowly returned to Matinicur Rock.

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What led to the restoration of puffin populations on Maine's islands?

Visitors are not permitted on most islands, but one exception is Machias Seal Island, off Cutler. For those who don’t already know, puffins are one of Maine’s most threatened species. This striking bird makes its home on Eastern Egg Rock, just a few miles off the coast. The northern birds live in colonies, and the one that inhabits Maine is the southernmost colony in the world! Puffins are typically found in places like Iceland and Norway, so this colony is a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts. The distant Maсhias Seal Island boasts the greatest puffin population and is the only island where you can watch the birds from the shore which allows getting closest to them.

The boat then takes a scenic ride along Schoodic Peninsula to view the shoreline of Acadia National Park and visit Winter Harbor Light. Binoculars and/or a long zoom lens are recommended for viewing wildlife such as seals and eagles. New Harbor is only 5 miles from Eastern Egg Rock (EER) making it the closest, easiest and most convenient way to see these fascinating birds. On the way to the EER during our puffin cruise you will see Franklin Island Lighthouse, Monhegan Island, the islands of Muscongus Bay and a spectacular view of the Camden Hills. Because most seabirds only come to land to nest, the nesting season from May through July is the best time to see seabirds on Maine’s coast.

They are a true sea bird, living, swimming and riding the ocean waves regardless of the weather. Guests enjoy easy access to the BH shuttle, taking you to most of downtown shops and attractions (like tours). We are centrally between town and Acadia Park 1.5 miles away. This evening trip is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park as the sun sets. Learn information about the environment, history, and culture of the area.

There was one small group left when we visited as the majority had already begun their travels down South for the winter months. Other than the Puffins, the island is also home to razorbills, guillemonts, and Arctic terns. Binoculars and/or a long zoom lens are strongly recommended for closer views, however they are not required to see puffins. This special cruise is designed for the nature lover that wants it all in just one afternoon! Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess, Mid Coast Maine’s largest and fastest vessel!

If no puffins are sighted on YOUR trip, you will receive a standby ticket good for another puffin cruise, or other cruises. Join us for a spectacular nature cruise among the islands and shorelines of beautiful Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Take in breathtaking scenery, rugged maritime landscapes, and ocean teeming with wildlife. About half way through our cruise, we’ll stow all the lobster gear and head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby water. The boat circles EER at a distance of 50 – 150 feet from the rocky shoreline. Puffins are frequently sighted on the water and often seen as close as 25 feet from the boat!

The lighthouse sits on Petit Manan island, another Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge island. Petit Manan Island is the last of a series of ledges extending out from Petit Manan Point. Our 56’ vessel has ample bench seating and an open bow for photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.

puffin cruise bar harbor

We have naturalists who will keep you informed about the wildlife we are seeing and are happy to answer any questions you may have. The crew was fantastic and went out of their way to find whales. Head offshore in search of whales while your guide educates you about the whales and other species of the Gulf of Maine. Binoculars are also helpful for viewing other wildlife such as seals and eagles.

This company operates out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, just a few minutes away from the small town of Southport! Cap’n Fish’s Audubon Puffin Cruise was the first in the region and remains one of the most popular. A cruise aboard one of their boats is narrated by a certified marine biologist, so prepare for an educational journey. A plus of cruising with this company is that the boats used are environmentally-friendly! Cap’n Fish’s company also offers whale watching, which is one of the best things to do in Maine this April. During our adventure we saw seals, the infamous puffins, bald eagles along with many other critters as well.

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