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Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise

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• 1 West Street Bar Harbor ME 04609
• (207) 288-2386
• 888-WHALES-4
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May 9th-August 16th: 9:30 AM

See two of Maine's most iconic symbols: puffins and lighthouses! This three-hour cruise visits a puffin nesting island, three lighthouses, and cruises along the shore of Acadia National Park! Travel on one of our state-of-the-art catamarans equipped with amenities such as a galley and restrooms! A naturalist will point out wildlife and landmarks throughout the cruise! Sailing daily at 9:30 AM (May 9th-August 16th).

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• Atlantic puffins and other seabirds!
• Three island lighthouses!
• Beautiful coastal scenery including Acadia National Park!
• Ride aboard comfortable jet-powered catamarans!
• Guided by local naturalists and historians!

See Atlantic puffins on this cruise!

Bald Eagles are a common sighting during boat cruise!

Ride aboard one of our jet-powered catamarans! Egg Rock Lighthouse is a featured light on this cruise!

Seals basking on ledges near Egg Rock Lighthouse!

Visiting the osprey family nesting in a nearby daymaker!

Puffins can sometimes be seen just feet from the boat!

Egg Rock is part of Maine Coastal Island Wildlife Refuge!

Razorbills and puffins hanging out just along the shore of Petit Manan! Photo: Ruth Hill

Eiders are a common waterfowl seen in the area!

Northern gannets are a large pelagic seabird that will come closer to shore in the summer months.

Winter Harbor Lighthouse is a quaint lighthouse just off the shores of Acadia National Park and Schoodic Peninsula!!

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The ULTIMATE Guide to Seeing Puffins in Maine

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If you aren’t intrigued by puffins in Maine, we encourage you to keep reading! These colorful and elusive birds with boisterous calls and curious tendencies were once extinct, but thanks to the dedicated efforts of scientists at Puffin Project, the birds came back to the Pine Tree State.

Wait until you hear how they had to be tricked into returning!

Now, puffin tours in Maine are among the most popular activities during the high season, offering visitors scenic views and a chance to see these majestic birds.

But the trips take some careful planning and generous understanding from the visitors who want to get a peek at puffins. Read on to find out how you can see puffins for yourself!

Getting to Know the Puffin

You’ll find Atlantic puffins in Maine, one of four puffin variations in the world. The scientific name is Fratercula arctica, meaning “little brother of the north.”

Puffins are known for their striking black and white plumage. They also have a black back and white chest, with distinctive orange-red webbed feet. The most iconic feature is their brightly colored, triangular beak.

This has earned them the nicknames “sea parrot” and “ocean clown.”

As the name suggests, Atlantic Puffins are only found in the Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is the top destination for puffins and is home to the world’s largest colony of puffins.

LISTEN : The distinct (and rather mind-boggling) mating call of an Atlantic Puffin .

Puffins live at sea most of their lives, only coming to land to build a nest and mate. Puffins love being around each other, but don’t like people so much; that’s why the puffin tours in Maine have to be carefully planned.

Puffins measure a foot to a foot and a half tall and grow to about the weight of a soda can. Their daily diet consists of small fish and some crustaceans with adults feasting on up to 40 fish a day.

These colorful birds live about 20 years on average, living on the open ocean for most of the year before returning to remote islands during the breeding season. The birds mate for life, returning to a colony once a year to produce an egg.

How Did Puffins Disappear from Maine?

One hundred years ago, puffins were hunted for their feathers, eggs, or meat. Overfishing caused the food supply to dwindle as well. Puffins eat small fish from nearby waters, and when the sea is overfished, parental puffins don’t have enough to feed their pufflings, which can eat up 100 fish a day.

DID YOU KNOW? : In 2008, Sex & the City fans watched Carrie Bradshaw famously say, “I put a bird on my head, ” referring to her bridal gown accessories. Turns out, Carrie was tapping into a fashion trend of the past. Another reason puffins were hunted was for “millinery purposes,” meaning the fashion trends in the late 1800s included feathers and stuffed birds on women’s hats.

In 1901, just one pair of puffins returned to Maine. Fast forward to the 1970s, the Puffin Project attempted to bring the colorful birds back. Since puffins only want to go where other puffins are, Stephen Kress and his team of scientists put decoy puffins on the island and created burrows for the birds.

This project worked and now most estimates put Maine’s puffin population at around 3,000.

How Puffins Eat

Have you heard the saying, “A bird and a fish may fall in love, but where would they live?”

Puffins seem to be the answer to that riddle. These birds who love to live at sea can swim up to a minute underwater and dive up to 200 feet. They are essentially flying underwater using wings for speed and webbed feet to steer.

Their beaks have spiny points inside that allow them to carry fish back to shore. While one dive usually catches about ten fish, one count holds the record at 62 fish in one beak! Once above water, they can fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour!

Planning a Puffin Tour on Your Maine Vacation

Since puffins love to live at sea, you can only take a puffin tour in Maine from May through August when the birds come to their colonies.

They need isolated spaces away from predators and people. That means you must travel to isolated places to see them but can’t get too close.

It’s important to know that puffins won’t come to the mainland, so dash any hopes of a puffin pack coming to beg for your lobster roll in Kennebunkport or Portland.

To start your puffin excursion, you can visit the Puffin Project offices in Rockland, Maine.

If you’d like to save time, you can watch this documentary , which is shown at the offices.

A few things to know before you book a puffin tour:

• Most cruises can’t and won’t stop at the island to give puffins the solitude they need. Many of the nesting habitats are protected by the Audubon Society.
• Only ONE island tour allows visitors to walk on land, and that number is VERY limited (more on booking that tour can be found below).
• The islands are remote, some more than others, so visitors prone to seasickness should know this in advance.
• You will see a lot more than just puffins on the tour, with the potential to spot whales , seals, and dozens of other birds.
• You’ll want to bring binoculars and a camera with a long lens.

Where to Find Puffins in Maine

Puffins aren’t found on just any islands. As noted above, they return to the same colonies year after year, so only certain islands are part of official puffin tours.

Below, we’ve detailed the location and the port of call for many different tours.

Eastern Egg Rock

This seven-acre island is most synonymous with puffins. It’s where the puffins were first reintroduced to Maine.

The National Audubon’s Project Puffin Seabird Restoration Program team narrates two puffin tours to Eastern Egg Rock, an experience you can’t get with any other vendors. You’ll hear directly from those who made puffins come home again.

Eastern Egg Rock is also one of the closest islands to shore, offering calmer seas than the more distant trips.

Three tour boats can take visitors around Eastern Egg Rock.

• The Hardy Boat : Departs from New Harbor daily during puffin season.
• Cap’n Fish’s Cruises : Departs from Boothbay Harbor four times a week, with options for a puffin and whale-watching tour.
• Monhegan Boat Line : Departs from Port Clyde four times a week from mid-June through August.

Is Monhegan Boat Line still operating? In late September 2023, an out-of-control fire burned through the historic buildings on the Port Clyde dock. The Monhegan Boat Line office was badly burned , but the boats kept running. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to visit this seaside community as it heals.

Machias Seal Island

The Machias Seal Island (not to be confused with Seal Island below) excursion is hands-down one of the best puffin tours, most unique experiences, and hardest boat seat to get in Maine. Several aspects make this an epic tour.

First, there’s the land dispute about who owns the island. Canada and the United States have each claimed ownership. Luckily, they share the land nicely. Let’s be honest – the puffins really own this island — thousands of them.

This is the only puffin tour in Maine that allows you to go onto the island where puffins live. Only one tour is given each day, and seats are limited to no more than 15 people .

Once you’re on the island, you’ll be guided to blinds, where you stand inside to be surrounded by the puffins, getting as close as three feet to the majestic birds.

Those who don’t want to ride the dinghy to the island or walk the treacherous trail are welcome to stay on the boat. You’ll still get great puffin views. Plan for 5+ hours for this trip.

Only one tour company on the U.S. side offers this trip: Bold Coast Charter Company out of Cutler Harbor.

Matinicus Rock

The distant island of Matinicus is one of the most underappreciated islands in Maine, though that’s how the locals like it.

Remember earlier when we said just one pair of puffins survived the harvesting in the early 1900s? Those puffins were on Matinicus Rock, five miles southeast of Matinicus island and plantation.

You’ll be a good 23 miles off the coast of Maine, so strong sea legs and an appetite for adventure are a must.

Just one boat option is available to visit Matinicus Rock, where the puffins play. That’s Matinicus Excursions departing out of Rockland.

The island, where Matinicus Rock Lighthouse also stands, is off-limits to foot traffic during nesting season.

Petit Manan Island

This 16-acre island is 10 miles east of the Schoodic Peninsula, making it one of a few options for those visiting Bar Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Acadia National Park . The second-tallest lighthouse in the state is on Petit Manan.

The island is part of the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge . As with many other islands, no island walking is allowed during nesting season, but you have four tour options to explore the perimeter of the island.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch

You have two ways to see puffins on a cruise from this Bar Harbor departure point.

First, a whale-watching cruise will go by Petit Manan Island for puffin fans. Second, take a puffin and lighthouse tour to see more of the waters off Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula.

Acadian Boat Tours

Another Bar Harbor favorite, this tour promises puffins, lighthouses, and seabirds in less than four hours.

You’ll explore the shoreline of the mainland Petit Manan island while passing three lighthouses. These boat tours only fill to half capacity, offering plenty of room to explore two boat decks.

Acadia Puffin Cruise

Here’s a piece of privy puffin information — if you’re tired of booked puffin cruises or concerned you won’t get close enough, take the journey to Steuben, Maine, less than 50 miles from Bar Harbor.

The departure dock is about as close as you’ll get to Petit Manan Island, offering respite from rough seas while still getting closer to the island than most other boats can.

Three tours a day are offered, making it easy to schedule around your itinerary.

See Schoodic Peninsula: While you’re on this side of Acadia National Park, explore the Schoodic Peninsula and don’t miss Schoodic Point!

Robertson Sea Tours

Also on the Schoodic side, you can head to Millbridge and catch a puffin cruise on a lobster boat. The seabird sightings are just part of the fun. You’ll get the lighthouse views and help pull in a lobster trap if you’d like.

Since this is a smaller boat, you’ll be able to get closer to the puffin colonies while still being the required distance away.

Seal Island

Even farther out than Matinicus Rock, Seal Island is also a wildlife refuge.

Be sure you’re looking at Seal Island with a Vinalhaven address since there are several Seal Islands in Maine.

If you’re a bird fan, you should also know this tour will include Great Cormorant sightings in addition to puffins. The tours kick off yearly with the Wings, Waves, and Woods festival on Deer Isle.

Your options include:

• Isle au Haut Boat Services : Tours are held on Sundays during puffin season, with a few Wednesday trips. Departs from Stonington.
• Swan’s Island Charters : You’ll need to take the ferry to Swan’s Island from Bass Harbor on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island to reach the charter departure point. You’ll get two stops on Isle au Haut during this adventure but check the price tag. It might be outside of many travel budgets.

You’re Prepared for Puffins

We hope this article has been helpful for planning a trip to see puffins in Maine. Puffins have made quite the comeback in Maine, and while it’s hard to guarantee puffin sightings, it’s a rare trip that doesn’t see any during the height of puffin season.

To prepare for puffin cuteness and to get excited for a future puffin tour, here’s a live camera with recorded sightings if you’re viewing during the off-season.

Jennifer Hardy is a journalist and content creator with more than 30 years of experience covering news, travel, and safety from coast to coast. When she's not behind a keyboard, she's out in nature with her golden retrievers.

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Travel+Discover Maine – The unofficial guide to exploring the great state of Maine. Not affiliated with any official tourism entities.

Copyright Travel+Discover Maine 2024 Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted.

Acadia Puffin Cruise

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About Acadia Puffin Cruise

Posted on September 4, 2018 by acadianpuffin

Set sail aboard the 40′ Tricia Clark, Maine’s original puffin boat. This is a two hour tour out of Pigeon Hill Bay to the stunning Petit Manan Island. During this tour, you will also experience the breathtaking views of the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge and Bois Bubert Island. After the tour, we recommend hiking the boreal forest trails of Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge. This will give you a beautiful view of Petit Manan Island from ashore.

Petit Manan is home to a variety of seabirds and water-dwelling mammals, more notably the Atlantic Puffin. 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.

Petit Manan Lighthouse was constructed in 1857. The light is a conical granite tower, standing at 119 feet tall, making this the second tallest lighthouse in Maine. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Petit Manan light is still in service today.

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Photo © Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tours

For an incredible trip of a lifetime, plan on taking a puffin and/or whale watching cruise along the coast of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. In addition to seeing a variety of whale species, you will be able to view seals, bald eagles, porpoises, dolphins, falcons and the most notable birds in the area - North Atlantic Puffins.

Providers these companies can get you there.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

(207) 288-2386.

• Bar Harbor, ME
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This trip is sure to be an experience to remember as you head offshore into the Gulf of Maine in search of whales and other marine life.

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Robertson Sea Tours & Adventures

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Located in Milbridge, ME, we offer puffin/seabird and whale watching tours

You may also be interested in:

Bangor vacation rentals - 45 mins away, save $$, (207) 974-6226.

You will love the newness and cleanliness of our rental properties, well-maintained and affordably priced to save $$ relative to the Bar Harbor area.

Sunrise Cafe - Dine In or Take Out

(207) 288-3948.

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.

Scenic Flights of Acadia

(207) 667-6527.

We can customize a tour with your locations in mind, or choose from Fall Colors, area lighthouses, Acadia National Park, Schoodic Point and more. Even a BiPlane option.

Maine Campah Rentals - trailer & RV rentals

Keep us in mind if wanting to utilize our cost-efficient form of lodging. We can deliver an RV, campervan or trailer to your location to enjoy camping in the Acadia area

Bar Harbor Motel | Your Basecamp for Adventure

(800) 388-3453.

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.

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. On a whale watching tour, you will be able to see these and possibly be able to view various species of sharks and Giant Tuna. There are all kinds of incredible creatures to encounter while cruising the area.

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. They are well suited for this life. 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. They are a true sea bird, living, swimming and riding the ocean waves regardless of the weather.

It is pure joy to be able to observe these unique and fascinating birds in their native habitats. Don't miss this opportunity. Book a cruise today that will enable you to see both whales and puffins in their natural environment.

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The Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a museum focusing solely on the Gulf of Maine's whale and seal populations.

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PUFFIN WATCH WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON

Quick details.

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 Hours
• User Ages: All Ages

Must be leashed or kenneled.

Minimum of 30, peak season, pricing applicable from july 1-labor day, puffin tours in maine from new harbor.

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• Hour Glass 1 Hour Outbound, 1.25 Hours Inbound
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Monhegan Island Ferry Service

Enjoy the beautiful waters and scenery of Bristol with our ferry services between New Harbor and Monhegan Island!

• Wildlife and History!
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Maine Coast Seal & Nature Cruise

Make unforgettable memories when you come aboard our nature and seal watching tour. Just don’t forget your binoculars and camera!

• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• Tags Up to 113 People

Educational Cruises

We offer educational cruises to school groups throughout the State of Maine and beyond! Contact us to enjoy an educational cruise!

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Bar Harbor’s Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise

Bar Harbor’s Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise is the perfect opportunity to get up close to some of the harbor’s lighthouses, wildlife, and get some great views of the Acadia National Park shoreline from the water. The three hourcruise is offered by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co .

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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At 9:30am we started our journey on Bar Harbor’s Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise as we pulled away from Bar Harbor and headed towards our first stop, Egg Rock in Frenchman Bay. We were delighted by great views of the small, picturesque lighthouse and views of the many species of birds and seals that call the island home. The island is home to nesting colonies of cormorants and gulls.

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.

Egg Rock Light sits on a 12.5 acre island that is part of the Maine Costal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Also on the island is a keeper’s house, fog signal house, oil house, boathouse, and generator house. The lighthouse was built in 1875 and remains active to this day.

We were able to see many harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks or taking a dip in the harbor water. 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 second stop was the Petit Manan Lighthouse . 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.

The lighthouse was originally built in 1817 as a small stone lighthouse. It was replaced in 1855 with the current structure. The Petit Manan lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in Maine.

Fun Fact: The original lighthouse lens from Petit Manan is on display at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.

The island is home to a nesting colony of Atlantic Puffins. 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.

During our visit we caught glimpses of the puffins floating in the waters just off shore of the island and occasionally taking a 360 flight around our boat.

We also saw a few harbor seals poking their heads up from under the water. Once again, I kicked myself for forgetting my zoom lens!

After visiting Petit Manan, our cruise continued on to Schoodic Island in Winter Harbor, the home of a family of Bald Eagles. Along the way we were treated to views of harbor porpoise diving in and out of the water and fisherman pulling up lobster traps.

Once we arrived to Schoodic Island we were able to see the eagle nest and a couple of Bald Eagles in the distance. In the image below you can see the eagle’s nest on a tree in about the center of the photo and then if you look to the right you can see a Bald Eagle sitting on top of a tree.

Our guide informed us that the Bald Eagles had had a successful breeding year and raised two Bald Eagle babies, both of which were seen on our visit.

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. We then came upon the final lighthouse on the tour.

The last lighthouse that we visited was the Winter Harbor Light on Mark Island. The lighthouse was built in 1856 and deactivated in 1933. It is currently a privately owned residence.

After the Winter Harbor Light we continued on past the Porcupine Islands and a protected Osprey Nest. The ride back towards Bar Harbor was filled with more great scenery and wild life. We were delighted to watch more families of Harbor Porpoise’s flying through the water.

After this we made the trip back to Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor’s Puffins and Lighthouse Cruise was one of the highlights of our visit to Acadia National Park in Maine. I would recommend taking this tour or another similar tour to get this unique view of Bar Harbor.

• Adults (ages 15+): $54
• Children (ages 6-14): $27
• Children (5 and under): $14

Dates/Times

The tour runs on select days from May to mid August. The tour generally leaves at 9:30am and lasts approximately three hours.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers plenty of other tours for you to get out onto the water and explore Bar Harbor, Winter Harbor, and the shorelines of Acadia National Park. Some of their other tours include:

• Whale Watching
• Somes Sound and Lighthouse Tour
• Mid-Coast Maine 16 Lighthouse Photography Tour
• Penobscot Bay, 15 Lighthouse, and Fall Foliage Tour
• Grand Slam US/Canada 18 Lighthouse Tour

What to Do in Bar Harbor

Visit Acadia National Park

When in Bar Harbor, be sure to leave at least a full day for exploring Acadia National Park. Acadia is the only national park in the northeast and is a must visit. You can spend the day hiking, driving park loop, driving to the top (or hiking) of Cadillac Mountain, walking Ocean Path, visiting Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and cooling off at Sand Beach.

Walk the Land Bridge to Bar Island

At low tide a land bridge will appear that visitors can walk, drive, or bike across to Bar Island. On the island visitors can enjoy a mile of hiking trails in a highly forested area with some great views of Frenchman Bay. If you choose to take this hike, be sure to pay attention to the tide and return before high tide (the bridge appears for about 3 hours). Be sure to bring a phone just in case you get stuck!

Stroll Main Street in Bar Harbor

Main Street is Bar Harbor is home to many unique, quaint shops perfect for finding the right souvenir to take home with you. Spend some time strolling the streets, grab a bite to eat, and walk along the pier.

Visit the Village Green

The village green is a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy the presence of Bar Harbor locals. If you are up for it, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. The park is also home to the historic town clock. You may even find a live performance going on in the warmer months.

Sample Some Wine at the Bar Harbor Cellars Winery

Visit the Bar Harbor Cellars Winery for some free wine tasting, visit the gift shop, and stop at the Chocolate Room for some Maine-made treats.

Take a Culinary Walking Tour

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.

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I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!

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12 Comments »

Wow, I’m impressed, this is such a cool cruise. Incredible piroda, water and sky are mesmerizing. Super!

You were so lucky to see the Puffins. We hoped to on the Outer Hebrides, but it was too late in the year. I love this kind of boat trip.

That is interesting. We used Bar Harbor as a jump-off point for Acadia NP. Good to know that there is so much to do in this beautiful town.

I am planning to go to Bar Harbor next year, and I will definitely check back to this post! The cruise tour sounds amazing. I can’t wait to photograph such a beautiful area!

The cruise tour looks amazing. And the lighthouse somehow reminds me of a similar one I saw in Aruba. Glad you had a great trip!

Cruise is something I would like to do someday and you have motivated me. Egg Rock lighthouse looks so photogenic. Would love to know more about Porcupine Island.

Thanks, Himanshu

This part of Maine looks so beautiful. Will check it out on my next trip to the US

So number #1 rule of the Bar Harbor’s Puffins and Lighthouse Cruise….no it isn’t Dont Talk about Bar Harbor’s Puffins and Lighthouse Cruise Club…it is Bring Your Zoom Lens! haha. But seriously, what a fun adventure and very stereotypical New England in my brain to see all of the lighthouses! I love how each of them looked different and unique too!

I flipping love puffins! But you got to see harbour seals and eagles as well. This cruise sounds awesome! In some ways it is kind of cool that you didn’t have your lens so you could relax and watch them with your eyes…otherwise you may have spent the entire time attempting to take photos of them all…

Acadia National Park looks like a fabulous area to explore as well!

This is my kind of day trip and something I know my kids will absolutely love! The scenery and views are incredible. Saving this for my trip planning!

This seems like a dream activity for me! Animals and cruising? Incredible! I’ve always wanted to see a wild seal and puffin! Thank you for sharing, I’ll be adding this to my dream America itinerary

• Pingback: Best US National Parks to visit in summer | 2021 USA Travel Guide - Julie Around the Globe

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Where to See Puffins on The Maine Coast

• Where to See Puffins on…

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. Visitors are not permitted on most islands, but one exception is Machias Seal Island, off Cutler.

Seabird Nesting Webcams

Check out Maine nesting birds right from your home from webcams on Seal Island. See puffins and  guillemots  in their burrows throughout the nesting season. Check out the puffin loafing ledge and the exterior view of the puffin burrow for other seabird activity.

Maine Tour Boats

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! We encourage you to visit their websites and speak with the captains to find the right boat tour for you.

Tour Boat Operators

Down east area.

• Acadian Boat Tours , Bar Harbor 207-801-2300 acadianboattours.com
• Acadia Puffin Cruise , Winter Harbor 207-598-7900 acadiapuffincruise.com
• Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., Bar Harbor 888-942-5374 barharborwhales.com
• Bold Coast Charter Co., Cutler 207-259-4484 boldcoast.com
• Robertson Sea Tours & Adventures, Milbridge 207-483-6110 robertsonseatours.com

Midcoast Area

• Breakwater Kayak, Rockland 207-596-6895 breakwaterkayak.com
• Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch Cruises, Boothbay 800-636-3244 mainewhales.com
• Hardy Boat Cruises, New Harbor 800-278-3346 hardyboat.com
• Maine Kayak, New Harbor 866-624-6352 mainekayak.com
• Maine Windjammer Association, Rockland 800-807-9463 sailmainecoast.com
• Matinicus Excursions, Rockland 207-691-9030 matinicusexcursions.com
• Midcoast Kayak, Damariscotta midcoastkayak.com
• Monhegan Boat Line, Port Clyde 207-372-8848 monheganboat.com
• Morning in Maine , Rockland 207-691-7245 amorninginmaine.com
• Sail Muscongus, Bremen 207-380-5460 sailmuscongus.com
• Tidal Transit Kayak , Boothbay 207-633-7140 kayakboothbay.com
• The Mail Boat , Stonington 207-367-5193 isleauhaut.com

WHALE WATCHING & PUFFIN CRUISES

• Hour Glass Approx. 3.5 hours

BOOTHBAY HARBOR WHALE WATCHING CRUISE

See whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and more at Maine’s prime whale feeding grounds and enjoy a tour of the Boothbay Harbor region!

• Hour Glass Approx. 4+ hours

WHALE WATCH & PUFFIN COMBO CRUISE

Spend an afternoon packed with the wonders of nature on this incredible tour. See puffins at Eastern Egg Rock and whales at the feeding grounds.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

AUDUBON PUFFIN & SCENIC CRUISE

See how the National Audubon Society has reestablished a puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock, as well as lighthouses and other points of interest.

Differences At A Glance

*Eastern Egg Rock is a protected sanctuary, only permitted personnel can disembark onto the island. Our cruise provides viewing of wildlife from the boat, which circles the island. **Wildlife sightings vary each cruise, every listed species may not be found on any individual cruise. ***None are guaranteed and can vary based on route taken or weather conditions. Not necessarily in the listed order. Additional lighthouses may be viewable with your own optic device and may or may not be identified in the narration.

• Live TV stream

Cruise ships back on the ballot for Bar Harbor voters this November

Cruise ships will be on the ballot once again in Bar Harbor this November.

The town council voted 6-1 to approve an ordinance that sets a new daily limit sets a new daily limit of 3,200 ship passengers a day. The town would also set a monthly cap that varies by season.

But it won't go into effect unless Bar Harbor residents vote to repeal the original 1,000-passenger limit in November.

Shawn Porter owns a gift shop in Bar Harbor and said she views the new ordinance as a compromise.

"Maybe we're not at the optimal number for either side, but it's a number that I can rely on to properly buy inventory, hire staff and make business plans year after year," Porter said at a public hearing last week.

But others, including Bar Harbor Jackie Levesque, said they've already made their voices clear, when a majority voted for a 1,000-passenger limit two years ago.

"I knew exactly what I was voting for," she said. "I voted for no big ships in our harbor to pollute the air and our harbor, and to further clog our downtown with people."

Other residents argued that the 3,200 daily cap on cruise ship passengers was too high.

The new measure would allow the town to negotiate visits directly with cruise lines, rather than having to count each cruise ship passenger entering town.

• Bar Harbor Town Council proposes new cruise ship ordinance

Book Your Boat Cruise Adventure Today! Whales, Puffins, Lighthouses, Acadia, Lobster Fishing & More!

LIGHTHOUSE, WILDLIFE & ACADIA NATIONAL PARK CRUISE

Quick details.

• Clock Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
• Calendar Availability: Mid-August - October

Ages 15 and Older

Ages 5 & under, prices go up during peak season, spectacular lighthouses, nature & landscapes.

Coming to Bar Harbor in late summer and fall? If yes, this is a boat cruise not to be missed!

Join us for a scenic boat cruise to see the lighthouses and natural beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park!

On this cruise you will have the chance to experience some of the most scenic views of Acadia! Our boats cover many miles of shoreline-visiting a number of unique places amongst the coastal islands, bays, and harbors.

This cruise is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including harbor and grey seals, harbor porpoise, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds!

Our expert guides will share the maritime and natural history of the region in addition to the fascinating stories of the lighthouses!

In late fall (mid-October) this cruise also provides wonderful views of the autumn foliage!

• Chevron down Amenities
• Galley has light snacks and bar, including hot and cold beverages. CASH only for galley purchases.
• Restrooms available onboard.
• Indoor and outdoor seating available. Seating is first come, first serve.
• Chevron down Accessibility
• Vessels are wheelchair accessible. Scripts are available upon request. Certified guide dogs are welcome.
• Chevron down Reservation Requirements
• When booking, please make sure to have tickets for all members in your party, including infants, as our vessels are certified to carry a specific number of passengers.
• If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please make sure to contact our ticket office no later than 24 hours before trip departure at: [email protected] or (207) 288-2386.
• Chevron down Be Sure To Bring
• WARM & WATERPROOF LAYERS! It is much colder out on the open ocean, even on a hot summer day, and the ride is windy when the boat is underway.
• Cash for galley purchases and binocular rentals.
• Chevron down Cancellations

Trips can cancel due to weather conditions such as fog and high seas. Cancellations can be decided up to 30 minutes before trip departs and passengers are notified by email and automatically refunded. To re-book a trip, please contact our ticket office at 207-288-2386

• Chevron down Don't Miss The Boat!
• We recommend arriving at the dock 45-60 minutes before departure. Please arrive no late than 15 minutes before departure.
• Municipal paid parking is available at the town pier and in downtown Bar Harbor. It is recommended to arrive early to find parking, as spots can fill quickly. Plan enough time to get into town, park, and get to the dock.
• Chevron down Seasickness-Tips & Tricks

This boat cruise typically travels through sheltered waters close to shore but if you are concerned about seasickness, here are some tips:

• Stay hydrated.
• Try ginger chews or candied ginger,
• Over the counter sea sickness aids should be taken 1-2 hours before the trip leaves the dock. They usually don’t work after the boat is out.
• Acupressure wrist bands.
• Stay outdoors, looking to the horizon, and avoid the front or upper level parts of the boat.
• Avoid racing to the restrooms or cabins if you start to feel queasy. These locations will make you feel worse.
• The captain and crew will inform passengers of the sea conditions. If folks feel they won’t be comfortable with the seas, they can depart and reschedule or get a refund.
• The crew are available at all times if you need assistance.
• Chevron down Good For Kids?

Yes! Kids can certainly enjoy this trip and learn a great deal! Just a few things to keep in mind:

• Safety- it is crucial that kids have an adult with them at all times. We are out on the open ocean and kids tend to wander off, attempt to jump, run, swing and climb on things they shouldn’t and could potentially get injured. It helps to make sure adults are reinforcing the safety rules!
• Seasickness- kids tend to get seasick more easily. Keeping kiddos hydrated, in the open air, and avoiding sugary foods will help keep them from getting seasick.

HAVE QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT THE FAQ PAGE OR CONTACT US AT [email protected] OR (207) 288-2386

RELATED ACTIVITIES

• Most Popular
• Users All Ages
• Clock 3 - 5.5 hours

Whale Watch

An adventure to remember! Head offshore in search of whales while your guide educates you about the whales and other species of the Gulf of Maine.

• Clock 2 hours

Bar Harbor Nature Cruise

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.

• Clock 2.5 - 3 hours

Puffin & Lighthouse Cruise

Ride aboard state-of-the art catamarans with professional and knowledgeable naturalists and crew to see 3 island lighthouses! Spot puffins, razorbills, guillemonts, and common and Arctic terns!

ALL TRIPS DEPART FROM 119 EDEN ST-THE ATLANTIC OCEANSIDE HOTEL- 5 MIN DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BAR HARBOR

Lighthouse & National Park Tour

Quick details.

• Clock Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes

Ages 15 – 61

Ages 62 and older, ages 14 and under, take an unforgettable bar harbor lighthouse tour in acadia national park.

Welcome aboard the M/V Islander as we visit three unique Maine Island Lighthouses and the historic Islesford Lifesaving Station, with plenty of time at each for photography. We’ll cruise the breath-taking coastlines of Bar Harbor and the islands of Acadia National Park. Our naturalist will share tales of America’s lighthouse history, the bravery of the early Lifesaving Service crews, and the ghostly legends of Maine’s lighthouses. Our journey takes us along the coasts of Bar Harbor and Seal Harbor for views of some of the stately and historic “cottages” of Mount Desert Island’s Golden Age, as well as natural wonders like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs. Along the way we’ll meet the wildlife of Frenchman Bay including seals, bald eagles, harbor porpoise and sea birds. Your lighthouse tour in Bar Harbor, Maine awaits!

Visit three unique island lighthouses and the historic Islesford life-saving station — with plenty of time at each for photographs. Enjoy this tour as we cruise along the shoreline of Bar Harbor and among the islands of stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park. Learn all about America’s fascinating lighthouse history — heroism, bravery, ghosts and much more.

Discover Bar Harbor’s golden age as we view mansions along millionaires row; the Ford, Rockefeller, High Seas and Vanderbilt estates among others. Watch as our experienced naturalist points out local wildlife such as seals, bald eagles and harbor porpoise. Along the way visit Acadia’s crown jewels including; Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.

Available Departure Times

August 16 to October 13 – 9:30 a.m. Daily

Meeting Location

119 Eden St. (the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel), Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Cancellation Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Related Activities

• Most popular!
• Clock 1.5 – 2 hours

Sightseeing & Nature Cruise

Take a two hour, fully-narrated nature cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, and the Bar Harbor shoreline. ( Pet friendly!) Book online today! 

• Prettiest Trip of the Day!

Sunset Cruise

Join our captain and crew for one of the prettiest trips of the day on our Acadia sunset cruise! This seasonal sunset sail from Bar Harbor will allow you to spot seabirds and marine life with a lovely sunset filter. Book your tour online!