best puffin cruise bar harbor

Acadia Puffin Cruise

We Get YOU Close

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Check Out Our Facebook Page

Acadian Boat Tours Puffins, Lighthouses, & Seabirds Cruise

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Acadian Boat Tours Puffins, Lighthouses, & Seabirds Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Generic -->

Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise

• Water Activities
• 1 West Street Bar Harbor ME 04609
• (207) 288-2386
• 888-WHALES-4
• Visit Website

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).

Video Media

• 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!!

Gallery Image IMG_8463.JPG

Gallery Image gullimonts.jpg

Gallery Image razorbills.jpg

Gallery Image IMG_6640_-_Copy_(4).JPG

Tell a friend.

• Hotel & Motel
• Bed & Breakfast
• Camping & Cottages
• Vacation & Weekly Rentals
• See & Do
• Land Activities
• Culture & Tours
• Family Friendly Activities
• Massage & Yoga
• Eat & Drink
• Restaurants
• Coffee, Breakfast, & Bakeries
• Ice Cream & Sweets
• Sunrise & Sunset
• Sustainable Tourism
• Traveling with your Pet
• Transportation
• Visitor Info Centers
• Voluntourism
• Meeting Facilities
• Wedding Venues

It all starts with a visit...

Audubon Puffin & Scenic Cruise

See And Learn About Puffins!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 hours

Maine Puffin Cruise

See firsthand the National Audubon Society’s success in reestablishing a puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock. Truly a magnificent “Seafari” for all nature lovers with seals, blue heron, an occasional whale, and other coastal wildlife along the way.

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.

We also pass by 3 lighthouses (Ram, Burnt, and Pemaquid Point), see many islands, coastline, Fisherman’s Island, Ocean Point, Spruce Point, Tumbler Island, White Islands, and much more! This is much more than just a ride out to see the puffins!

Click to help decide which cruise is right for you!

Our promise.

Our team does their best to provide you with a high quality experience and has a long-history of conducting successful trips. However, like all wildlife, puffins move around all of the time and follow their own migration patterns. If no puffins are sighted on YOUR trip, you will receive a standby ticket good for another puffin cruise, or other cruises. Sorry, no refunds. Please see Terms and Conditions .

Related Cruises

• 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 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. 4.5 hours

SPECIAL PELAGIC BIRD CRUISE

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.

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

Public Boat Cruises

Browse all public boat tours in Bar Harbor and activities available with Acadian Boat Tours. We look forward to seeing you on one of our Bar Harbor cruises. Book yours online today!

• Most popular!

Sightseeing & Nature Cruise

• Clock 1.5 – 2 hours

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!

Puffins, Lighthouses, & Seabirds Cruise

• Clock 3.5 hours

Join us for an adventure into Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine to see the most awesome iconic symbols of Maine: Puffins and Lighthouses! Book your boat cruise to see Petit Manan Lighthouse and more online today.

Lighthouse & National Park Tour

• Clock 3 hours and 15 minutes

Visit three unique island lighthouses and the historic Islesford life-saving station — with plenty of time at each for photographs. Book your Bar Harbor lighthouse tour online today!

Fjord, Lighthouse & Park Tour

Cruise the shores of Mount Desert Island towns, villages and Acadia National Park on our spectacular fall tour! Book your Acadia fjord cruise online today!

Fishing Trips

• Clock 3 hours , 4 hours

We offer three and four hour Bar Harbor fishing trips in Frenchman Bay. These are great family trips! Book your Bar Harbor fishing trip online to experience the variety of catches in Maine!

July 4th Fireworks Cruise

• Clock 3 hours

Get the best seat in the house for the fabulous fireworks display in Bar Harbor! This 4th of July cruise includes a condensed sightseeing and nature cruise, too. Book online today!

• MCI Facebook Page
• MCI Islands
• Island Technicians
• Seabird Conservation
• Visitor Center
• Nature Store
• Art Gallery
• Virtual Tour
• Board of Directors and Staff

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

Bar Harbor Whale Watching, Maine Whale Tour Companies

Acadia National Park

• Cabins & Cottages
• Pet Friendly
• Bed & Breakfast / Inns
• Vacation Homes
• RV & Camping
• Resorts & Spas
• Summer Activities
• Winter Activities
• Entertainment
• Attractions
• Summer Packages
• Winter Packages
• Tips & Advice
• Weather & Seasons
• Transportation
• Nearby Towns
• Whale Watching

Photo © iStockPhoto

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
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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.

• Check Availability
• Show Prices

Robertson Sea Tours & Adventures

• Verified - Update Listing

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

You may also be interested in:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Stay at a Cabin

• Acadia Nature Center
• Bird Watching
• Guided Tours
• Wild Gardens of Acadia

Campervan, RV & Trailer Rentals - Delivered to You

Escape to a Perfect Cabin Getaway in Acadia National Park

Visit allcabins.com, in the spotlight, see the best sights.

advertisement

Acadia Park Tours

Other Whale Watching Resources

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

STAY & DINE – $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO THE PUB –>   

(207) 633-5242

All Accommodations

Guest Rooms

Gift Certificates

Gatherings & Reunions

Meetings & Retreats

Booking inquiries

Real Weddings At Newagen

Wedding Information

Elopement Information

Booking Inquiries

Photo Gallery

Wedding Reviews

Employment Opportunities

Property Map

Boothbay Harbor Blog

Where to Go on the Best Puffin Cruise in 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! 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.

In addition to embarking on a puffin cruise in Maine , be sure to consider the area’s countless other attractions. 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.

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

What is a puffin.

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.

During a puffin cruise in Maine, look for small creatures that resemble penguins. Puffins don black beaks with orange streaks, black heads, and white bellies. Seeing one of these rare birds in person makes a Maine puffin cruise a truly worthwhile venture!

What to Know Before Visiting

The best time to see puffins in Maine is between April and August. During this time, the Eastern Egg Rock colony is visible by boat. Midcoast Maine’s spring and summer months offer perfect conditions for the puffins that live on the rock. There, they lay eggs and raise their young into maturity. Come August, it’s time for them to migrate elsewhere. Embarking on a puffin cruise in Maine is a fun way to see something unusual, and it makes for a great summer vacation activity!

Here are a few puffin cruises to consider when planning a trip to the Southport, Maine, area!

Cap’n Fish’s Audubon Puffin & Scenic Cruises

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 .

Hardy Boat Cruises

Another option for viewing Maine’s puffin colony is the Hardy Boat Cruises Puffin Tour near Bristol, Maine. Audubon naturalists accompany every Eastern Egg Rock puffin tour and a portion of ticket sales go toward Project Puffin , the National Audubon Society’s effort to guarantee the future of the colony.

Come Back to Comfort at Newagen Seaside Inn!

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. 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.

To get started planning an unforgettable summer trip to New England, check our availability today !

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

Boat Cruise Schedule

• Chevron down Schedule Notes

~ All  dates, times and prices subject to change without notice.

~Reservations are  strongly  recommended for all cruises. All tours need minimum number of passengers to go.

~Our cruises can be impacted by weather such as dense fog and/or rough seas. Any weather cancellations will occur an hour to 1-1/2 hours before departure via email notification. Refunds will be issued if cruise is cancelled due to weather.

~If you need to cancel your reservation, please call our ticket office 24 hours before your scheduled departure in order to receive a refund.

~If interested in scheduling for a group or charter, please send requests to [email protected] .

DISCLAIMER: Due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, tours are subject to cancellation for safety reasons. The decision to cancel is made 1-1.5 hours before a trip’s departure. We do our best to alert passengers as quickly as possible. If you ordered tickets online or over the phone and provided an email address,  please check your email before arrival to confirm the status of your trip . You can also call our office at (207) 288-2386 from an hour to an hour and a half before trip departure. Due to high call volume, our ticket staff will do their best to answer each call as quickly as possible.

If cruises are modified or cancelled due to weather, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is not responsible for changes or interruptions to patrons’ travel plans including accommodation fees, transportation fees and parking fees or tickets incurred. 

• Our award-winning trip!

PUFFIN WATCH WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON

Quick Details

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

Puffin Tours in Maine from New Harbor

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.

Dr. Stephen Kress founded Project Puffin in 1973, and the National Audubon Project Puffin naturalists will join us aboard every cruise to narrate, help with bird identification and answer questions throughout the trip.

“I am proud of the partnership that Project Puffin and Hardy Boat Cruises have developed. Since 1986, Hardy Boat Cruises and Audubon naturalists have worked together to bring people close to the birds while providing fun and inspiring narrations about the puffins and other seabirds of Eastern Egg Rock. By donating part of the proceeds from each tour to Audubon, Hardy Boat Cruises is helping to insure a sustainable future for this special seabird colony.” ~ Stephen Kress, National Audubon Society; Founder, Project Puffin

Other birds found on EER include: Common and Arctic Terns, the endangered Roseate Tern, Black Guillemot, Common Eider Duck, Herring Gull, Greater Black-Backed Gull, Laughing Gull, Northern Gannet, Wilson’s Storm Petrel and Double-Crested Cormorant. Occasional sightings include: Surf Scoter, Razorbill (frequently seen in May and June), Greater Cormorant, Purple Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Black Tern and Parasitic Jaeger.

The Hardy III has a 360 degree unobstructed view from the upper deck on our puffin tours in Maine. The lower deck is enclosed to keep you warm, dry and out of the sun. We open in mid-May and will run puffin cruises until the puffins migrate away from EER which usually occurs around mid-August. Book our Hardy Boat puffin cruise in Maine to see these amazing creatures today!

RELATED CRUISES

• Most Popular
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 1 Hour Outbound, 1.25 Hours Inbound

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!
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

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!

• Tags Up to 113 People
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Educational Cruises

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