Observe: Some tour suppliers on this listing might have restricted or ceased operations on account of COVID-19. Examine along with your tour operator about availability earlier than you guide.
A visit to Maine is a nature lover’s dream. You’ll be able to spend days crusing on the water, careening down the slopes on a snowboard or mountain climbing by means of beloved Acadia Nationwide Park. The state additionally provides all kinds of wildlife watching. And whereas many journey right here to catch sight of moose and puffins, whale watching is a well-liked exercise, too. A guided tour will put you within the fingers of an skilled native who is aware of simply the place to search out the whales. After consulting each traveler expertise and skilled enter, U.S. Information decided the next excursions to be the most effective obtainable.
Earlier than you guide, there are some things to bear in mind to assist make your journey a profitable one. Maine’s whale watching season lasts from mid-April by means of October. A number of species go to the state’s waters, together with humpback, finback, minke and pilot. For the most effective visibility, time your journey for a summer time day when skies are clear, as Maine’s fog will hamper your skill to identify the animals.
You may additionally need to put on loads of layers (it is chilly out on the water), and contemplate taking additional dry clothes in case you get moist. To guard your self from the solar, put on sunscreen, a hat or sun shades. And, after all, do not forget to deliver your digital camera and a pair of binoculars. A number of firms might also permit you to deliver snacks aboard the boat, but it surely’s finest to name your information and double verify earlier than you tour.
Cap’n Fish’s Cruises – Boothbay Harbor Whale Watching Cruise
Throughout this tour, you may embark on a seek for Maine’s marine life, together with whales, seals, sharks and dolphins, amongst different critters. You may additionally get a fast tour of the Boothbay Harbor and see a few of Maine’s well-known lighthouses. Vacationers say they see loads of whales on this journey. In addition they admire that, along with informative narration, the crew provides instruction on what to search for when trying to find wildlife.
Journeys are inclined to final about 3 1/2 hours, however the firm notes it may very well be longer if the crew has to journey farther than anticipated to seek for whales (there is no such thing as a set route for the tour). Departure occasions fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months, however you possibly can count on to move out round 9:30 a.m. or between midday and 1:30 p.m. Ticket costs begin at $65 for patrons 13 and older and $50 for youngsters ages 2 to 12. Costs improve by $5 every throughout peak season (July 1 by means of Labor Day). Cap’n Fish’s Cruises depart from Boothbay Harbor, about 60 miles northeast of Portland. The corporate additionally runs a scenic cruise that includes Maine’s lighthouses, seals and lobster traps.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. – Whale Watch Cruises
In case you’re planning a visit to Bar Harbor, you are in luck: this firm’s whale watching journeys depart from downtown. These three- to five-hour excursions transport passengers by means of Frenchman Bay and into the Gulf of Maine in quest of whales and different marine life. Guides narrate the journey to assist passengers be taught in regards to the wildlife and tourgoers discover them educated and personable. Some vacationers warn, nonetheless, that journeys can get canceled on account of poor climate and advise future guests to be versatile.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. runs its excursions from mid-Could by means of October to coincide with peak whale watching season. Boats exit twice every day from late June by means of Labor Day and as soon as every day in any respect different occasions. Actual departure occasions fluctuate based mostly on the season. Tickets begin at $67 for contributors 15 and older, $41 for youths 6 to 14, and $19 for youngsters 5 and youthful. Costs improve barely from late June by means of mid-August. This firm additionally provides a couple of different nature cruises, in addition to a puffin and lighthouse outing.
Cap’n Fish’s Cruises – Whale Watch & Puffin Combo Cruise
This tour lasts no less than 4 hours, supplying you with loads of time to identify whales, Atlantic puffins, sunfish, dolphins and extra. After boarding the Harbor Princess, you may head to Japanese Egg Rock to see the well-known puffins earlier than heading out in quest of whales. One other bonus? In case you do not see any whales or puffins in your journey, you may get a standby ticket for one more cruise for free of charge. Tour-takers provide constructive opinions for the tour and report seeing quite a few whales and puffins. In addition they admire that the cruise is dog-friendly.
Excursions depart from Boothbay Harbor from late Could by means of mid-August. Journeys depart at 1 or 1:30 p.m. From Could by means of June, journeys depart thrice weekly. In July and August, they run Monday to Saturday. Tickets begin at $81 for individuals 13 and older, $65 for youths ages 2 to 12 and are free for infants youthful than 2. Costs improve barely in July and August. Cap’n Fish’s Cruises additionally provides non-public charters, a cocktail harbor cruise and a particular cruise on a tall ship, amongst different choices.
