Maine is a whale watcher’s paradise. With its long coastline and abundant marine life, the state is home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and even the occasional blue whale.
If you’re looking for a great place to go whale watching in Maine, here are five of the best:
1. Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maine, and for good reason. The town is located on Mount Desert Island, which is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the state. And, of course, Bar Harbor is also a great place to go whale watching.
There are a number of different whale watching companies that operate out of Bar Harbor, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Most tours last for about three hours and offer the chance to see a variety of different whale species.
Bar Harbor view from Cadillac Mountain by Aaron Zhu is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
2. Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is another popular whale watching destination in Maine. The harbor is located in Midcoast Maine, about an hour north of Portland. Boothbay Harbor is known for its beautiful scenery, its quaint shops and restaurants, and its abundance of marine life.
There are a number of different whale watching companies that operate out of Boothbay Harbor, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Most tours last for about three hours and offer the chance to see a variety of different whale species.
Boothbay Harbor by Nheyob is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
3. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a small town located on the southern coast of Maine. The town is known for its beaches, its historic mansions, and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Kennebunkport is also a great place to go whale watching.
There are a number of different whale watching companies that operate out of Kennebunkport, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Most tours last for about three hours and offer the chance to see a variety of different whale species.
4. Casco Bay
Casco Bay is a large bay located in southern Maine. The bay is home to a variety of different whale species, including humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises.
There are a number of different whale watching companies that operate out of Casco Bay, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Most tours last for about three hours and offer the chance to see a variety of different whale species.
5. Milbridge
Milbridge is a small town located in northern Maine. The town is located on Narraguagus Bay, which is a popular feeding ground for humpback whales.
There are a number of different whale watching companies that operate out of Milbridge, but the most popular is Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch. Cap’n Fish’s offers a variety of different whale watching tours, including sunset tours and lobster fishing and seal watching tours.
When to Go Whale Watching in Maine
The best time to go whale watching in Maine is during the summer months, from June to October. This is when the whales are most active and when the weather is generally good. However, you can also go whale watching in Maine during the spring and fall months.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour
A whale watching tour typically lasts for about three hours. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of different whale species, including humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises. You may also see other marine life, such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
The captain of the boat will be an experienced whale watcher and will be able to point out the different whale species and explain their behavior. The captain will also keep an eye out for any whales that are in distress.
Tips for Whale Watching
Here are a few tips for whale watching in Maine:
- Dress for the weather. It can be chilly on the water, even in the summer.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.
- Be patient. It may take some time to see whales.
- Listen to the captain’s instructions.
- Respect the whales. Do not get too close to them or try to touch them.
Whale Watching in Maine is an Amazing Experience
Whale watching in Maine is an amazing experience. It’s a chance to see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their behavior. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, I highly recommend going whale watching in Maine.