Whale Watching in Maine

The Gulf of Maine hosts one of the world’s most productive marine ecosystems. Nutrient-rich waters attract massive whales that feed here through summer and fall. Whale watching tours from Maine’s coast offer close encounters with these magnificent animals, along with seabirds, dolphins, and dramatic coastal scenery.

Best Locations

Bar Harbor

Mount Desert Island is Maine’s whale watching capital. Multiple tour operators run daily trips from Bar Harbor to feeding grounds in Frenchman Bay and beyond.

The proximity to Acadia National Park makes this convenient for visitors already in the area. Tours last 2-4 hours depending on operator and destination.

Bar Harbor tours benefit from relatively short runs to whale grounds. Less transit time means more whale watching. The islands and mountains create scenic backdrops.

This is the busiest location with most tour options. Summer sees multiple departures daily. Book ahead for peak season and weekends.

Boothbay Harbor

This Midcoast port sends whale watching boats to Jeffreys Ledge and other offshore banks. Tours run 3-5 hours depending on distance traveled.

Boothbay Harbor’s protected waters provide calm boarding. The harbor itself is picturesque with rocky islands and working boats.

Several operators offer different boat sizes and styles. Some focus purely on whales, others combine whale watching with puffin viewing or lighthouse tours.

The town is tourist-friendly with restaurants, shops, and lodging. Easy to make a full day combining whale watching with exploring Boothbay.

Kennebunkport

Southern Maine’s whale watching hub, Kennebunkport sends tours to Jeffreys Ledge. Trips last 4-5 hours round trip.

The longer run to whale grounds means extended boat time. This isn’t ideal for those prone to seasickness but rewards passengers with excellent whale sightings.

Kennebunkport combines upscale coastal charm with whale watching. The town offers fine dining, galleries, and beaches.

Being farther south makes this accessible from Boston and New Hampshire. Many visitors include whale watching in broader southern Maine coastal trips.

Portland

Maine’s largest city offers whale watching with urban convenience. Tours depart from the Old Port area, heading to various offshore banks.

Trips range from 3-5 hours. The industrial harbor gives way to open ocean and island scenery.

Portland tours work well combined with city exploration. Food scene, breweries, museums, and waterfront make multi-day visits worthwhile.

Casco Bay islands provide interesting scenery en route to whale grounds. Some tours combine whale watching with island stops.

Whale Species

Finback Whales

The second-largest whale species, finbacks commonly feed in Gulf of Maine waters. These sleek whales reach 70 feet long and 70 tons.

Finbacks are the greyhounds of the sea, capable of 25 mph bursts. They usually swim alone or in small groups. The asymmetrical coloring - white on the right jaw, dark on the left - is distinctive.

These whales surface to breathe with a rolling motion, showing the long back and small dorsal fin. They rarely breach but create impressive splashes when lunging through bait schools.

Finbacks are the most commonly seen whale on Maine tours. Multiple sightings per trip are typical during peak season.

Humpback Whales

Humpbacks are the stars of whale watching. These 40-ton acrobats breach completely out of the water, slap fins and tails, and generally entertain.

The distinctive hump before the dorsal fin gives them their name. Long white flippers mark them clearly. Tail flukes show unique patterns allowing researchers to identify individuals.

Humpbacks feed cooperatively, sometimes using bubble nets to concentrate fish. Watching multiple humpbacks feeding together is spectacular.

These whales were severely depleted by whaling but have recovered well. They’re now relatively common in Maine waters during summer.

Minke Whales

The smallest baleen whales regularly seen, minkes reach 25-30 feet. They’re curious and often approach boats.

Minkes have pointed snouts and distinctive white flipper patches. They surface quickly with a rolling motion, showing little of their bodies.

These whales are often solitary. They’re harder to spot than larger species but their inquisitive nature provides good views when encountered.

Minkes arrive earlier in spring than other species and linger later into fall.

North Atlantic Right Whales

Critically endangered with only about 350 individuals remaining. Right whale sightings are rare but unforgettable.

These massive whales reach 55 feet and 70 tons. They have no dorsal fin and distinctive callosities (rough patches) on their heads.

Right whales move slowly and feed at the surface, making them vulnerable to ship strikes. Seeing one is incredibly special and sobering given their precarious status.

Tours report right whale sightings to researchers tracking this endangered population.

Other Marine Life

Harbor porpoises are common. These small cetaceans travel in groups, surfacing quickly. White-sided dolphins occasionally appear, thrilling passengers with their speed and jumps.

Harbor seals and gray seals haul out on ledges. Basking sharks, the world’s second-largest fish, filter feed at the surface.

Ocean sunfish (mola mola) drift near the surface. These bizarre creatures look like swimming heads, weighing up to 5,000 pounds.

Peak Season

May to October

The whale watching season runs late spring through fall. Peak season is July and August when whales concentrate in feeding areas.

Water temperatures warm enough for abundant baitfish - herring, sand lance, and krill. Whales follow the food, gathering in productive areas.

Weather is generally best mid-summer, though fog remains common. Seas are usually calmer in summer than spring or fall.

September and early October offer excellent whale watching with fewer tourists. Water stays warm enough for whales, and fall weather can be spectacular.

Monthly Breakdown

May sees whales arriving. Tours begin operating, but sightings are less predictable. Water is cold, weather variable.

June improves steadily. By mid-month, whales are feeding actively. Tourist crowds haven’t peaked yet.

July and August are prime time. Most consistent whale sightings, warmest weather, but heaviest crowds and highest prices.

September rivals summer for whale activity with fewer people. Fall weather adds dramatic skies.

October sees whales beginning to depart. Tours run through mid-month in most locations. Weather becomes more challenging.

Tour Operators

Boat Sizes

Large boats (100+ passengers) provide stability, indoor seating, and bathrooms. They’re better for families, those prone to seasickness, and bad weather.

Smaller boats (40-50 passengers) offer more personal experience and maneuverability. Captains can position better for whale viewing. These boats feel more adventure-focused.

Very small boats (6-20 passengers) provide intimate experiences. You’ll get wet, feel every wave, but have unobstructed views and exciting rides.

Speed vs. Comfort

Fast boats reach whale grounds quickly, maximizing wildlife time. They beat weather windows and cover more area searching.

Slower, traditional vessels provide more comfortable rides. They’re better for photography and passengers who want relaxed experiences.

Amenities

Most boats offer heated cabins, even in summer. Bathrooms are standard on larger vessels. Snack bars sell drinks, sandwiches, and dramamine.

Some tours include naturalists providing educational narration. Others focus on whale finding with minimal commentary.

Upper deck viewing provides best sightings but more wind and spray. Lower decks offer protection but restricted views.

Booking

Reserve ahead for summer weekends and holiday periods. Some tours fill weeks in advance.

Morning departures often see calmer seas. Afternoon trips may encounter wind and chop.

Ask about cancellation policies. Weather cancellations are common. Operators typically offer refunds or rebooking.

Some companies guarantee whale sightings, offering free future trips if no whales appear. This is rare but worth asking about.

What to Bring

Clothing

Layer up. Even warm days get cold on the water with wind and spray. Bring more clothes than you think necessary.

Waterproof outer layer is essential. Rain jackets work, but dedicated foul weather gear is better if you have it.

Long pants, not shorts. Your legs will get cold. Jeans are okay but synthetic materials dry faster.

Closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles. Boat decks get wet and slippery. Sandals are unsafe. Wet feet get cold quickly.

Hat with chin strap or pocket to stow it. Hats blow off. Sunglasses on a strap.

Seasickness Prevention

Take medication before boarding. Dramamine or similar drugs work best taken 30-60 minutes before departure.

Ginger supplements help some people. Wristbands using acupressure points work for others.

Stay on deck watching the horizon. Don’t go below to read or use phones. Fresh air and distant focus help.

Eat lightly before trips. Empty stomachs and very full stomachs both increase seasickness. Light carbs an hour before help.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration worsens seasickness.

If you do get sick, it’s okay. Crews are understanding and helpful. Stay on deck, focus on horizon, and it usually passes.

Photography Gear

Binoculars are valuable. Whales often surface at distance. 8x or 10x power work well on boats.

Cameras should be weather-sealed or protected. Spray is inevitable. Waterproof bags protect gear.

Long lenses (200-400mm) capture whales at distance. Wide lenses catch breaches and close encounters. Bring both if possible.

Fast shutter speeds (1/1000 or faster) freeze action. Continuous shooting mode helps catch breaches.

Phones work for casual photos but lack zoom for distant whales. Protect phones from spray and dropping overboard.

Other Items

Sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Reflection off water intensifies UV exposure.

Water bottle. Stay hydrated, especially if seasick.

Snacks if allowed. Some boats prohibit outside food.

ID and cash for tips. Crews work hard and appreciate gratuity.

A sense of adventure and patience. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Puffins and Seabird Tours

Many operators offer puffin viewing combined with whale watching. Atlantic puffins nest on Maine islands from May through August.

Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, and Machias Seal Island host puffin colonies. Tours approach nesting islands for viewing but don’t land.

Puffins dive for fish, bringing multiple catch back to burrows. Watching them fly and swim is delightful.

Other seabirds include razorbills, common murres, Arctic terns, and various gulls. Bald eagles and ospreys hunt near islands.

Dedicated seabird tours focus on birds, while whale-puffin combo tours split time. Consider your priorities when booking.

Marine Conservation

The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than most ocean areas. This affects whale prey distribution and feeding patterns.

Right whales face extinction threats from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement. Speed restrictions and gear modifications aim to reduce mortality.

Humpback whale populations have recovered from whaling but face new challenges from climate change and ocean noise.

Responsible whale watching follows guidelines: maintain distance, limit time near whales, don’t chase or surround animals.

Many tour operators contribute to research, reporting sightings and photo-documenting whales. Passenger fees support marine conservation.

Understanding these issues enhances appreciation for encounters with these endangered animals.

Planning Your Trip

Check weather forecasts. Fog, wind, and rain affect tours. Some days are canceled for safety.

Arrive early. Check-in, boarding, and safety briefings take time. Late arrivals may miss boats.

Ask about age and health restrictions. Some tours have minimum ages. Pregnant women should consult doctors.

Consider trip length vs. your comfort level. Longer trips offer more whale time but more seasickness risk.

Combine whale watching with other activities. Most launch towns offer museums, hikes, restaurants, and shops.

What to Expect

Boarding and departure includes safety briefing and life jacket locations. Captains explain protocols.

Transit to whale grounds takes 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on location and destination. Naturalists often narrate about local ecology.

Once in whale areas, boats slow and scan for blows - the mist from whale breathing. Spouts can be visible for miles.

When whales are spotted, boats approach respectfully. Engines idle or shut off. Whales surface multiple times before longer dives.

Passengers should watch for whale direction and anticipate next surface location. Whales are unpredictable but often show patterns.

Breaches, tail slaps, and close approaches create excitement. These are wild animals - behavior varies greatly.

Return transit provides time to process the experience, use facilities, and ask crew questions.

The Experience

There’s something profound about seeing wild whales. These massive, intelligent creatures living their lives in the ocean inspire awe.

The power of a 40-ton humpback breaching completely out of water is unforgettable. The grace of a finback’s rolling surface is mesmerizing.

Knowing you’re watching endangered species, survivors of industrial whaling, adds poignancy to encounters.

The ocean itself - vast, cold, and mysterious - reminds us that wilderness still exists. Whales belong to a world we can visit but never truly know.

Kids especially connect with whale watching. Seeing children’s faces when whales surface nearby captures pure wonder.

Even trips with limited whale sightings offer value. The seabirds, seals, ocean scenery, and time on water create memorable experiences.

Maine’s whale watching combines wildlife viewing with maritime heritage and coastal beauty. It’s worth the investment of time and money.

Bundle up, board a boat, and venture offshore to meet the giants of the Gulf of Maine. The memories will last long after your vacation ends.