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The research interns on the island talk with us via radio, giving us the chance to learn about their work on the island, the status of the puffins and other nesting seabirds, and history of Petit Manan Island. The best months to see puffins from tour boats are June and July, but excursions to the islands happen from May through August. 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. If no whales are spotted on your whale watching cruise, your trip ticket(s) will serve as a “Rebook Voucher” to go out on another whale watch or any of our other available cruises within three (3) years.
Matinicus Rock
'An experience you won't ever forget' - Boothbay Register
'An experience you won't ever forget'.
Posted: Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Those puffins were on Matinicus Rock, five miles southeast of Matinicus island and plantation. 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.
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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. Although we are often able to come quite close to puffins, they are comparatively small birds, standing only ten inches tall, and binoculars are strongly recommended to enhance your overall experience. After a few minutes in the blind, puffins will start appearing and you’ll be viewing them from just a few feet away.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
You’ve likely seen puffins before in calendars, on wildlife shows, or in tourism brochures for far-flung, frigid destinations like Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, but never in person. While most of their lifecycle is out to sea—and way far north of what a sane person would call a fun summer vacation! —a few rocky islands off the Maine coast, the southern reach of species’ distribution, host summer colonies where puffins mate and rear their young in burrows. See firsthand the National Audubon Society’s success in reestablishing a puffin colony on Eastern Egg Rock.
Acadian Boat Tours
Meclizine, also known by the brand name Bonine, works best for me, and doesn’t cause as much drowsiness as Dramamine. 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. You have two ways to see puffins on a cruise from this Bar Harbor departure point. You’ll be a good 23 miles off the coast of Maine, so strong sea legs and an appetite for adventure are a must.
Additionally, binoculars are strongly recommended to enhance your viewing experience. Both were so gracious, clearly caring about everyone's comfort and involvement. The knowledge that both shared regarding the local seas, lobsters, crabs, seals, and landmarks was very interesting and informative. We caught a variety of sea life in the traps - lobster, crabs, and a sea cucumber.
Your Guide to All Maine Beaches in the State Maine Beach Guide
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. More than 4000 people embark on puffin watching cruises with Audubon naturalists each summer.
Whale Watch & Puffin Combo Cruise
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. 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.
There is also opportunity to see both Harbor and Gray Seals. Binoculars are also helpful for viewing other wildlife such as seals and eagles. 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. The crew was fantastic and went out of their way to find whales. A couple of times, my husband motioned for me to stand up and come over to the starboard side for a better look.
It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland is a great place for people of all ages to learn about the puffin and experience hands-on exhibits. Our mission is advancing the science of seabird conservation while encouraging protection and appreciation of seabird habitats worldwide. 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.
With a proprietary cocktail of one Bonine and two ginger capsules every four hours, I can usually manage it well enough on planes, trains, and buses. But stop-and-go car traffic and choppy waters are my nemeses. We’d gone on a rolling-seas whale watch in Cape Cod several years ago, during which a handful of people were unable to hold down their breakfasts. How I managed not to toss mine overboard remains a mystery, but I’d walked off the boat on shaking legs. Following the Black Hole of travel writing that was 2020, I’ve been fortunate—and hugely relieved—to have a steady flow of assignments since the early spring.
On this 2 ½ hour cruise, you will encounter a variety of other marine life. We follow wildlife viewing guidelines in order to prevent disturbance of the seabirds. Puffin tours begin in early June and run through mid-August, occur rain or shine, and are dependent on sea conditions. Bring appropriate attire – include a sweater or windbreaker and sunscreen.
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. 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. In addition to embarking on a puffin cruise in Maine, be sure to consider the area’s countless other attractions.
I would recommend this for anyone in the area who would like to see the area by sea. The surrounding coastal environment, along with guest safety, take center stage. While we take our jobs seriously, we don’t take ourselves seriously. We provide our guests with a fun, safe, and memorable experience. Tours are fully narrated and run between 2-4 hours depending on the trip you choose. Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.
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. Have done several tours in the past and this one was better than I remember!. Cutler Harbor, nestled into a quiet stretch of Downeast coastline, is worth a visit regardless. As you leave the calm waters of Cutler Harbor you’ll pass Little River Lighthouse with a bright green copper top on the light station and a bright red roof on the adjoining house. Cruises to Eastern Egg Rock are an easy, logistically-simple way to spend some quality hang time with the Atlantic Puffin. But what if you what to get up and personal—like really, really close?
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