Killer whale a sight to see for maine fisherman portland. Whale watching season in maine runs from may to october, allowing you plenty of time to take a tour. In new england and off the east coast of long island in the united states, the whale watching season typically takes place from about midspring through october, depending both on weather and. The inn on the wharfs boat tarquin seats 26 with inside and outside comfort. The boothbay harbor, maine, whale watching season typically begins in midapril as whales migrate north for their feeding season. Keep an eye out for the humpback whales, especially. Naturalists lead the cruises and provide expert narration. Capn fishs is the original whale watch in the midcoast maine region and has the most knowledge of whale feeding grounds, whale movement during different times of the season and where to go for the best whale watch experience in maine. Swim with dolphins in mexico, caribbean and jamaica at dolphin discovery up to 42% off. There are several types of whales you can see on your tour, including humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and fin whales. Bar harbor whale watching an experience of a lifetime in maine. There are several fine nearby opportunities for whale watching in maine while vacationing in york. Whales love using maines waters as a summer playground, and some wonderful whale watching cruises in southern maine. The same whales, at least as far as humpbacks go, tend to hang around for a while feeding.
Seals, dolphins, porpoises and puffins are also often seen around the whales. Reservations can only be held until 30 minutes prior to departure. The best time for maine whale watching begins in midapril when hungry whales arrive to feast in local waters rich in sand eels, copepods, plankton, and fish. When youre not whale watching, check out some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and attractions we listed inside. Some restaurants, attractions and museums even close down for the rest of the. The best time for whale watching in maine getaway usa. What sets the company apart is that its not only the biggest boating company in maine. Fourhour whale watching cruise for one, two, or four adults from cape ann whale watch up to 46% off. All you have to do is relax, have your camera ready and enjoy the show.
In midapril, the whales arrive, cruising the coast until october, when they leave for warmer waters. Whale watching trips in portland, maine for humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, north atlantic whitesided dolphins, basking sharks, ocean sunfish and seabirds. Whale watchers get to see blue cetacean the boston globe. Jan 27, 2017 at the four seasons resort punta mita, whale watching is just one of many activities you can enjoy during the december through march whale season. Maine, like all of new englands coastal regions, has a long reputation as a fantastic fishery. Let odyssey whale watch take you on an adventure you wont forget, great fun and educational for the entire family. While the whale watching season runs from midaprilmay october, the best time for whale watching in maine is during june, july, and august. The bar harbor whale watch company is located just 15 minutes from hanncock county airport, airport code bhb, with direct commuter service from boston on us airways express. The whale season runs from mid spring thru the end of october.
The best time of year to see whales in maine is june, july and the beginning of august. Whale watching in maine is more than a spectator sport. Apr 15, 2014 whale watching in maine is a must for many visitors, and a whale sighting could amaze even the most stubborn teenager. The punta mita experience package allows you to pick a new activity for each day of your stay, from whale watching to a massage to a sea lion encounter. Bundle up and explore the thousands of miles of snowmobile trails. On the day of your trip, please check in at our ticket window no later than 30 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time. Maine whale watchingthere are foot jet propelled catamarans operated by the bar harbor whale watch company that will speed you to the exact locations for best sighting. You might also spot some north atlantic puffins in midjune through august. Enjoy your day at a boothbay harbor whale watch newagen.
Apr 16, 2012 my wife, daughter and i went on a cruise last september. Maine office of tourism its the best time of year to go to maine, which just happens to coincide with when the lobster here is the tastiest. Top 5 whalewatching spots in new england and atlantic. There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium. Pitch a tent under the autumn sky and wake up to go on a moose safari. The endangered right whale had most likely been caught in fishing gear, federal officials say. Humpback whale season in hawaii generally runs from november through may. I think late june to october is peak whale season that is when they offer whale only cruises i took my son when he was 5. Where can you find the best whale watching in maine.
Maine whale watching schedule aboard the odyssey, portland. Maine s largest boating tour company offering whale and wildlife watches, nature cruises, lighthouse tours, acadia national park tours from. Maine s white winters mean skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Maine whale watching will bring you a truly unique view of our coast seen not from shore but from miles out in the sparkling deep blue waters of the north atlantic. June, july and the beginning of august are the best times to spot them off the coast of maine. The critically endangered mammal was spotted about 15 miles. Here are a few of our favorite outfitters that offer terrific whale watching in maine. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts usa today. This is not an option for me and my husband because of planting season, but we try. First chance whale watch kennebunkport whale watching in maine. The absolute highlight of the entire trip was going whale watching off the coast of maine.
Its annual trip on the bar harbor whale watch boats from bar harbor attracts birders from all over the world. Visit from middecember through midapril to see gray whales, dolphins and killer whales migrating, or. Explore the beautiful natural and historical sights that maine has to offer with the variety of tours available through bar harbor. United states whale watching maine or massachusetts. Whale watching in maine is a oneofakind vacation experience. The worlds largest living creatures can be found feeding and frolicking just 20 miles off the maine coast. Although summer is peak tourist season, the season s cool temperatures with highs seldom climbing above. Their experience is invaluable and allows them to provide one of the best whale watching tours on the coast of maine. First chance whale watch is the premier company for whale watch and scenic boat tours around the kennebunk and kennebunkport areas of maine.
The granite state whale watch has two cruises each day, with the season running from june 15th to august 25th. Whale watching rates bar harbor whale watch company. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Your ultimate guide to the best maine whale watching trips. Our captains tour, which leaves from our wharf in lubec, will show you whales, share sea stories and visit seals, eagles and lighthouses. The orca escorts a trawler in georges bank, rolling on its side to check out the captain and his boat. State of maine whale watching has always been a popular attraction along maine s coastline. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts is from april to october, though whales dwell in bay state waters as. For more than 25 years, this venerable outfitter has been bringing landlubbers to the humpback, finback, and minke feeding grounds in the gulf of maine. Whales migrate to the coast of maine to feed in midspring, leaving in october for warmer waters.
Whale watching off coastal maine its amazing to see such beautiful creatures up close. Portland whale watching deals in portland, me groupon. Since the calving season starts in midjanuary, the peak is recognized from this point through march when populations are at their highest. This respected, timetested company was founded over 80 years ago and was the first of its kind in the region. Maine whale watching with odyssey whale watch, portland, maine. Whale watching in maine, kittery through portland whale watches. Currently, the number of boat tours for pelagic birding in maine is increasing. Whale watching in maine favorite spots new england today. Since i went to hawaii last summer i missed the whale season so we decided to go whale watching this july. Most tours are daily in the summer, and weekends in the spring and fall. This 43foot dead whale was trucked through downtown portland. Our new boat was launched in march 2006, it is 87 om bow to stern, and is equipped with the most modern safety and navigational equipment.
Check with the front desk for tour times and availability. The peak normally occurs between january and march, but whales. If you call the whale watch company they will be able to tell you what theyve been seeing on recent trips. I was just wondering if i were going to try and find a cruise to alaska it would have to be during whale season. In maine you can hope to see humpbacks, pilot whales, minke and sperm whales, right whales and occasionally the largest finback whale that can be as big as your whale watch boat. Not far from acadia national park, launching from the pleasant waterfront resort town of bar harbor, the bar harbor whale watch company brings whalewatchers out about twenty miles offshore into the gulf of maine.
The bar harbor whale watch company and town pier will be located on your left at 1 west street in downtown bar harbor. The best time for maine whale watching begins in midapril when hungry whales arrive to feast in local waters rich in sand eels, copepods, plankton. Best times to visit portland, me the best time to visit portland is from june to august. Maine fall foliage is a program under the maine department of agriculture, conservation and forestry. Click here to view location 4 western avenue route 9, kennebunk, maine 04043. Odyssey whale watch 170 commercial st, portland, maine 04101 rated 4. Its the best time of year to go to maine and eat lobster. From bar harbor all the way down the coast of maine, whales can be seen cruising and frolicking throughout the summer. Whale watching in maine requires a long boat ride, since whales are typically about 20 miles off shore from midapril to september. Alaskan whales winter makin whoopee in hawaii pretty smart and summer havin babies and eating tons of fresh seafood in alaska. Top 5 whalewatching spots in new england and atlantic canada. Avoid too much outside time during peak season, if you can. Nicks will cruise from kennebunkport to the summer feeding grounds of finbacks, humpbacks, minkes, the rare blue whale and the endangered right whale.
Reservations can be made online or in person at our ticket booth. An 80foot blue whale gave tourists a rare treat sunday when it made an appearance off the coast of maine during a whale watching tour. In 2007, maine audubon began organizing additional trips to matinicus rock. Prime whale watching season runs from midapril through october, and experienced guides are ready and waiting to take you to where the whales are. Book online or call today for a true maine adventure. Midapril brings the northern humpbacks, fin whales, the endangered north atlantic right whale and minke whales. Maine has a lot of coastline and its ocean waters are host to many types of whaleshumpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and more.
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