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. When nearly 200 people set sail on a whale watch from bar harbor, maine, they never expected to be party to a whale rescue. United states whale watching in bar harbor maine my husband and i will be in bar harboracadia national park for a few days in mid july. Whale watching is one of the most exciting things to do in maine, and tours are available all along the coast. The whale season runs from mid spring thru the end of october. On the day of your trip, please check in at our ticket window no later than 30 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time. Join our captain as he sets course on a journey to view them in their own environment. Whale watchers get to see blue cetacean the boston globe. Whale watching in maine is more than a spectator sport.
Whalewatching excursions from the village of bar harbor, maine, offer opportunity to see humpback, fin, minke and right whales frolic, breach and blow in their natural habitat. Cape ann whale watch a gloucester and boston ma area. They include a large number of species which range in size from the four foot long common porpoise to the blue whale, the largest animal ever to have existed, which can reach lengths of 120 feet. Among the marine life are finback, humpback and minke whales. I understand that there are opportunities to go whale watching. It is very important to approach whales slowly, stay back 100 feet or more, and never cut them off especially when they are feeding. Bar harbor whale watching an experience of a lifetime in maine. Fourhour whale watching cruise for one, two, or four adults from cape ann whale watch up to 46% off. 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.
Mostly black with long white flippers, bumps on head and distinctive, variably sized dorsal fin. Maine lobstermens association whales maine lobstermen. Maines craggy coastline is the perfect place to indulge that fascination. 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. Starting in the spring, a variety of whales make their way to the maine coast. 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. Maine whale watch turns into rescue new england boating. Whale watching season in maine runs from may to october, allowing you plenty of time to take a tour. Reservations can be made online or in person at our ticket booth.
We believe strongly in protecting the whales we love and the many we know as individuals and by name. Nicks will cruise from kennebunkport to the summer feeding grounds of finbacks, humpbacks, minkes, the rare blue whale and the endangered right whale. Pristine streams flow from craggy mountains through magical pine forests, down to the bold and rocky coast. Whales are aquatic mammals, belonging to a group of animals called cetaceans. Portland whale watching deals in portland, me groupon. 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. Whale watching in bar harbor maine fodors travel talk. The whale watching season in this area of maine and the entire eastern seaboard runs from spring time to the beginning of winter. Business fell 20%, forcing him to cut his season short.
Thankfully, you neednt venture to the other side of the. Endangered whale spotted close to shore at wells beach. Bar harbor whale watching is a must do for anyone interested in marine life lobsters to seabirds and everything in between including whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals. On the day of your trip, please check in at our ticket window. Your support will go a long way in helping tour operators worldwide get back on their feet down the road. For whales, maines coastline is a summer playground, and whalewatching cruises and tours are toprated in the southern part of the state. Book a whale watching tour for your chance to witness these magnificent animals. We adjust the departure time of the trip throughout the season to accommodate for the sunset. Check with the front desk for tour times and availability. The majority of new sightings in the stellwagen bank area are made via the whale watch vessels that regularly visit the sanctuary and offer platforms for scientific study. Maine, like all of new englands coastal regions, has a long reputation as a fantastic fishery. Whale watching pictures download free images on unsplash.
Top 5 whalewatching spots in new england and atlantic canada. For nature lovers, very little compares to the thrill of coming up close to these gentle giants of the sea. Midapril brings the northern humpbacks, fin whales, the endangered north atlantic right whale and minke whales. The gulf of maine is an ideal whale habitat because its filled with all the staples of a whales dietsquid, krill, and plenty of fish. Whale watching in maine is a oneofakind vacation experience.
Where can you find the best whale watching in maine. Our captains tour, which leaves from our wharf in lubec, will show you whales, share sea stories and visit seals, eagles and lighthouses. A maine whale watching adventure awaits you aboard the odyssey. The new england coast and particularly maine has a welldeserved reputation for its abundance of marine life.
A vessel owned by bar harbor whale watch company, a member of noaa fisheries whale sense program, was. They also pass lighthouses on their quest and bay cruises at the wharf has u. Hi there, we will be in maine in october and intend driving up the coast from ogunquit and stay in portland, camden and bar harbour. Swim with dolphins in mexico, caribbean and jamaica at dolphin discovery up to 42% off. A whale watch in the ocean waters of new england is an unforgettable. When youre not whale watching, check out some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and attractions we listed inside. Whale watching tours are offered all along the new england coast see below typically from may through october.
First chance whale watch is the premier company for whale watch and scenic boat tours around the kennebunk and kennebunkport areas of maine. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. United states whale watching maine or massachusetts. Whale watching in bar harbor maine on july 7, 2015 youtube.
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. The best time for whale watching in maine getaway usa. Book online or call today for a true maine adventure. The ledge provides a rich food source for whales, which feast primarily on herring. To help make ends meet, hes been leading nature tours instead of whale watching. Have a whale of a time watching for the majestic creatures that frequent the portland bay, cape nelson and cape bridgewater. Whale watch tour well, before i went on the excursion many people reported that whale sightings were not happening something to do with the water temp this year, so i prepared myself not to expect to see them and maybe see other creatures and enjoy the ride. Oct 11, 2011 we saw two right north american right whales breaching off the coast of kennebunk, maine.
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 mla has been working on this issue since 1997 when the atlantic large whale take reduction team trt was formed. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts is from april to october, though whales dwell in bay state waters as. But your chances of seeing whales increase dramatically when you take a maine whale watching tour out into the gulf of maine and beyond. An archive of right whales news from the bangor daily news. Their feeding area is an underground plateau known as jeffreys ledge, which lies just about 150 to 200 feet beneath the surface of the water. One onlooker said the whale was only about 300 yards from the beach. First chance whale watch kennebunkport whale watching in maine.
Apr 15, 2014 whale watching in maine is a must for many visitors, and a whale sighting could amaze even the most stubborn teenager. Low tide is the best time to seek sea glass on maine s beaches, especially after a storm. Our southern ocean waters are a year round whale watching destination,and there are many vantage points to watch from land as blue and southern right whales frolic in. Whale watching in maine favorite spots new england today.
Lighthouse society passport stamps for the four lubec campobello lighthouses. Wells news center maine there was more to see than just waves at wells beach over the weekend beachgoers spotted a whale close to shore on sunday afternoon. Kandi leigh unlike the big whale watch boats, we offer a 6 person maximum trip so you wont be packed on with hundreds of other passengers. The odyssey boasts a naturalist on board and educational information is available. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Whether you see whales will depend more on the weather the day you go out than anything else. Named one of the top whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund, cape cod is mostly inhabited by the humpback whale, though minke and fin whales are also spotted during the eightmonth long watching season.
Your ultimate guide to the best maine whale watching trips. Most take 34 hours, heading out to the major whale feeding grounds of stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary off massachusetts, jeffreys ledge, or the gulf of maine, depending on the port. Whale watching in the lubec, maine area visit lubec maine. The best time for whale watching in maine maine road trip. The best time for whale watching in massachusetts usa today. Bar harbor whale watching, maine whale tour companies. Times are tough for the travel community right now. The granite state whale watch has two cruises each day, with the season running from june 15th to august 25th. Top 5 whalewatching spots in new england and atlantic. The orca escorts a trawler in georges bank, rolling on its side to check out the captain and his boat.
Whale watching off coastal maine its amazing to see such beautiful creatures up close. Seals, dolphins, porpoises and puffins are also often seen around the whales. Maine whale watching with odyssey whale watch, portland, maine. One of the biggest issues facing maines lobster industry is the plight of the north atlantic right whale. Naturalists lead the cruises and provide expert narration. This trip with a catamaran out to the atlantic is breathtaking you will go 20 see miles out to get the experience to see whales it is fantastic to see the in the. Maine whale watching tour pictures new england usa. Yet, that is exactly what happened on a sunny afternoon in early june. These common names make it easier for the researchers to recognize and refer to specific whales when talking amongst themselves or to whale watch enthusiasts. Frequently asked questions bar harbor whale watching. 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. Click here to view location 4 western avenue route 9, kennebunk, maine 04043.
Warming waters in the gulf of maine threaten whale populations. If no whales are seen during your whale watch trip, your trip ticket will serve as a voucher to go out on another whale watch or any of our tours within three 3 years. In addition to the standardissue whale watch trips, the company also offers sunset whale watches and puffin whale combination watches. Whales love using maines waters as a summer playground, and some wonderful whale watching cruises in southern maine. From bar harbor all the way down the coast of maine, whales can be seen cruising and frolicking throughout the summer. Is october too late for whale watching in bar harbor. This part of the new england coasts contains the gulf of maine which is an important feeding ground for the species of whales who frequent the area. When you put on vibrant coloured sneakers to come to a decision this summer season. There are several fine nearby opportunities for whale watching in maine while vacationing in york. The boothbay harbor, maine, whale watching season typically begins in midapril as whales migrate north for their feeding season. This 43foot dead whale was trucked through downtown portland. There are several types of whales you can see on your tour, including humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and fin whales. Maines whale watching season kicks off in midapril, as ravenous whales arrive to feed just about 20 miles off the maine coast.
On a whale watching tour, you will be able to see these and possibly be able to view various species of sharks and giant tuna. Jun 20, 2012 whale watching from the fv lamb of god, 20 miles off the coast of maine. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. The critically endangered mammal was spotted about 15 miles.
During spring, summer and fall these whales are found most often around the sloping sides of the banks and ledges of the gulf of maine, georges bank. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. First chance whale watch kennebunkport whale watching in. Around the year 1850, the emergence of crude oil caused interest in whale oil to plummet, and whale hunting became a part of history. The gulf of maine and the region that encompasses acadia national park is rich with marine life. Finding consensus on whale protections a tough call in maine.
Giant ocean creatures can be found 30 km 20 mi off the coast from midapril through late october. Whale watching in maine is a must for many visitors, and a whale sighting could amaze even the most stubborn teenager. Killer whale a sight to see for maine fisherman portland. New england whale watch tours discover new england. Acadian whale adventures bar harbor 2020 all you need. Explore the beautiful natural and historical sights that maine has to offer with the variety of tours available through bar harbor. Whale watching in maine, kittery through portland whale watches. Halving the number of vertical lines in a state where everyone fishes for lobster in their own way presents significant challenges for. The worlds largest living creatures can be found feeding and frolicking just 20 miles off the maine coast.
We went whale watching which was something we had never done before. Bar harbor is famous for its east coast charm, and its numerous whale sightings. Maines watchable wildlife discovering maines rugged beauty and amazing wildlife has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Acadian whale adventures bar harbor 2020 all you need to. Cape ann whale watch has been dazzling whale watching enthusiasts with sightseeing tours aboard the largest, fastest and most elegant whale watching vessel in massachusetts, north of boston, massachusetts aptly named the hurricane ii due to its immense size and speed as it. Maine whale watching schedule aboard the odyssey, portland, maine. The bar harbor whale watch company and town pier will be located on your left at 1 west street in downtown bar harbor. Coastal new england hosts a wide variety of excellent whale watching operations use our list as a. 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. If youre planning a trip to the area early in whalewatching season. Let odyssey whale watch take you on an adventure you wont forget, great fun and educational for the entire family. 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. Whale watching in maine has long been a tourist favorite. The best whale watching in maine dockside guest quarters.
Since i went to hawaii last summer i missed the whale season so we decided to go whale watching this july. Susan jane with captain jim parker or, with captain robertson aboard our vessel, the 32. Whale watching in maine, kittery through portland whale. 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 news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries from the bangor daily news. There are experienced fishermen who run whale watching boats from lubec, campobello island, as well as out of eastport. Maine whale watching schedule aboard the odyssey, portland.
Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. If there werent whales to see then, they wouldnt operate during that time. Witness humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and the massive finback whale which can grow up to 80 feet long. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. The inn on the wharfs boat tarquin seats 26 with inside and outside comfort. The north atlantic right whale sighting survey narwss is a noaa fisheries program which locates and records the seasonal distribution of north atlantic. All you have to do is relax, have your camera ready and enjoy the show. We were the first whale watching company in maine to be certified under the whale sense program. Wildlife watching in maine presents a world of diversity and endless opportunities for discovery and recreation. Over the past 20 years, maine lobstermen have implemented many measures to. The endangered right whale had most likely been caught in fishing gear, federal officials say. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. Odyssey whale watch 170 commercial st, portland, maine 04101 rated 4.
Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. If youre hoping to go whale watching, check out our guide on the best times and places to whale watch in the us by season. Ill be doing a cat balou vid soon, with close ups these whales were two or three kilometers away. While wildlife watching is something visitors can enjoy throughout the state, here are two of maines most beloved wildlife and human life destinations. Maine s 5,500 miles of coastline is rich in places to hunt for colorful sea glass. 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.