Bookings Available December 11th, 2023

Join us on one of our most popular wildlife and sightseeing cruises!

Duration

2.5 to 3 Hours

About

Puffin season is done for now, but these trips will resume in May of 2024!

Join us for an adventure out into Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine to see the most sought-after iconic symbols of Maine: Puffins and Lighthouses!

Ride aboard state-of-the art catamarans with professional and knowledgeable naturalists and crew to see three island lighthouses, including Petit Manan, the second tallest lighthouse in Maine!

The tour begins in Frenchman Bay and visits Egg Rock which is home to the first lighthouse of the tour and a nesting colony of cormorants and gulls. Be on the look out for seals and eagles at Egg Rock! This island is part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge! After visiting Egg Rock, the boat will pick up speed and head out to an offshore island called Petit Manan. This location, another National Wildlife Refuge island, is home to a nesting colony of Atlantic puffins! See not only puffins, but razorbills, guillemots, as well as common and Arctic terns!

We might also have a chance to talk with the researchers based on the island!

The tour then stops by Schoodic Island in search of eagles and other wildlife. The boat then takes a scenic ride along Schoodic Peninsula to view the shoreline of Acadia National Park and visit Winter Harbor Light.

Keep an eye out for ospreys and harbor porpoise or watch lobstermen haul up their traps. After a cruise through the Porcupine Islands on Frenchman Bay, the boat then returns back to Bar Harbor.

Binoculars and/or a long zoom lens are strongly recommended for closer views, however they are not required to see puffins. Puffins are about the size of a pigeon.

Binoculars are also helpful for viewing other wildlife such as seals and eagles.

Photos featuring puffins were taken with a zoom lens.

We follow wildlife viewing guidelines in order to prevent disturbance of the seabirds.

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AMENITIES

• Galley has light snacks and bar, including hot and cold beverages. CASH only for galley purchases.

• Restrooms available onboard.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available. Seating is first come, first serve.

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ACCESSIBLY

• Vessels are wheelchair accessible.
• Scripts are available upon request.
• Certified guide dogs are welcome.

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RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS

• When booking, please make sure to have tickets for all members in your party, including infants, as our vessels are certified to carry a specific number of passengers.

• If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please make sure to contact our ticket office no later than 24 hours before trip departure at: info@barharborwhales.com or (207) 288-2386.

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BE SURE TO BRING

• WARM & WATERPROOF LAYERS! It is much colder out on the open ocean, even on a hot summer day, and the ride is windy when the boat is underway.

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CANCELLATIONS

• Trips can cancel due to weather conditions such as fog and high seas. Cancellations can be decided up to 30 minutes before trip departs and passengers are notified by email and automatically refunded. To re-book a trip, please contact our ticket office at 207-288-2386

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DON'T MISS THE BOAT!

• We recommend arriving at the dock 45-60 minutes before departure.

• Municipal paid parking is available at the town pier and in downtown Bar Harbor. It is recommended to arrive early to find parking, as spots can fill quickly. Plan enough time to get into town, park, and get to the dock.

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SEASICKNESS-TIPS & TRICKS

Due to the conditions of the seas heading out to the puffin nesting island, sea sickness can be an issue for some.

Here are some tips:

• Stay hydrated.

• Try ginger chews or candied ginger.

• Over the counter sea sickness aids should be taken 1-2 hours before the trip leaves the dock. They usually don't work after the boat is out.

• Acupressure wrist bands.

• Stay outdoors, looking to the horizon, and avoid the front or upper level parts of the boat.

• Avoid racing to or staying the restrooms or cabins if you start to feel queasy. These locations will make you feel worse.

• The captain and crew will inform passengers of the sea conditions. If folks feel they won't be comfortable with the seas, they can depart and reschedule or get a refund.

• The crew are available at all times if you need assistance.

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RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS?

Yes! We welcome all ages! Kids can certainly enjoy this trip and learn a great deal! Just a couple things to keep in mind:

• Safety- it is crucial that kids have an adult with them at all times. We are out on the open ocean and kids tend to wander off, attempt to jump, run, swing and climb on things they shouldn't and could potentially get injured. It helps to make sure adults are reinforcing the safety rules!

• Seasickness- kids tend to get seasick more easily. Keeping kiddos hydrated, in the open air, and avoiding sugary foods will help keep them from getting seasick.

HAVE QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT THE FAQ PAGE OR CONTACT US AT INFO@BARHARBORWHALES.COM OR (207) 288-2386