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. This is a great way to see these unique birds in their natural habitat! They’re only around for a few months each year, so here’s what you need to know before planning a trip.
In addition to embarking on a puffin cruise in Maine, be sure to consider the area’s countless other attractions. 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.
What You Need to Know About Taking a Puffin Cruise in Maine
What Is a Puffin?
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.
During a puffin cruise in Maine, look for small creatures that resemble penguins. Puffins don black beaks with orange streaks, black heads, and white bellies. Seeing one of these rare birds in person makes a Maine puffin cruise a truly worthwhile venture!
What to Know Before Visiting
The best time to see puffins in Maine is between April and August. During this time, the Eastern Egg Rock colony is visible by boat. Midcoast Maine’s spring and summer months offer perfect conditions for the puffins that live on the rock. There, they lay eggs and raise their young into maturity. Come August, it’s time for them to migrate elsewhere. Embarking on a puffin cruise in Maine is a fun way to see something unusual, and it makes for a great summer vacation activity!
Where to Go on the Best Puffin Cruise in Maine
Here are a few puffin cruises to consider when planning a trip to the Southport, Maine, area!
Cap’n Fish’s Audubon Puffin & Scenic Cruises
This company operates out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, just a few minutes away from the small town of Southport! Cap’n Fish’s Audubon Puffin Cruise was the first in the region and remains one of the most popular. A cruise aboard one of their boats is narrated by a certified marine biologist, so prepare for an educational journey. A plus of cruising with this company is that the boats used are environmentally-friendly! Cap’n Fish’s company also offers whale watching, which is one of the best things to do in Maine this April.
Hardy Boat Cruises
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.
Come Back to Comfort at Newagen Seaside Inn!
When visitors stay at Newagen Seaside Inn, they are just minutes away from all of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor! Plan to take a puffin cruise in Maine, then be sure to book a stay at our historic inn. At Newagen Seaside Inn, every accommodation is equipped with comfortable beds, charming coastal decor, and premium amenities like free Wi-Fi and fun activities. Choose between private cottages or traditional guest rooms, which both boast sparkling views of the nearby ocean. During the warmer months, guests can also attend exciting on-property events like our signature lobster bakes! There’s truly no better place to stay in Midcoast Maine.