Maine's Atlantic Puffins Are Adorable To See On This Unique Scenic Boat Tour
By Michelle|Published April 08, 2021
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Maine is full of impressive wildlife. Most people think of moose when they consider what animals call the state home, but there are so many others that are worth seeking out. With their brightly colored orange beaks, Atlantic Puffins are one of the most impressive to see. Each summer more than 4,000 can be spotted off the coast of Downeast Maine and eastern Canada. And the best way to do it is to take this beautifully scenic boat ride!
To see the best of the Maine coast you'll want to head to Boothbay Harbor for a ride on one of Cap'n Fish's daily puffin cruises!
From mid-May through October hop aboard the most comfortable sightseeing vessel in the region, complete with a large upper deck area offering 360-degree views of the surroundings. This is perfect for seeing one of the Atlantic Puffins that spend their time in the north Atlantic.
The National Audubon Society has worked tirelessly to re-establish a thriving puffin colony in the area, which means passengers will see far more these days than they might have years earlier.
These creatures are certainly the draw, but there's so much more to see here. Along with the puffins, passengers might see seals, porpoises, and other birds.
The boat also passes Ram Light, Burnt Island Light and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Maine's famous islands are also on display here. Passengers will want to keep an eye out for Fisherman’s Island, Ocean Point and Spruce Point.
Best of all the entire tour is narrated by the National Audubon’s Puffin Project which means the information on the history of puffins in the area and the restoration of their colony on Eastern Egg Rock is coming straight from the people responsible for the project.
While you can hop on a variety of boat tours all over the country, this one can't be replicated anywhere else. That also means this is a popular excursion for those visiting the area. If you can, book early to make sure you get a spot. And don't forget to watch the puffin cam to see what they're up to when you're not around!
Cap’n Fish’s Maine Puffin Cruise departs mid-May through August at 10 a.m. each day. Tickets are $45-50 for adults 13+ and $35-40 for kids 12 and under. Dogs are invited to come along and their ticket is $20. Children under 2 are free. You can learn more about the trip and check availability by visiting their website. You can also follow them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-613-7339.
