From moose in the North Woods to puffins on the offshore islands, Maine offers some of the best wildlife watching in the eastern US. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, here is where to see it.
Looking for the best water to visit? See our guide to the best lakes in Maine.
For boat trips to see whales, see whale watching in Maine.
The best wildlife watching in Maine is moose in the North Woods around Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park, puffins on the offshore islands, whales in the Gulf of Maine, and seals, eagles, and seabirds along the coast. Each is covered below.
1. Moose in the North Woods
Moose in the North Woods is the best wildlife sighting in Maine. Maine has the largest moose population in the lower 48. The best places to see them are the Moosehead Lake region, Baxter State Park, and Route 201 near Jackman – especially at dawn and dusk in spring and early summer. Read our full guide.
2. Puffins on the Offshore Islands
Puffins on the Offshore Islands is the best seabird experience. Atlantic puffins nest on Maine’s remote offshore islands. Boat tours from Bar Harbor, Boothbay, and Cutler visit Machias Seal Island and Eastern Egg Rock in summer – the only place in the US to reliably see puffins. Read our full guide.
3. Whales in the Gulf of Maine
Whales in the Gulf of Maine is the best marine wildlife. Whale-watching tours from Bar Harbor and Boothbay head into the Gulf of Maine to see humpback, finback, and minke whales feeding in summer and early fall – one of the richest whale grounds on the East Coast.
4. Seals & Seabirds Along the Coast
Seals & Seabirds Along the Coast is the best easy wildlife watching. Harbor seals haul out on ledges all along the Maine coast, and boat tours and even shoreline walks offer easy views of seals, eagles, ospreys, and shorebirds throughout the warmer months.
5. Bald Eagles & Raptors
Bald Eagles & Raptors is the best bird-of-prey watching. Maine’s bald eagle population has rebounded dramatically. They are commonly seen along the coast, rivers, and lakes statewide – especially around Merrymeeting Bay and the larger inland waters.
6. Acadia’s Wildlife
Acadia’s Wildlife is the best wildlife watching in a national park. Acadia is home to white-tailed deer, foxes, peregrine falcons (which nest on the Precipice cliffs), harbor seals, and a rich variety of birds – all accessible along the park’s trails and carriage roads. Acadia is ★ 4.9 from 25,000+ Google reviews.
Wildlife Watching in Maine: FAQ
Where can you see moose in Maine?
The best places to see moose in Maine are the Moosehead Lake region, Baxter State Park, and along Route 201 near Jackman. Dawn and dusk in late spring and early summer offer the best chances. See our Maine moose watching guide for the top spots and timing.
Where can you see puffins in Maine?
Atlantic puffins can be seen on boat tours to Maine’s remote offshore islands – Machias Seal Island (from Cutler) and Eastern Egg Rock (from Boothbay and New Harbor) – during the summer nesting season. It is the only place in the US to reliably see them.
When is the best time for wildlife watching in Maine?
Late spring through early fall is best. Moose are most active in May and June, puffins nest from late spring through July, and whale watching runs through summer into early fall. Dawn and dusk are the best times for most Maine wildlife.
See also our Maine moose watching guide, puffin tours guide, and best things to do in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
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