Whale watching in Maine means a boat trip out into the Gulf of Maine, where whales come to feed in the cold, rich water. Tours run from several harbors, from Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor to Kennebunkport and Eastport, and the season lasts from spring to early fall. Here is where to go, when to go, and whether it is worth the money.
Quick answer: Summer is the main season, and the boats run roughly from spring to October. Bar Harbor has the most tour options, Boothbay Harbor and Kennebunkport are good for a shorter trip from the southern coast, and Eastport is the choice if you are already Down East. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Where to Go Whale Watching in Maine
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is the busiest whale watching port in the state, and it pairs naturally with a day in Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. runs offshore trips that last roughly three to five and a half hours, depending on the tour. See our Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. listing and our Bar Harbor guide.
Boothbay Harbor
From Boothbay Harbor, whale watching cruises head out to feeding grounds where you can also see dolphins, seals, sharks and seabirds. See our Boothbay Harbor Whale Watch listing.
Kennebunkport
For a shorter outing on the southern coast, First Chance Whale Watch runs whale watching and scenic boat tours around Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, with trips of about an hour and a half.
Eastport
Eastport, at the far eastern edge of Maine, has its own whale watch. See our Eastport Whale Watch listing.
When to Go
Whales return to Maine’s coastal waters in spring to feed on small fish and plankton, and tours generally run from spring through October. Summer is the most reliable and the most popular time, so book ahead for July and August. Check each operator for exact season dates, since they vary by harbor and by year. See Maine in summer for planning the rest of your trip.
Is Whale Watching in Maine Worth It?
For most visitors, yes, with realistic expectations. These are wild animals in open water, so no operator can guarantee a sighting. Even on a quiet day, you are on a boat in the Gulf of Maine with a good chance of seeing seals, seabirds and porpoises. If you want a guaranteed wildlife experience, a puffin trip to Machias Seal Island is a different kind of outing. See puffin watching at Machias Seal Island.
What to Know Before You Book
- Dress in layers. It is much colder and windier on the water than on shore, even in summer.
- If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy before you board. Offshore trips can be rough.
- Ask what the operator does if no whales are seen.
- Check trip length. Tours range from about an hour and a half to more than five hours.
- Bring sunglasses, a hat and a camera with a zoom lens.
Rates, schedules and season dates change, so confirm everything with the operator before you book. For more wildlife, see our guide to wildlife watching in Maine.
Whale Watching in Maine FAQ
What is the best time for whale watching in Maine?
Summer is the main season, and tours generally run from spring to October. Book ahead for July and August.
Where is the best place to go whale watching in Maine?
Bar Harbor has the most tours and combines well with Acadia. Boothbay Harbor and Kennebunkport are better if you are on the southern or midcoast side.
Will I definitely see a whale?
No. Sightings are never guaranteed, so ask each operator what happens if none are seen.
How long is a whale watching tour in Maine?
It depends on the operator. Shorter tours run about an hour and a half, and offshore trips from Bar Harbor can last from three to five and a half hours.