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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. 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.
WHALE WATCHING & PUFFIN 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.
Quality Maine Christmas Tree Farms to Visit
I spent the 30-minute return trip berating myself for not taking some Queasy Drops with me, and reciting I will not throw up, I will not throw up in my mind. For $35, you went on a tour narrated by a National Audubon Naturalist, and you did see puffins. The Machias Seal Island (not to be confused with Seal Island below) excursion is hands-down one of the best puffin tours, most unique experiences, and hardest boat seat to get in Maine. The National Audubon’s Project Puffin Seabird Restoration Program team narrates two puffin tours to Eastern Egg Rock, an experience you can’t get with any other vendors. You’ll hear directly from those who made puffins come home again.
How Did Puffins Disappear from Maine?
With a proprietary cocktail of one Bonine and two ginger capsules every four hours, I can usually manage it well enough on planes, trains, and buses. But stop-and-go car traffic and choppy waters are my nemeses. We’d gone on a rolling-seas whale watch in Cape Cod several years ago, during which a handful of people were unable to hold down their breakfasts. How I managed not to toss mine overboard remains a mystery, but I’d walked off the boat on shaking legs. Following the Black Hole of travel writing that was 2020, I’ve been fortunate—and hugely relieved—to have a steady flow of assignments since the early spring.
These boat tours only fill to half capacity, offering plenty of room to explore two boat decks. As noted above, they return to the same colonies year after year, so only certain islands are part of official puffin tours. One hundred years ago, puffins were hunted for their feathers, eggs, or meat.
If no whales or puffins are sighted on YOUR trip, you will receive a standby ticket good for another whale watch, puffin cruise, or other cruises. Tour boats depart from Jonesport, Cutler, Bar Harbor, Millbridge, Stonington, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde depending on which puffin colony you wish to visit. Some have naturalists on board to share details about the birds and their island homes. Machias Seal Island is the only island that visitors can land on and view puffins from close range behind blinds.
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. More than 4000 people embark on puffin watching cruises with Audubon naturalists each summer.
Transported By Puffins - Wiscasset Newspaper
Transported By Puffins.
Posted: Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise by the Petit Manan Lighthouse, see Puffins and More in Maine!
It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland is a great place for people of all ages to learn about the puffin and experience hands-on exhibits. Our mission is advancing the science of seabird conservation while encouraging protection and appreciation of seabird habitats worldwide. Join us on this one of a kind cruise dedicated to off-shore birding! The fall excursion gives a chance at some very sought after pelagic species, such as the Great Skua.
The research interns on the island talk with us via radio, giving us the chance to learn about their work on the island, the status of the puffins and other nesting seabirds, and history of Petit Manan Island. The best months to see puffins from tour boats are June and July, but excursions to the islands happen from May through August. New Harbor is only 5 miles from Eastern Egg Rock (EER) making it the closest, easiest and most convenient way to see these fascinating birds. On the way to the EER during our puffin cruise you will see Franklin Island Lighthouse, Monhegan Island, the islands of Muscongus Bay and a spectacular view of the Camden Hills. If no whales are spotted on your whale watching cruise, your trip ticket(s) will serve as a “Rebook Voucher” to go out on another whale watch or any of our other available cruises within three (3) years.
On this 2 ½ hour cruise, you will encounter a variety of other marine life. We follow wildlife viewing guidelines in order to prevent disturbance of the seabirds. Puffin tours begin in early June and run through mid-August, occur rain or shine, and are dependent on sea conditions. Bring appropriate attire – include a sweater or windbreaker and sunscreen.
Meclizine, also known by the brand name Bonine, works best for me, and doesn’t cause as much drowsiness as Dramamine. Jennifer Hardy is a journalist and content creator with more than 30 years of experience covering news, travel, and safety from coast to coast. When she's not behind a keyboard, she's out in nature with her golden retrievers. You have two ways to see puffins on a cruise from this Bar Harbor departure point. You’ll be a good 23 miles off the coast of Maine, so strong sea legs and an appetite for adventure are a must.
View and learn about the marvelous creatures we are seeing on our recent tours. It took about 15 minutes for the imminent-barfing sensation to subside, replaced by fatigue and low-grade but not unmanageable queasiness. VisitMaine.Net – The unofficial guide to exploring the great state of Maine. Even farther out than Matinicus Rock, Seal Island is also a wildlife refuge.
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