{"id":6516,"date":"2024-04-29T22:48:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T02:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/?p=6516"},"modified":"2024-04-30T00:40:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T04:40:05","slug":"comprehensive-guide-to-whale-watching-in-downeast-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/comprehensive-guide-to-whale-watching-in-downeast-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"Comprehensive Guide to Whale Watching in Downeast Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The beautifully rugged coastline and islands of Downeast Maine are always worth a visit, but if you come here between May and October, you can engage in a spectacular and popular local pursuit: whale watching.<\/p>\n<p>From barnacled humpbacks to pilots, minkes, and the epic finback whale, which can reach up to 90 feet in length and weigh up to 130 tons, there are plenty of astonishing cetaceans to spot along the Downeast Maine coast throughout the summer season.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Rm92TbUZfyE?si=S7Y0xPC1AD8nt1eX\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Here we\u2019ll provide a thorough guide to whale watching in Maine, including where to go, what to watch for, how to take great whale photographs and videos, and which tour operators to trust.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Choose Downeast Maine for Whale Watching?<\/h2>\n<p>There are several reasons to choose New England\u2019s charming and pristine coastline. Firstly, it presents plenty of whale-watching opportunities. The Gulf of Maine is home to hundreds of whale sightings each year.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/coastalstudies.org\/our-work\/humpback-whale-research\/gulf-of-maine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Center for Coastal Studies<\/a> in Provincetown spend two months at sea each year and regularly spot at least 500 individual humpback whales along the Massachusetts and Maine coasts. And that\u2019s only one type of whale traveling to the region to feed every year.<\/p>\n<p>Secondly, with its quaint lighthouses, sheltered bays, wild oceans, and historic villages, there are plenty of scenic places to stay and tour when you\u2019re not on the water. Stephen King\u2019s home state has plenty to offer from the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin to Portland\u2019s homespun charms and the rural beauty of the Acadia National Park.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of activities, with kayaking, sailing, bike trails, historic buildings, and museums, and wonderful local seafood to try, there\u2019s plenty to do in this delightful part of New England.<\/p>\n<p>The whale watching activities in Downeast Maine are sustainably regulated, so you\u2019ll know you\u2019re not disturbing these intelligent and social animals. Research on whales began in the region in the 1970s and many NGOs now support whale research and conservation in the Gulf of Maine.<\/p>\n<p>The US Government\u2019s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has created a set of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fisheries.noaa.gov\/region\/new-england-mid-atlantic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guidelines for humane and sustainable whale watching<\/a>, including the distance and angles from which observation vessels can approach a pod of whales or single animal. You should ensure your whale watching operator is a voluntary signatory to these guidelines.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Best Time of Year for Whale Watching in Downeast Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Whales tend to visit the region during the warmer months from May through to October, then head south as the cold New England winter sets in. This means that the best whale watching season coincides with the influx of summer tourists, and the region has a buzz of expectation and excitement about it.<\/p>\n<p>Research on humpbacks by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) has revealed that around <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.whales.org\/whales-dolphins\/how-we-help\/humpback-whales-in-the-gulf-of-maine-usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">70% of calves return<\/a> as adults to the Maine waters where they were raised, making this a vital habitat for whales of all ages.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on when you visit, you may have a greater chance of spotting particular species. Here\u2019s a summary of when each marine mammal most commonly visits the area:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Humpback Whales<\/strong>: breach throughout spring and summer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finback Whales<\/strong>: most often sighted in fall<\/li>\n<li><strong>Minke Whales<\/strong>: spring and summer, closer to shore<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pilot Whales<\/strong>: spring and summer, often in pods<\/li>\n<li><strong>North Atlantic Right Whales<\/strong>: endangered, but sometimes sighted in spring and fall<\/li>\n<li><strong>Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins<\/strong>: 10-20 miles offshore, year-round<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If we had to recommend one month, May provides the best overlap between the annual visits of multiple species.<\/p>\n<p>Weather conditions are vital to successful whale watching too. Whales begin to visit in April but in New England the month is also known as \u201cmud season\u201d so if you want to avoid the rain, it may be worth waiting a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p>In May the average temperatures range from around 38 to 65\u00b0F, so it\u2019s warm although rarely balmy. The seas are calmer in spring and summer, and you\u2019ll have a better chance of clear and rain-free days with good visibility and calm waters.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Prime Locations for Whale Watching in Downeast Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you might expect, the best whale watching operations are stationed at the seaboard\u2019s main harbors. Each has something to offer, and below we\u2019ll present a summary of the advantages of each spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Downeast Maine, Part  2 - Whale Watching and Lighthouses\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WSlWCwcPyjk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, however, it\u2019s important to know which parts of the coast are most often visited by each type of whale. You can then choose a tour that visits your preferred region. Northeastern Ocean Data have an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northeastoceandata.org\/data-explorer\/?%7b%22point%22:%7b%22x%22:-7856000.729477398,%22y%22:5181770.315743238,%22spatialReference%22:%7b%22wkid%22:102100,%22latestWkid%22:3857%7d%7d,%22zoom%22:8,%22basemap%22:%22oceans%22,%22layers%22:%5b%7b%22url%22:%22https:\/\/services.northeastoceandata.org\/arcgis1\/rest\/services\/RecreationAndCulture\/MapServer\/29#Recreation%22,%22name%22:%22Commercial%20Whale%20Watching%20Areas%22,%22opacity%22:0.8%7D,%7B%22url%22:%22https:\/\/services.northeastoceandata.org\/arcgis1\/rest\/services\/RecreationAndCulture\/MapServer\/30#Recreation%22,%22name%22:%22Whale%20Watching%20Locations%22,%22opacity%22:0.8%7D]%7D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interactive map<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of commercial whale watching areas in the Gulf of Maine which highlights the following areas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Schoodic Ridge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Jeffrey\u2019s Bank, Skate Bank, Jones Ground and Clay Bank, among others). This is a large area commonly reached from Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Lubec or Millbridge and lies around 20-50 miles offshore.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Murray Hole and Muscongus Bay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a compact zone close to shore (10-30 miles) that can be reached from West Boothbay Harbor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portland, Maine offers a range of tours, heading out to the<\/span><b> West Cod Ledge and Bigelow Bight<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This large and popular area is 10-20 miles offshore.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The central portion of <\/span><b>Jeffreys Basin <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(around 20-30 miles from the shore) can also be reached from Kennebunkport.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key harbors to visit when you\u2019re considering which commercial tour to join include Portland, Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Millbridge, West Boothbay and Lubec. All those locations should be able to offer half-day or full-day tours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitbarharbor.com\/stay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bar Harbor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitportland.com\/visit\/stay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portland<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have the best range of accommodation, including historic inns, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfast options. For short term leases in the Maine area, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visit Rentals Maine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a selection of stunning vacation properties of all sizes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the expected drivetimes from Boston, the nearest major city in New England:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kennebunkport:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 90 miles (1.5 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Portland:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 115 miles (under 2 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>West Boothbay:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 170 miles (3 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bar Harbor:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 285 miles (4.5 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Millbridge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 295 miles (4-5 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lubec:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 350 miles (5-6 hours)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fastest route around the Downeast Coast is Interstate 95, followed by national route 1 for locations north of Portland.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those who love camping in nature, we\u2019d recommend visiting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.undercanvas.com\/camps\/acadia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under Canvas Acadia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a glamping site open between May and October and situated in the Acadia National Park a few miles between Surry and Ellsworth off the 172 Highway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out our breakdown of the best tour operators at the end of this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Whale Species Commonly Spotted in Downeast Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know what to look for when you\u2019re whale watching, including behavioral clues, fin and tail shapes, and marine mammal body shape and size. Here\u2019s a brief guide to the five most sighted whales:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Humpback Whales:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Humpback whales weigh about 25-30 tons and can reach up to 52 feet in length. They have distinctive long pectoral fins and knobby heads. Known for their spectacular breaching and complex songs, they are often seen in the Gulf of Maine from April to December. They are listed as least concern for conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Finback Whales:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The second largest species, finback whales weigh up to 70 tons and measure as long as 89 feet. They have a distinct asymmetrical coloration on their face. Fast swimmers, they are often spotted from May to November in the Gulf of Maine. Their conservation status is endangered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Minke Whales:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minke whales are the smallest of the baleen whales in the region, weighing 5-10 tons and reaching 30 feet in length. They have a pointed snout and a straight mouthline. Common from May to October, their behaviors include &#8220;porpoising&#8221; when swimming quickly. They are listed as least concern.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Pilot Whales:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pilot whales, weighing up to 3 tons and stretching up to 24 feet, are recognized by their bulbous heads and deep, black bodies. Known for their strong social bonds, they form large pods. They can be seen in the Gulf of Maine year-round and are considered data deficient in terms of conservation status.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>North Atlantic Right Whales:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Weighing up to 70 tons and reaching 52 feet in length, these whales are identified by their calluses on their heads. Extremely rare, they feed by skimming the water surface. They are visible mostly from April to November in the Gulf of Maine. Critically endangered, they face significant threats from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Other Animals to Look Out for in Downeast Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following species are also indigenous to the region\u2019s waters and coastline:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Mammals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Moose<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These large mammals are often found in the wooded areas, particularly in the northern parts of Downeast Maine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Black Bears:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Common in the forests, they are often seen during the warmer months as they forage for food.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>White-tailed Deer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Frequently spotted throughout the region, especially in forested and suburban areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Marine Life:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Dolphins:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Several species, including the Atlantic white-sided and the common dolphin, can be spotted in the waters, especially during the warmer months. They are often seen in groups, jumping, and playing in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Harbor Seals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Common along the rocky coast and near islands, these seals are often seen sunning themselves or swimming near the shore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Atlantic Puffins:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Found primarily on coastal islands, these colorful birds are best viewed in the summer months when they come ashore to breed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Birds:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Bald Eagles:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A symbol of American wildlife, bald eagles are commonly seen near lakes and rivers, where they fish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Ospreys:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These large birds of prey are also frequently observed near bodies of water, diving to catch fish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Great Blue Herons:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tall and stately, these herons are often seen in wetlands and along coastlines searching for food.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Other Notable Wildlife:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Snowshoe Hares:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adapting to the snowy environment, these hares change color from brown to white in winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Raccoons and Red Foxes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Both adaptable animals are common throughout the region, often seen near human settlements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This variety of wildlife, along with the scenic beauty of the region, makes Downeast Maine a fantastic destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Responsible Whale Watching: Eight Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some factors to bear in mind when engaging in environmentally responsible whale watching:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select a tour that is a signatory to the NOAA guidelines as described above.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t be tempted to charter a private boat with an inexpert crew.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain a responsible distance (at least 100 yards) from a pod or single animal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operators should approach a pod side on, with minimal speed and engine noise.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refrain from swimming with or attempting to feed or touch the animals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispose of waste responsibly and leave nothing in the water but ripples.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guidelines suggest each contact should last no longer than 15 to 30 minutes, to avoid spooking the whales.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider reading up on conservation issues prior to your visit, so you\u2019ll know what to expect and what to avoid.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Whale Watching Photography Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re a keen wildlife photographer or an amateur smartphone snapper, getting a photo of a whale breaching the surface, or a pod of dolphins playing in the waves could be the highlight of your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, capturing the moment is far from easy. Here are some tips from the pros to help you capture that special moment:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a long lens. Use a zoom or telephoto lens to capture close-ups even when the boat is many hundreds of yards away. The wide lenses on your smartphone may not cut it. Fortunately, companies have made compact add-on zoom lenses for phones.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a polarizing filter to help cut down the glare of a noonday sun. At a push, a pair of sunglasses can be held in front of the lens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an expensive camera, and the weather is bad, consider a wet weather housing and a lens hood to prevent Maine\u2019s drizzle from damaging it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the operator permits, consider bringing a stabilizing monopod, to help steady your camera. Holding it for long periods of time without one may prove challenging.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capturing the moment a whale\u2019s tail breaches the water can be challenging. Listen to your tour operator\u2019s advice on where a breach is likely, and film a comparatively wide range of water. Use 4K or HD video so that you can take a freezeframe or crop a wide image on your laptop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to film like a real nature videographer, get a camera with a \u201cpre-release capture\u201d feature. This setting has the camera film constantly. It then saves a section just before and after you press the shutter release. This means you can react as soon as you see the whale breach, and record the moments <\/span><b>before<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you even pressed the button! The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nikon.co.uk\/en_GB\/product\/cameras\/z-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nikon Z-8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has this feature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re recording sound, get a microphone with a windjammer, to cut down unwanted wind noise. It can be very distracting!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Understanding the Marine Ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s good to understand something of the marine ecosystem before your whale watching trip. This gives you a greater appreciation of the whale\u2019s position in the food chain and marine habitat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As one article published by the University of Vermont puts it, the whale can be considered an \u201cecosystem engineer.\u201d Humpbacks, for instance, \u201crecycle nutrients and enhance primary productivity in areas where they feed.\u201d Furthermore, there are a whole range of specialized creatures that rely on whale carcasses for their main source of nutrition. Whales feed largely on phytoplankton, encouraging the regrowth of these microscopic plants which are excellent miniature machines for carbon capture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whales are incredibly intelligent mammals, with complex family dynamics, profound memories, long lives, and intricate systems of communication that scientists are only now beginning to understand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One moving and detailed description of the complex social culture of a whale pod can be found in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.godominicanrepublic.com\/blog\/post\/the-encounter-a-whale-watching-story\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this blog post<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from the warmer climes of the Dominican coast.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Prepare for your Whalewatching Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several things you should do and bring while planning your whale watching trip. Here\u2019s our brief guide to how to get the most out of your excursion.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research your chosen areas and tour providers. You\u2019ll want to choose a reputable and responsible operator with a good record of success in spotting whales within the Downeast Maine region. See our detailed guide for how to choose one below.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the weather and pack accordingly. The Maine climate and weather can be unpredictable, so you\u2019ll probably have to pack for every eventuality. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must in summer, and thermal rainwear is wise all year round. Waterproof trousers are recommended. Rubber-soled comfortable shoes are advisable to prevent slipping on a wet deck.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do remember to charge your phone or camera and pack any SD cards you may need to store photos and video files. You\u2019ll almost certainly take more photos than you planned to, especially if your whale watching expedition is successful. Bring a waterproof or Zip-lock bag to keep easily damaged items in.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember your phone accessories as described above and consider bringing a whale-spotting guidebook or pamphlet to help you distinguish between the different fins, tails, and types of behavior. A pair of compact binoculars is a must.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whale-spotting expeditions can be long and hunger-inducing trips, so do pack a lunch and plenty of water. Bring refuse bags to take your trash home again.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are prone to seasickness and it\u2019s a choppy day, either consider postponing, or bring an anti-sickness remedy like hyoscine or antihistamines. For mild nausea, sucking a lozenge can help reduce motion sickness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do eat something before you embark on your trip, but avoid spicy or greasy food since these are more likely to trigger seasickness sufferers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>How to Choose a Whale Watching tour in Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before selecting an operator to commit to, here are some key questions to ask:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What sort of whales might be seen in the region the operator covers, and at the time of your visit?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long are the trips they offer? Whale watching trips in Maine range from around 2 to 5 hours, depending on how far offshore you\u2019ll be travelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has the operator signed up to the NOAA responsible whale-watching guidelines?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How far will it take to drive from your accommodation to and from the harbor where the ship docks?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the trip include food and drink, is there rain cover, and is there an accessible toilet facility onboard?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What level of expertise does the operator have? Some trips are led by marine biologists or cetacean experts. These may be a little more in-depth (and pricey).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s the most important question to ask: to what extent does your operator offer a guaranteed sighting? Some even offer a money-back offer if you are disappointed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all tours will be accessible to wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues, so do check in advance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Top 6 Whale Watching Trips in Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below we present our pick of the most popular and successful whale watching tours in Downeast Maine:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barharborwhales.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bay Harbor Whale Watch Company, Bay Harbor<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 3 to 5.5 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $75; kids from $27<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> May to October once or twice daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This tour heads through Frenchman Bay into the Gulf of Maine, and the guides are said to be approachable and knowledgeable. They also offer lighthouse and puffin tours.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bar Harbor Whale Watching - Bar Harbor, Maine\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cHv9Kapshrw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"padding-top:20px\">Cap\u2019n Fish\u2019s Cruises \u2013 Whale Watch &amp; Puffin Combo, Boothbay Harbor<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 4 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $96; kids from $20<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Late May to mid-August, three to six times weekly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re as enthusiastic about the colorful local birdlife as the marine mammals, consider this twofer. The Harbor princess heads to Eastern Egg Rock for the puffins, then sails out into the deeper ocean to whale watch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>First Chance Whale Watch, Kennebunkport<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 4.5 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $59; kids from $39<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Late May to mid-October, once daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aboard the boat Nick\u2019s Chance, you\u2019ll head through the dense southern feeding grounds of many whales (perhaps even the immense Blues). They offer a free pass for a second visit if your first attempt proves uneventful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Downeast Charter Boat Tours, Lubec<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2.5 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $75; kids from $55<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> June to October, daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Captain Ralph takes you out into the Bay of Fundy and past East Quaddy Head Lighthouse sharing seafaring stories and cetacean lore. He also runs a tour of the weird local phenomenon, the Old Sow Whirlpool.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.eastportwindjammers.com\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastport Windjammers, Eastport<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2-2.5 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $60; kids from $25<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> June to October, daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following a similar route to the Downeast operator, this boat doubles as a fishing skiff, and you\u2019ll get to see the experienced crew haul lobsters, starfish, crabs, and sea urchins aboard, as well as learning about the local whales.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/acadianboattours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Acadian Boat Tours, Bar Harbor<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1.5-2 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Adults from $42; kids from $15<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Operating:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> May to Early November, twice daily<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their sightseeing and nature cruise tours Frenchman Bay and offers great views of the Acadian National Park, as well as a chance to spot marine mammals and birds. It\u2019s a shorter trip closer to shore than some of the more epic Maine excursions.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The beautifully rugged coastline and islands of Downeast Maine are always worth a visit, but if you come here between May and October, you can engage in a spectacular and popular local pursuit: whale watching. From barnacled humpbacks to pilots, minkes, and the epic finback whale, which can reach up to 90 feet in length [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":6520,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-downeast-maine","category-ocean-activities"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6516"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6516\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rentalsmaine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}