How to Go Whale Watching in Maine
Over 900 humpback whales call the Bay of Maine home during the warmer season, from April to October. During this time, visitors can view the large mammals frolicking and interacting, some just a few hundred yards off shore. In addition, most colonies are surrounded by dolphins, sunfish, tuna and blue sharks. Here's how to go whale watching in Maine.
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Instructions
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Plan a trip to Maine during April through October. Maine's whale-watching season lasts from mid-April to mid to late-October each year, depending on the weather. Whales can be found the entire length of the state, from Portsmouth to Eastport.
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Take a whale-watching cruise. One of the best ways to view whales in Maine is to take one of the number of cruises that depart Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport and Boothbay Harbor. These trips are generally three to four hours long and take passengers out about 20 miles from shore, where the majority of the whales congregate. Some companies even give you a voucher for a free future cruise in the rare event that no whales are spotted.
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Watch from shore. Though less exciting than the close view of the whales you get while on a whale-watching cruise, whales can be spotted from shore by those with binoculars and sharp eyes. Many seaside bed and breakfasts advertise whale-watching patios on their upper floors.
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Adopt a whale. The Whale Center of New England, based in Gloucester Massachusetts, supports their research into whale habits and whale conservancy, in part, through their "Adopt-a Whale" program. For a fee, you'll receive a whale adoption certificate, a photo and a biography of the whale and periodic updates on sightings.
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