Puffin Watching season? Where from!

Question

So in Boothbay Harbor they had many boats that were already done for the season, but it's a new year!

Is this the recommended place to do a boat trip to view puffins? We weren't planning to return to Bar Harbor.

Are there any places we can drive and use binoculars to see them? Not crazy about boats. Thanks!

Answer

It's wonderful that you're interested in puffin watching in Maine! These charismatic seabirds are a highlight of the state's coastal wildlife, especially during their nesting season. Here's a bit more information on the best places and times to see them:

The puffin-watching season typically runs from mid-May to mid-August, when puffins are nesting on their rocky islands. The season is now well underway, so you're in luck!

Boothbay Harbor: Although some boats may be done for the season, Boothbay Harbor is indeed one of the top locations for puffin watching. The Odyssey Whale Watch and Cap'n Fish's Cruises offer puffin-watching boat tours to Eastern Egg Rock, home to one of Maine's largest puffin colonies. While some tours may be out of service for the winter, it's worth checking with the local operators to see if any trips are available or resuming for the year. This is the best way to get close to the puffins, as they're often found on islands off the coast.
Other boat tours in the area: If Boothbay Harbor is still quiet with no available boat trips, consider exploring other nearby locations like Rockport or Camden, which are a bit farther but still close by. Companies like Camden Harbor Cruises offer puffin trips to islands like Matinicus Rock and Seal Island, which are home to puffins and other seabird species.
Non-boat puffin viewing: While puffins are most commonly seen on boat tours, there are a few places you might try for land-based viewing with binoculars. One option is Rockport’s Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the islands where puffins nest. From high vantage points like this, you might be able to spot puffins with a good pair of binoculars, especially during the breeding season when they're active.
Eastern Egg Rock (by boat): While you mentioned not being keen on boats, if you change your mind or decide to give it a try, this island is a prime location for puffins, with a large colony nesting on its rocky shore. The boat tours typically offer the best opportunity for close-up views. If you're determined to stay on land, though, you can try the various viewing spots along the coast where puffins are known to fly or dive for food, though it's a bit more challenging to see them clearly without a boat.

In short, Boothbay Harbor is a great starting point for puffin watching, and even if some tours are not yet operational, nearby towns like Rockport or Camden might have options. For land-based viewing, I recommend heading to higher vantage points like Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. Be sure to bring binoculars, as puffins can be elusive at sea, but with some patience, you might spot them from the shore!

Hope this helps, and enjoy your puffin-watching adventure in Maine!