Maine Best Whale Watching Dates

Are you planning a Maine vacation that will include whale watching? In Maine the best whale watching dates are from mid-to-late April, to mid-to-late October.

It is during these months...

...that the waters in the Gulf of Maine are at their warmest and provide an excellent feeding ground...

...for the world's largest mammal that visits here during the annual whale migration.

Thankfully, this time of year coincides with late spring, summer and early fall in Maine...

...which means you should be able to enjoy whale sightings in pleasant conditions.

Where is the Best Whale Watching in Maine?

Although an occasional whale can be spotted from shore, the best place to see whales in Maine is from a whale watching cruise boat.

From southern Maine, to Downeast Maine, whale watching tours run regularly during Maine's best whale watching dates.

Boat cruises from Kittery, Kennebunkport, Wells, Portland, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, Lubec, Eastport, Milbridge, and places in between...

...take passengers nearly 20 miles offshore, to catch a glimpse of this majestic animal. Right whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and the largest animal on earth...

...the humpback whale, breach the surface of the northern Atlantic waters as they frolic in their natural environment.

With so many whales in the Gulf of Maine, whale watching cruises often offer either a money back guarantee or a voucher for a future trip. So trust me...

...local boat Captain's are tireless in their efforts to make Maine whale watching expeditions a huge success!

In addition to whale sightings, you are likely to have an up close view of other Maine wildlife - such as the seals, dolphins, ospreys, and puffins, that also have summer homes in the Gulf of Maine.

And on your cruise, lobstermen setting and pulling their traps, is as frequent of a sighting as are famous Maine lighthouses and the hundreds of islands that adorn the jagged Maine coastline.

Boat Schedules for Maine Best Whale Watching Dates

The height of summer tourist season in Maine runs from June to early September, coinciding with the school year in New England states...

...which ends sometime around mid-June and commences again in late August or early September - often just before, or after, the Labor Day holiday.

Because of this...

...the majority of whale watching tours in Maine are scheduled during school break, when ticket sales will be the highest.

However, that does not mean that you won't be able to go on a sightseeing trip earlier, or later, in the season.

Many cruise and whale watching charter companies begin operation in late April and continue well into October. But keep in mind, at those times of year their schedules may be limited to only a few days a week, and/or only one run per day.

But regardless, you will likely find late spring and early fall to be a very relaxing time to see Maine whales, with less crowds and shorter lines!

Although Maine best whale watching dates are when the weather in Maine is at its nicest, don't be fooled...

...April and May , as well as September and October, are very cool on the water (and inland also, for that matter). And although comparably warmer...

...June , July and August can still be quite chilly once you are offshore. During any month, rain is NOT unusual. You will want to be prepared!

Since whale watching boat cruises last from three to four hours, or longer...

...a dramatic air temperature change can occur while you are at sea, with a cloudless sky quickly giving way to heavy fog, or steady rain.

Packing warm clothing and rain wear is always advised. as is plenty of sunscreen. And to make the most out of your Maine best whale watching dates - don't forget to bring a camera AND binoculars if you have them!

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