Puffins & Lighthouses
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Port
Bar Harbor, Maine, US
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Head out into Frenchman Bay and the Gulf of Maine to see Atlantic puffins -- an iconic seabird often called the sea parrot because it sports a rather spectacular beak. You will cruise in comfort on a state-of-the-art catamaran with professional and knowledgeable naturalists and crew and view three island lighthouses along the way.
You may see seals and eagles as you approach Egg Rock Lighthouse, part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The boat will pick up speed as you head offshore to Petit Manan Island. This location is another National Wildlife Refuge Island and is home to a nesting colony of Atlantic puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and common and Arctic terns. Petit Manan is the second-tallest lighthouse in Maine. You may have a chance to talk with the researchers based on the island.
Heading to Schoodic Island in search of eagles and other wildlife, your skipper takes the scenic route along the Schoodic Peninsula to view the shoreline of Acadia National Park and the Winter Harbor Light.
Keep an eye out for ospreys and harbor porpoise, or watch lobstermen haul up their traps. Cruising through the Porcupine Islands on Frenchman Bay, you'll head back to Bar Harbor.
Notes:
Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. The boat may not be exclusive to Holland America Line guests. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.