Whale Watching Tour

OVERVIEW

Cruise the nutrient-rich waters off the rocky shores of Maine looking for whales, dolphins and seals that feed there in great numbers. As you head out to sea, you will pass the Old Sow, the Western Hemisphere’s largest tidal whirlpool, a phenomenon caused by the enormous range of the turbulent tides and the physical characteristics of the ocean floor. Still, whales are the star attractions of this cruise. Species such as humpbacks and minkes frequent these waters to gorge on the abundant plankton and fish larvae carried in the coastal currents. It is a breathtaking sight to see humpback whales acrobatically breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down, and feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. Minke whales are smaller, but no less impressive. They have sharply pointed snouts that appear first when they breach. Be sure to look for porpoises, seals and bald eagles as well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into waters typically teeming with whales, porpoises, and seals.
• Keep an eye out for humpbacks, minkes and other species of whales that feed there.
• Look for other marine life and sea birds, too.
• See where the Old Sow, the Western Hemisphere’s largest tidal whirlpool, occurs.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.