Looking for the best Bar Harbor whale watching? Discover the best time for whale watching in Maine in their natural habitat and enjoy a thrilling whale-watching cruise. From humpbacks to other majestic species, our expert guides will help you witness these magnificent creatures up close. Book your Bar Harbor whale watch tours today and create unforgettable memories.

You can see whales in Bar Harbor from May to October. There are many Bar Harbor whale watch companies out there that give visitors an amazing Maine whale watching adventure. 

Bar Harbor is an awesome combination of nature, where the land and the sea meet with their own hue and charm. Here you can have the chance to spot many species of whales in the Maine waters as they breach the surface or spout the water.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Maine Key Takeaways: 

- Bar Harbor, Maine is a great place for whale watching, with many species of whales and other marine life present.

- Whale watching Bar Harbor Maine's best time is from May to October, peak months being June, July, and August.

- Some of the best whale watching tours in Bar Harbor include Bar Harbor Whale Watch, Diver Ed’s Dive In Theatre, and Acadian Boat Tours.

- Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a small museum located in the heart of Mount Desert Island and is a great place to learn about whales and other marine mammals.

There are some more blog posts that we have written on Bar Harbor after whale watching; if you wish to do some other activities, the guides below will surely help you.

Are There Whales In Bar Harbor?

Yes, there are whales in Bar Harbor!! There are different species of whales, like humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and many more. Bar Harbor can also see porpoises, dolphins, and Giant tuna. 

Bar Harbor is a mesmerizing place of nature that can pull the string of one’s heart. Whale watching is another best attraction for visitors as they can easily be spotted in the Maine waters. In the days of the summer season, the whales migrate here, on the Maine coast.

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Bar Harbor. On a cruise in Frenchman Bay, you can see many whales breaching the surface or nursing their babies. You will find many whale watching tour agencies in Maine for it. 

Can You See Whales in Bar Harbor?

Yes, you can see whales in Bar Harbor! The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers a variety of boat cruises for all ages that show different sights and wildlife around Mount Desert Island, Maine. One of the available cruises is the Whale Watch Bar Harbor Co. The cruise offers a search for whales while your guide provides information about them and other Gulf of Maine species.

What Kind Of Whales Are In Bar Harbor, Maine?

There are hundreds of Humpback whales, Pilot whales, Minke whales, Orcas, Sperm whales, and Sei whales, and Finback whales. They can also come across various species of sharks Giant Tuna, porpoises, and dolphins.

Along with immense natural beauty, Bar Harbor attracts the attention of travelers for its unforgettable whale-watching tours. It’s a pure joy to head offshore into the Gulf of Maine and observe the large baleen whale species.

As Bar Harbor is rich with marine life, you’ll have a glimpse of the true beauty of the sea with its water creations. The most visual whales off the coast of Maine are large grey Humpback whales; saddle patched Pilot whales, small Minke whales, and massive Finback whales. On a perfect clear shiny day, you can observe the whales feeding and frolicking around.

You can see Orcas, Sperm whales, and Sei whales in Bar Harbor, Maine. You can also encounter sharks, Giant tuna, porpoises & dolphins in this water adventure. Of course, nothing can hinder the excitement of being a whale observer and knowing more about them.

When is the Best Time to See Whales in Bar Harbor, Maine?

Whale watching in Bar Harbor is a seasonal activity that depends on the whales’ migration patterns and feeding habits. Here is a summary of what you can expect in Maine whale watching season:

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in April: April is the start of whale watching season in Maine, as hungry whales arrive to feed on the abundant herring near the coast. You may see finback, humpback, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. However, the weather can be cold and foggy, so dress warmly and check the forecast before booking your tour.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in May: May is a good month to see whales in Bar Harbor, as they are still feeding actively, and the weather is getting warmer. You may also spot some rare species like sei or right whales. The Maine whale watching tours are less crowded and cheaper than in the peak summer months.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in June: June is one of the best months for whale watching in Bar Harbor, as the visibility is high and the whales are plentiful. You may see finback, humpback, minke, and pilot whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and puffins. The tours are popular and may sell out quickly, so book in advance.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in July: July is another peak month for whale watching in Bar Harbor, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the whales are still feeding near the shore. You may see finback, humpback, minke, pilot, and sperm whales, as well as dolphins, seals, puffins, and eagles. The tours are busy and may be more expensive than in other months.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in August: August is a great month to see whales in Bar Harbor, as they are still abundant and active. You may see finback, humpback, minke, pilot, sperm, and blue whales (the largest animal on earth), as well as dolphins, seals, puffins, and eagles. The tours are popular and may require advance booking.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in September: September is a good month to see whales in Bar Harbor, as they are still feeding before heading south for the winter. You may see finback, humpback, minke, pilot, sperm, and blue whales, as well as dolphins, seals, puffins (until mid-month), and eagles. The tours are less crowded and cheaper than in the summer months.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching in October: October is the end of the whale watching season in Maine, as most whales leave for warmer waters by late October. You may still see some finback, humpback, minke, pilot, or sperm whales if you are lucky, but the weather can be cold and windy. The tours are less frequent and may be canceled due to rough seas.

So, embark on a thrilling adventure with an amazing whale watch Maine experience, where you can witness some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet in their natural habitat.

Private Whale Watching Bar Harbor, Maine

You can enjoy a private whale watching excursion near Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co offers private charters for group visitors to make the special events memorable. Besides, seeing whales, lobster fishing, and seal watching are something that you can also experience with them. 

Bar Harbor Whale Watch is a magnificent boating tour company offering the best whale watching, puffin cruises, nature cruises, lobster fishing cruises, or the great lighthouse adventure. It also serves its best by making the special events of its visitors memorable through its boat cruise.

In this matter, they’re providing various options and many facilities. It also provides a galley, restrooms, spacious decks, covered seating and table, and AV/PA.

If your group is also interested in private charters, you must book at least one month prior. These private charters are accessible from May to October. A group of at least 15 adults can have the reservation. Offshore excursions aren’t available in the charter.

6 Best Whale Watching Tours In Bar Harbor

There are some notable whale watching tours in Maine that you can opt for. Bar Harbor Whale Watch, First Chance Whale Watch, and Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch are the best company offers whale watching in Bar Harbor. These tour agencies maintain responsible whale watching practices and keep the visitor’s interest in the whales at its highest.

1) The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.: Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co is the most renowned tour operator in downtown Bar Harbor and operates from July to mid-October, boasting a 90% to 95% success rate in spotting marine life. The company’s high-speed catamarans enable the boat to approach whales spotted at a distance.

Whale watching tours typically last three to five hours and head 20 to 40 miles offshore, where whales are known to congregate. The best time to see whales is from June to August when the ocean is calm and the weather is clear and sunny, according to the company.

Visitors who have gone on these tours have shared positive experiences. Those who spotted whales were thrilled to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, while those who didn’t still enjoy the tour due to the beautiful scenery, local guides’ knowledge, and observing other types of marine life. Travelers advise bringing plenty of layers as it gets chilly on the water.

The tours depart once a day from the northern end of the Shore Path adjacent to the Town Pier, with schedules varying by season. From June to August, tours depart at 1 p.m., while from September to mid-October, they leave at 11 a.m.

Rates vary depending on the season, with adult tickets starting at $59, kids aged 6 to 14 starting at $33, and children under five at $14 year-round. The tour operator’s website has more information, and for other whale watching options in Maine, refer to our list of the best.

2) First Chance Whale Watch: You can take a boat ride from Kennebunkport to watch whales. The boat is called “Nick’s Chance,” one of Maine’s newest ones. It was built in 2006 and is 87 feet long. The boat has two decks and a big area at the front where you can see the whales well. The boat’s captain is very knowledgeable and can help you see other animals, like seals, dolphins, birds, and more.

3) Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch: If you care about the environment and don’t like to wait long to see whales, then you might want to try Maine’s most eco-friendly whale watching boat. This boat is good for the environment because it produces fewer harmful emissions than other boats. It’s also fast, so you won’t have to wait long to see the whales. You can take a round trip on this boat for only three hours, and it leaves from Boothbay Harbor once or twice a day from May to October.

4) Odyssey Whale Watch: You can go on a four-hour whale watching trip from Portland Harbor on the “Odyssey” boat. This boat is made of fiberglass and has two upper and lower deck levels. The company promises that you will see whales on your trip or your next one is free (but you must use it within three years).

5) Diver Ed’s Dive In Theatre: It connects visitors to the very close Frenchman Bay water with the beautiful water creatures of nature. As this amazing cruise takes you to the steam towards the interesting dive spots, you can observe the whales and get all the information about the wildlife. Get the two-hour underwater journey with kiddos at $15-$40, according to age.

6) Acadian Boat: The friendly, energetic, and animated boat tour offers whale watching. This boat tour agency has 10+ years of experience serving its visitors the finest. Around every day of the week, this cruise presents the best sightseeing along the shoreline of Frenchman Bay. See amazing wildlife and unexpected whales with the ticket prices are around $37-$57.

What to Expect on a Maine Whale Watching Trip

If you go on a whale watching trip in Maine, you can expect to spend some time on a boat traveling out to where the whales live. You’ll sit outside on the deck or inside a cabin and should wear sunscreen. You might see dolphins on the way out.

Once you reach the area where the whales are, you’ll circle and look for columns of white water that the whales make when they come up to breathe. You might also hear a rushing sound. When a whale is spotted, everyone will rush to that side of the boat with binoculars and cameras.

You might see a humpback whale jump out of the water or minke whales swimming near the surface. You’ll watch the whales for about an hour and learn about them from the boat’s captain or a naturalist on board. When the whales show their tails, it’s an amazing sight.

When the trip is over, and you go back to shore, you’ll be tired and maybe a little sick if the water is choppy, but you’ll also feel excited to have seen such amazing creatures.

Bar Harbor Whale Museum

Below we have discussed Whale Museum’s location, phone number, business hours, ticket fees, and bit review. 

Website: http://www.barharborwhalemuseum.org/

Address: 52 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Call : (207)-288-0288

Opening Hours : May-June: 10 am-8 pm

  July-August: 9 am-9 pm

  September-October: 10 am-8 pm

  Winter Hours: By Appointment 

Ticket Fees: Total Free 

Bar Harbor Whale Museum is an incredible place to be visited when you’re on a memorable tour in Bar Harbor. Here, at the Bar Harbor Whale Museum, whale lovers come across the large whale skeletons, history & conversation and can have the wonderful sight of the Gulf of Maine mammals.

Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a small museum in the heart of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor. Visitors also catch sight of beautiful ocean views along with shops, local flavor restaurants, and local lodging.

The Bar Harbor Whale Museum is close to Bar Harbor so visitors can get there by car. They can also access there on foot or by the local island bus service.

The museum’s opening hours are seasonal, especially when the rushes peak in the summer. It opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm from May to October, except July & August. Visitors can get along there around 9 am to 9 pm in these months. The museum also serves winter hours, but visitors must make appointments.

Bar Harbor Whale Museum promotes research to educate the public about the world’s largest sea mammals, whales, and to know more about aquatic sea animals.

So, the moments when you’re in Bar Harbor, pay a visit to this amazing museum and amaze yourself by observing the jaw-dropping massive whale skeletons in the Bar Harbor Whale Museum.

What Can You See at Bar Harbor Whale Museum?

You can see whale skeletons, histories, and unknown information about the other marine mammals at Bar Harbor Whale Museum.

Bar Harbor Whale Museum is a small museum operated by the College of Atlantic. It exhibits the large whale skeleton and other animals found in the Gulf of Maine. The staff of the College of Atlantic prepares those for the exhibition.

You’ll be impressed when you’ll see the skeleton of a Humpback whale in the centerpiece display of the museum. There are also other mounted skeletons in the exhibit. You can observe pygmy Sperm whales, long-finned Pilot whales, and many more skeletons. During the season, special programs are also held in the museum.

In the Bar Harbor Whale Museum gift shop, you’ll get innumerable gift products that can be perfect for gifts or be a keepsake of your memories when you’re here.

Spend a pleasant hour in the Bar Harbor Whale Museum and pick a memory for your Bar Harbor travel album.

What to wear whale watching in Maine?

Whale watching in Maine can be a thrilling and memorable experience, but you need to dress appropriately for the weather and the water. Here are some tips on what to wear based on the web search results:

1) Wear layers: The temperature can vary significantly between the shore and the ocean, and the boat can get cold and windy. You should wear several layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. Sweaters, sweatshirts, scarves, and flannel shirts are recommended. You should also avoid cotton clothes that can get wet and stay wet.

2) Protect your eyes and face: The sun can be harsh, and the glare from the water can hurt your eyes. You should wear sunglasses to shield your eyes and help spot the whales better. A hat or a visor with a chinstrap can also protect your face from the sun and the wind.

3) Bring a jacket: A waterproof jacket with a hood is a must for whale watching, as you can get wet from the spray or the rain. You should choose a warm jacket for the season, as it can be much cooler on the water than on land.

4) Wear rubber-soled shoes: The deck of the boat can be slippery, so you should wear shoes with rubber soles that can grip the surface and prevent you from falling. Avoid high heels, leather shoes, or sandals that can slide off your feet.

5) Pack a blanket: A blanket can be a nice thing to bring along to keep yourself cozy and comfortable on the boat. You can wrap it around yourself or share it with someone else.

6) Don’t forget the sunscreen: Even if it’s cloudy or cold, you can still get sunburned on the water. You should apply sunscreen before you board the boat and reapply it frequently, as the saltwater can wash it off.

7) Take extra socks: Nobody likes walking around in wet socks, and it’s easy to get your feet wet on a whale-watching trip. You should bring an extra pair of socks in a waterproof bag and change them if needed.

8) Bring food and water: Whale-watching trips can last several hours, so you should bring snacks and a packed lunch in a waterproof bag. You should also bring enough water to stay hydrated, as the salty air can make you thirsty.

FAQ

Wrapping Up: Whale Watching Bar Harbor Maine Best Time

The best whale watching in Bar Harbor, Maine offers a breathtaking experience that you won’t soon forget, with knowledgeable guides and opportunities to see a variety of whale species up close.

That’s all! In this article, we’ve tried to gather all the information about whale watching for visitors and the best time to visit Maine for whale watching. Nothing more is further required to know how exciting this tour is.

Go out for a whale-watching trip in Bar Harbor, take your binoculars or the camera & keep it ready to catch an incredible sight of whales spouting the water. We hope you found your answer on Bar Harbor Maine whale watching season and a complete guide on Bar Harbor Whale Watching.