If you’re planning a trip to Maine’s coast, you’ve probably heard about the famous puffin tours. We decided to venture beyond the sunset cruises we took on previous trips and opted for Acadian Nature Cruises’ Puffins, Lighthouses, and Seabirds tour—and let me tell you, it was an adventure we won’t soon forget.
What Makes This Tour Special
This tour is designed for the true nature enthusiast. Unlike the gentler harbor cruises, this excursion takes you pretty far offshore to reach the islands where puffins nest alongside other seabirds with a knowledgeable seabird guide. We had the chance to visit three different lighthouses during our journey, making it a photographer’s dream if you love those iconic coastal beacons.
The highlight, of course, was seeing the puffins up close. There’s something magical about watching these colorful, comical birds diving for fish and waddling along the rocky shores. The island was absolutely teeming with seabirds—not just puffins, but other fascinating species that call these remote islands home.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Here’s where we need to give you some honest advice: this tour gets rough. We’re talking open ocean conditions here, and the waves can really pick up once you’re away from the protected harbors. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to come prepared with medication or consider a different tour option.
We also didn’t anticipate just how cold it would be out there. Even though we went at the end of July—peak summer—the combination of wind, ocean spray, and distance from shore made it surprisingly chilly. A raincoat alone wasn’t quite enough to keep us comfortable. Next time, we’d layer up with a fleece or warm jacket underneath.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Despite the choppy waters and chilly conditions, this tour delivers exactly what it promises. If you’re genuinely interested in lighthouses, seabirds, and especially puffins, this is the tour for you. It’s more intense than a casual harbor cruise, but that’s precisely what makes it memorable.
The price point seemed slightly more affordable than the popular sunset tours, possibly because it’s a bit more demanding physically. We’d call that a fair trade-off for the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and the thrill of venturing into true open ocean territory. Pack smart, bring your camera, and prepare for an authentic maritime adventure.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here.