See Puffins in Maine Your Guide to Atlantic Puffin Tours from Linekin Bay Resort

Experience the magic of Atlantic puffins during your stay at Linekin Bay Resort in Boothbay Harbor. Every summer, these charming seabirds return to nearby offshore islands to nest, making Maine one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see them in the wild. With our waterfront location and close proximity to local cruises, Linekin Bay Resort is the perfect basecamp for your puffin adventure.

Why Puffins Are So Special

Atlantic puffins are known for their bright, colorful beaks, striking black-and-white feathers, and penguin-like waddle. They spend most of their lives at sea and only come ashore during breeding season, making a close-up encounter on a puffin cruise a truly unforgettable experience.

One of the best places to see puffins in Maine is Eastern Egg Rock, just a short trip from Boothbay Harbor. This seven-acre island is home to the first successfully restored Atlantic puffin colony in the world, thanks to the efforts of Project Puffin and the National Audubon Society.

Vivid close-up of an Atlantic Puffin showcasing its striking beak and eye against a soft background.

When is Puffin Season in Maine?

Puffins return to Maine’s islands each year between April and August, with the peak viewing season falling in June and July. During this window, you’ll see the largest congregations of puffins as they nest, care for their chicks, and prepare to return to sea.

Pro Tip: Puffin cruises can sell out during peak summer, so we recommend booking both your stay and your cruise well in advance.

Adorable Atlantic Puffins resting on a rocky cliff in Treshnish, Scotland.

How to See Puffins

Since puffins nest on remote islands, the best way to see them is on a guided puffin-watching cruise. Fortunately, Boothbay Harbor offers some of the best tours in the region:

  • Cap’n Fish’s Cruises: Their Audubon Puffin & Scenic Cruise takes you past historic lighthouses and coastal wildlife while sharing the story of puffin conservation.
  • Hardy Boat Cruises: Operating from New Harbor, they offer one of the shortest rides to Eastern Egg Rock and a knowledgeable crew that makes the trip memorable.
Atlantic puffin perched on rocky cliffs of Iceland with ocean as background.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is the best time to see puffins in Maine?
    June and July are peak puffin-viewing months.
  2. Where can I see puffins near Boothbay Harbor?
    Eastern Egg Rock is the closest island with puffin colonies.
  3. Do I need to take a cruise to see puffins?
    Yes, puffins nest on remote islands, so boat tours are the best way to see them.
  4. What should I bring on my puffin cruise?
    We recommend bringing binoculars, a camera, layers and a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses and snacks.
Captivating portrait of an Atlantic Puffin standing on an Icelandic cliff at sunrise.

Plan Your Puffin Getaway Today!

Puffin season is short – don’t miss it! Book your stay at Linekin Bay Resort and pair it with a Boothbay Harbor puffin cruise for a Maine vacation you’ll never forget.

After a day of puffin searching, you can come home to waterfront serenity. Enjoy a Maine sunset from our Deck Bar & Grill, go for a kayak paddle, or relax by the pool. Whether you stay in our charming cabins or cozy lodge rooms, you’ll experience the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation that makes Boothbay Harbor so special at Linekin Bay Resort.
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Two Atlantic puffins standing on a rocky terrain in England, UK.