Humpback whale tail in the air beside a boat filled with people wearing orange life vests.

A Guide to Whale Watching Tours in Bar Harbor: What to Expect and When to Go

Bar Harbor, Maine is located along the rugged coastline of Mount Desert Island and is one of New England’s best places to whale watch. Every year, thousands of tourists set out from Bar Harbor in hopes of sighting a whale breaching the surface. Visitors also hope for a glimpse of the Atlantic Puffins which are indigenous to the area as well. 


Bar Harbor whale watch tours, like those provided by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., take visitors on excursions in the area. If you’re considering a whale watching trip, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time at sea.

A harbor seal with a spotted coat rests on a mossy rock near the water. It looks directly at the camera.

What You May See

Tourists can plan to see several baleen species of whales as well as other marine life including:


  • Humpback whale- Humpback whales grow to about 60 feet in length and weigh around 40 tons. With one of the longest migration routes of any mammal on the planet, the humpback whale can swim 5,000 miles from their breeding grounds to their feeding grounds each year. 
  • Minke whale - The smallest baleen whale in North America, the minke whale only reaches lengths of 35 feet and weights of about 20,000 pounds. These whales feed on plankton, crustaceans, and small fish.
  • Finback whale - Also known as the “fin whale”, this is the second largest whale species on earth. They grow up to 85 feet in length and weigh between 40 and 80 tons. Often found in groups of two to seven individuals, they feed on krill, small fish, and squid.
  • Atlantic white-sided dolphins - A relatively small species of dolphin, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin only reaches 9 feet in length at the most. They weigh anywhere from 400 to 500 pounds. They are considered social animals that can swim in groups as large as 50 individuals.
  • Basking shark - As the second largest fish in the world, basking sharks can reach lengths of 40 feet. They spend much of their time near the surface in order to feed on the plankton found there. 
  • Harbor porpoise - At a length of under six feet and a weight of 135 to 170 pounds, the harbor porpoise is small with a robust body. They are generally seen alone or sometimes in pairs and like to eat fish like herring and mackerel. 
  • Harbor seal - One of the most common marine mammals along the coast, the harbor seal reaches six feet in length and can weigh as much as 285 pounds. They are frequently seen during whale watching trips.
  • Atlantic puffin - This marine bird can live up to 30 years and is easily spotted by its black and white coloring and large colorful beak. They are sometimes spotted during whale watching excursions in the Bar Harbor area.  

When You Should Go

The whale watching season in Bar Harbor runs from mid-May through mid-October, with the most active months typically falling between June and August. During this time, several species of whales migrate to the Gulf of Maine to feed, making sightings more frequent and diverse. Booking a trip during this peak window will provide the best chance of encountering multiple species in a single outing.

Person on boat watches a whale breach out of the ocean; whale is dark gray, person wears a yellow jacket.

What You Should Bring

There are several items you should bring with you on your whale watching trip. These include:


  • Sunblock - You’ll be spending a lot of time above deck watching for whales, puffins, sharks, and seals, so you’ll want to be sure to bring sunblock and apply it often.
  • Hat - A hat will help to keep the sun off your face and make your trip more comfortable.
  • Sunglasses - These will also help to block some of the sun’s rays and, depending on the type of lenses, may make it easier to spot some of the marine species you’ve come to see.
  • Seasick medication - Nothing ruins a whale watching expedition like seasickness. Bring along a medication such as Dramamine to help prevent the symptoms associated with being seasick.
  • Warm clothing - Wear your clothing in layers and be prepared with something warm. Though whale watching in Maine takes place during the summer months, the air is often chilly off the coast.
  • Waterproof outerwear - Bar Harbor weather means that ocean spray and fog are often encountered during a whale watching trip, and waterproof outerwear will help you stay warm and dry.
  • Camera with zoom lens - Whether you bring along a true camera or are just using the one on your cell phone, you’ll want to have something that can capture all your whale-spotting moments.
  • Binoculars - These are excellent to help you catch any distant sightings of whales, sharks, porpoises, and birds on your trip.

Below are a few tips for how you can make your whale watching trip a successful experience.



  • Arrive early - Make sure you get to your boarding destination early so that you’ve got plenty of time to find the best viewing locations on the ship.
  • Listen to the guide - They often have more specific information on the types of marine wildlife you’ll encounter on your trip.
  • Be patient and keep your eyes open - You’ll be viewing wild animals which means they don’t appear on schedule. There’s no best time of day for whale watching, so be patient and keep your eyes open!
  • Respect safety protocols - Follow all directions given by the crew at all times.

What You’ll Need for A Successful Trip

Street lined with shops and restaurants in a coastal town, featuring a large lobster sign, green accents, and a view down the road.

There are plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine both before and after your tour. Consider visiting Acadia National Park, dining on fresh Maine seafood, or browsing the town’s array of local shops and galleries. Together, the town and the surrounding coastline offer a rich blend of natural beauty, maritime culture, and outdoor adventure.

What You Can Do Beyond the Boat

Stay at Eden Village Motel & Cottages 

Eden Village Motel & Cottages provides you with the best accommodations for all your Bar Harbor activities. Our motel rooms feature fresh linens, access to our fire pit and BBQ grills, and most have kitchenettes. Our cottages all contain fully stocked kitchens, screened in porches, and private BBQ grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Rest, relax, and unwind with our lovely walking trails and backyard games. 


Book your stay today and take in some of the best whale watching on the East Coast!