where to see seals in southern maine
An Ogunquit landmark since 1961, Billys is where you go for boiled lobsters and steamers if youre tying up in Perkins Cove. Stay off the GRASS! 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA Mammals are the class of animals that have fur or hair and produce milk for their young. A huge population of migrating birds makes Maine one of the best places to see wildlife if youre a bird enthusiast. 13 Drakes Island Beach Drakes Island Rd. See Bernard Langlaiss whimsical wooden creatures in the seaside sculpture garden at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art come Wednesday mornings for kiddie story time and crafts. Southern Maine Coasts Saco and Biddeford add oceanside haunts and typical Downtown Maine attractions to visit. Any suggestions? The Can-Am Crown is an international sled dog race with a 29-year history, held in Fort Kent, Maine. The stand goes through 250,000 pounds of potatoes a season. 207-371-2990. Station Rd., Beals. The puffins have already left their nesting areas. Males weigh from 120 to over 300 pounds and run about five to six feet in length; females are slightly smaller. Since many moose tip the scales at 1,000 pounds or more, with antlers spanning six feet, its no wonder making visual contact with a Maine moose is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experience. 207-563-1393. Maine is one of the few states in the U.S. with a sizable moose population. 207-967-6065. Another itinerary question-Moosehead Lake? Southern Maine, a million miles from the daily grind, is only a short distance from you. Instructors at Black Point Surf Shop (134 Black Point Rd., Scarborough; 207-939-6016) lead 90-minute tutorials by appointment ($90 for one person, $140 for two, with discounts if you BYO gear); Liquid Dreams Surf Shop (171 Long Beach Ave., York; 207-351-2545; 696 Main St., Ogunquit; 207-641-2545) has a whole catalog of 3-day beginners programs ($170), kids clinics and mini-camps ($50$90); private lessons ($70$105), and ladies nights ($40); Maines original surf shop, Wheels N Waves (365 Post Rd., Wells; 207-646-5774) offers multiple 2-hour tutorials daily in summer ($40$90, depending on group size and gear needs). The best time for whale watching is mid-April to October. Light use. Like all mammals, seal pups begin life drinking . Like any wild animal, seals are where you find them, so no guarantees. 21 Timber Point Timber Point Rd. The OOB pier is one of the great American boardwalks and a slice of southern Maine at its unassuming best. Wave action also breaks down the bedrock alongside beaches, rolls stones until theyre smooth, and washes away mud and sand. By continuing to navigate through this site or by clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice. 207-244-5785. The entire Kennebunkport Coastline in an epic 1 Hour adventure. 207-644-8300. In addition to whales, a number of other marine creatures will be waiting to make your acquaintance seals and dolphins among them. Frye Island is the only island on this list that is not off the coast of Maine. Join us today! Ogunquits paved, mile-and-a-quarter seaside footpath is a classic Maine stretch of the legs. My family and I will be visiting Acadia and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Been looking online - there is one at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? No, thats not a penguin youre seeing. 207-729-5181. 207-367-2788. 59 Morrill Rd Address: From Portlandswaterfront, there is easy access to Casco Bay ferries, water taxis, and boat tours to nearby islands including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island. Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. Its one of those rites of passage youd have to be a moose to fully appreciate. Southern Maines best kept secret! 2. North from Perkins Cove to Beach St., with multiple access points along the way. Built by a Connecticut bridge company in 1898, its a remnant of the golden age of Atlantic beach towns, when seaside boardwalks and pleasure piers sprang up from Atlantic City to Daytona Beach. Ashley Billman, Down East reader. A good pair of binoculars is a great way to enjoy them while still giving them enough distance so as not to disturb them. Planning a trip with the kids and dont want to leave spotting a moose to chance? 9. Gray seals, Halichoerus gypus, are the largest seal found in the area, with males growing to 8 feet . Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike, kayak or SUP tours, 3 hours, $85. Including approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorback auks and 500 pairs of common murres. Learn more. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake Schoodic Institutes Seth Benz will lead this special bird tour designed to enhance your enjoyment o Register today for Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park's first Bird Tour of 2023! Businesses and locations related to: Maine Wildlife, Golden Road State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maines rugged landscapethe largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. THE GEOMETRIC confusion of silhouetted rooflines, a sunrise or sunset streaking the backdrop orange and pink, the spring tide surging through the spindly forest of pilings: you can keep your Portland Head Light for our money, the Old Orchard Beach pier is the states most compelling man-made landmark. The Port can only be found in the coast of Southern Maine; a distinctive coastal blend of food, shopping, and beaches combine with beautiful scenery and charming hotels and BnBs for a memorable visit. You can walk to the end of State Pier and usually see them or take a Casco Bay Lines ferry, or one of the other tours available in Portland, to see them out in the bay. Sandy, paid parking, concessions, lifeguards, toilets. There are definitely seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 207-730-1926. Explore the tidewater on a paddling day trip. But over the years, we've had good luck at the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve, especially at low tide. PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake From $179. Whales can be seen up and down Maines coastline, but are best viewed by booking a whale watching boat tour. It is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to handle these animals. Located right along the coast, Portland has some of the best chefs inspired by Maine seafood and local farm raised food. Voted #1 in New England by Yankee Magazine for the best chance of finding Moose! A noreaster removed enough sand from the beach to uncover the wreck for the first time in modern memory. 8 Beach St., York Beach. 11. The dinner menu changes from week to week, but the generous and piquant fish tacos are always in season, as are the Dark N Stormies the official cocktail of the many regulars holding down barstools. A ship called Industry ran ashore at Short Sands Beach, according to records some believe the wreck is Industrys remains. Located within Acadia National Park, the lighthouse is a favorite of photographers, who typically shoot from the rocky shore below. During the summer season in the Southern Coast of Maine, you can overhear many visitors speaking English, French, various European languages, and even Jamaican. Getting pulled behind a speedboat is more relaxing than it sounds when youre drifting 1,200 feet above the waves. Seals like to "haul out" to rest, sun themselves on rocky ledges or rocky shorelines on islands. From $399. When you look out on the Jonesport and Beals harbor, you see only working lobsterboats. You may even have the opportunity to see birds that dont normally visit the mainland. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113317266', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise with Acadian Boat Tours out of Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor and it goes right past Egg Head Light and there were SO many seals hanging out by the light house. The park is home to animals that have been injured, orphaned or are too dependent on humans to be released back into the wild. Not a hiker? Shop Now. In its first year with new director Michael Mansfield (most recently of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art), Ogunquits nationally recognized art museum has an impressive slate of summer and fall exhibitions. } When you visit the Museums of Old, Read More Experience the 9 Buildings of the Museums of Old York MaineContinue, The Maine Waterfront Dining Experience Food and water. On the way out, Kettle Cove Creamery and Caf is a stone-cold classic for cones and lobster rolls. I have researched, but can't really find a clear answer. Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary and the Berry Woods Preserve Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. 17 Post Rd., Wells. It's a storm with major impacts for southern Maine, with an estimated snowfall rate of 1 inch . It has consistently been our best Maine canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. } Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. . Visit Fort McClary State Historic Site, also in Kittery, where an 18th-century fort overlooks the Piscataqua River. Take a Hardy Boat Cruise, based in New Harbor, around the island, and watch these birds swim and romp in their natural habitat. Maine has a wide . Required fields are marked *. 15. Cliff House. Its wicked cheap too. You'll visi You and the whole family are invited to exscape and relax in Maine's Aroostook County. Lets start with the Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland. Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even tomatoes at Spiller Farm in Wells. According to the Marine Mammals of Maine, on southern Maine beaches, many people try to help these young seals by feeding them or wrapping them up and bring them to the water. It was amazing! The 3-mile beach consists of two well-protected crescents, and the slope is gentle, making Goose Rocks a favorite of families with young kids. This snug state park in Cape Elizabeth is really two beaches in one. Seaside Inn. The Strausses share stories about their community and the fishing way of life, and they stop to haul a lobster trap. The path connects (awkwardly, via the beach and social trails the Cliff Walk ranger can steer you) to the -mile Fishermans Walk from the harbor to the Wiggly Bridge, the worlds smallest suspension bridge.. Share this Article. 207-833-7775. I have taken small groups of tweens/teens to Boston and we've always stopped at the seal tank outside the aquarium to watch the seals swim and play. 2391 Harpswell Islands Rd., Bailey Island. Pebbly, free (limited) parking, no facilities. Sea Kayaks were originally invented by arctic peoples such as the Greenland Inuit for seal hunting, and these quiet, sea worthy crafts give you an up close, seals eye view of the world. Late spring means seal pupping season in mid-coast Maine. (207) 502-8040. var _ctct_m = "0706d9b9bf00aebc0dc1bb571c5a40b2"; Click here to Learn more about adventures, Click here to Learn more about kennebunk adventures, Click here to Learn more about portland adventures, Click here to Learn more about private tours, Click here to Learn more about all new england eco adventures, Click here to Learn more about our vessels, Click here to Learn more about gift cards, Click here to Learn more about rugosa lobster tours, Click here to email matt@newenglandecoadventures.com, Click here to view location Kennebunk Maine is the only place in the United States where you can see puffins in the wild. THERES A SHIPWRECK BURIED BENEATH YORKS SHORT SANDS BEACH. Travelers from all over the world flock to the Southern Maine coast for the ideal summer vacation. Theyre really not. Dont disturb piping plover or least tern HABITAT. 1 Marina Way Less dazzling ceramic bits and pieces of frozen Charlottes antique porcelain dolls are also fun to collect. Home to rare plants like beach-head iris and birds-eye primrose, the islands managed by The Nature Conservancy. Storms periodically revealed the wreck for brief periods, about every 10 years. The most dramatic finding was in Saco, where there was a report of a dead seal on the beach early Monday morning. Having had their fill while filling camera disks and memory banks the whales head south in October to warmer waters. 207-967-4243. gokennebunks.com Crescent Beach State Park Magic hour at Crescent Beach. The National Marine Fisheries Service recommend that any stranded animal be left alone. Back-door access to Goochs Beach from what is very likely Americas oldest hotel: an inn has occupied the spot since at least 1660. Golden Road From $159. Linking Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach, themile-and-a-quarter paved walkway traces its origins to 1925. 207-967-2321. Camdens one literary town. 11 Crescent Beach Gold Ribbon Dr. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. The seals disperse when the baitfish run disappears, usually about the time the stripers start returning, ie early June or thereabouts. York Harbors -mile shoreline path an out-and-back walk from York Harbor Beach doesnt have its neighbors notoriety, in part because its more rugged (a mix of paved segments with railings and unimproved trail) and in part because decades of landowner squabbles have kept access in flux. Share your pride in Easterseals with branded products from the Easterseals store. Light use. Give this Article . All rights reserved. Races start at 10:30AM - registration accepted up to 1 hour before the race. 12. .eb-col a { text-decoration: none; } You can see seals at the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Where is the best place to see seals in the wild. more. Most of Maines beaches are shingle beaches, particularly northeast of Portland, and many of those shingles were deposited there by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which scraped them up inland as it moved across the continent some 15,000 years ago. .eb-p {width:100%; margin-top:0;} Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, Business and Economic Development Resources. Get a deck seat and dont skip the fruity, blood-red rum punch, the tastiest cocktail youre likely to sip through a straw this summer. Their population is greatest in the Western Lakes and Mountains regions, the Kennebec Valley, the Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. Glenn Dochtermann (go ahead and call him Doc) learned to fish off the beach from his dad some 60 years ago, and hes been out surf-casting ever since for stripers, pollack, and more. Moderate use. The 17th running of the islands scrappy jazz fest is spread out across three venues: the Stonington Opera House(1 Opera House Ln., Stonington), The Reach Center for the Performing Arts (249 North Deer Isle Rd., Deer Isle), and gWatson Gallery (68 Main St., Stonington). Humpbacks and minkes are the whales most often spotted, but blue whales and right whales make occasional appearances as well. In addition to two lab buildings that students use for marine and terrestrial studies visitors should be mindful of active research sites as they explore the property offers 3.6 miles of public trails that wind through spruce forests, meadows, and stands of hardwood en route to the jagged shoreline. Ten of these species occur on the West Coast: Guadalupe fur seals and nine cetaceans, including two distinct population segments (DPS) of humpback whale and the Western North Pacific DPS of gray whale. Easterseals Southern California. Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center. .eb-image-left {width:100%; max-width:400px;} The result: a perfectly crisp coating that keeps clams from losing flavor to the fryer. Taffy technicians have been stretching masses of boiled sugar at the Goldenrod, in York Beach, since 1896 today, passersby watch through the windows as mechanical pulling machines do their thing. Join us on Adventure Seal Watch that you won't soon forget. 398 Rte. $65, plus lunch. Heavy use. 6 Cape Neddick Beach Shore Rd. Plus, theres room to roam. However, with so many beautiful beaches and charming towns in southern Maine, many visitors miss the opportunity to track down these animals. .eb-hero-content p { width: 80%; } Dawn breaks over Five Islands Harbor, in Georgetown. We are a small family run outfit that specializes in personalized one-on-one guided trips. The seals congregate in the Kennebec rivermouth every spring to gorge on returning baitfish that swim upriver. Maine Quest Adventures is a locally owned and operated Katahdin Region Outfitter. Best Places To See Wildlife In Southern Maine Eastern Egg Rock No, that's not a penguin you're seeing. The Southern Maine Coast region is a year-round vacation spot with miles of sandy beaches, many hotels, motels and inns, excellent restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor activities for every season. No trip to Maine would be complete without visiting Acadia National Park. Visitors can view a live camera feed of puffin activity and learn about conservation efforts to protect puffins and other seabirds of Maine. Her farm-to-table approach means the menu is always in flux, but lobster figures prominently (the states most productive lobstering fleet is out her back door) and often unexpectedly par for the course is a recent dish of applewood-smoked lobster beignets, served over local greens. M.C. You ll have the opportunity to safely and comfortably view these magnificent creatures and other wildlife as you learn about moose habits and habitat from a knowledgeable guide. I will be in Bar Harbor from 4 Oct thru 8 Oct. Follow Harbor Dr. to Lighthouse Rd. While a big animal, the harbor seal is only about half the size of the gray seal, the . Visit the Easterseals Store. 13. You were very helpful. That's about the best I can do with so little info. Youll need a wet suit (because brrrr), and the steep swells can be elusive, but Maines surfing community is passionate and welcoming. 7 Little Beach Marginal Way, off Israel Head Rd. 207-967-4461. . Who needs a pontoon boat when youre naturally buoyant? 19 Cleaves Cove Beach Halcyon Way. Dont leave logs on the beach or fires unattended. Colonial or post-colonial shipbuilders launched the vessel either a sloop or a schooner, probably about 60 feet long, judging from the hull fragment thats left on the beach. Moderate use. Its not every day you see a moose. 207-646-7088. About half that is along the water itself, running parallel to muddy flats and steep, short cliffs. Get answers to your questions about Maine. It's hard enough to find them by going ten miles out to sea. Sitting right on the dock alongside Camden Harbor, Rhumb Line combines the carefree spirit of Jimmy Buffett with fresh, simply prepared Maine seafood and killer craftcocktails. Sandy, free parking, toilets. 26 Old Orchard Beach Rte. Meeting location: 8 Western Ave. inside Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike. Camden Hills State Park is laced with miles of trails, nearly all leading to incredible views of Penobscot Bay, but if you only have time for one mountain, make it Battie. This humble one-room museum on Stoningtons main drag is centered around a working model of one of the granite quarries that once operated on the surrounding islands basically, the most elaborate educational train set youve ever encountered. The dusky glare helps hunters distinguish darker colors against rocks. Inn by the Sea. Old Village Inn. What not to do on the southern Maine seashore. Glass bottles are also a no-no, regardless of whats in them. 30 Higgins Beach Ocean Ave. Sandy, paid parking, showers and toilets. (207) 502-8040, Map Marker If you love seals, beautiful scenery, or just want to be on the ocean, this is the tour for you! Well head over to Cape Porpoise Harbor and Bumpkin Island to enjoy the seals that call that area home. 12 Wells Beach Mile Rd. 9. 27 Pine Point Beach Rte. 9. Go before sunset, grab one of the tables on the harborside patio, sip a beer, and sigh contentedly as the sky turns red and streaky. From $299. The southernmost section, known as the Main Beach, has copious concessions and spots to rent everything from beach chairs to bodyboards, along with warm(-ish) commingled waters where the Ogunquit River spills into the sea. A few best bets for paddling day trips: Harbor Adventures leads kayakers on a half-day lobster luncheon paddle that takes in Fort Foster and heads up shady Chauncey Creek, with a lunch stop at a lobster pound. Moose can be spotted diving for dinner in wet boggy areas, chilling out in gravel pits, and doing some sightseeing of their own on hiking or snowmobile trails. Reid State Park A brilliant display on a warm spring day. 140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. Multiple outfitters in the Kennebunks can guide short paddles along the tidal Mousam River, which wends through the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge to meet the sea at Parsons Beach. Get outside on your next vacation, and visitsome of the best places to see wildlife in southern Maine. I'd drive either way. Ogunquit Beachis a peninsula beach with water on three sides and was rated by Good Housekeeping as one of the top ten beaches in the United States. On the shoreline, you see a village that probably looks very similar to what it was in the 1930s and 1940s. Pebbly/sandy, paid parking, toilets. 17 Goochs Beach Beach Ave. Sandy, paid parking, lifeguards, toilets. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57909508', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Portland. 47 Shore Rd., Bass Harbor. Kennebunkport is famous for its many craft fairs and festivals includingChristmas Preludeand an art, food and wine Kennebunkport Festival each June. Coast Guardcertified captains from Old Orchard Beach Parasailing & Jet Ski (5 Bay Ave., Saco; 855-359-2759) head a ways off the OOB shorefront with groups of up to six, and the parasail itself accommodates up to three for what is basically a tranquil, 15-minute aerial cruise with lighthouse and Ferris wheel views ($90 per person, extra if you want pics or to wear a GoPro camera). NOAA Fisheries has listed 22 species of marine mammals under the ESA. The captain will make every effort to take requests and will tailor the tour according to the weather. That means the southern coast has seen a gentle rise in apparent sea level (picture a slightly tilted plane with the sea in a higher position than the shore), so wave action preferentially piles up sand-size grains of sediment on the land (those same grains have a tougher time accumulating if the planes tilt is reversed).