Few things are more majestic than the sight of a whale in its natural habitat. Maine's oceanside location provides valuable opportunities to see whales and other marine wildlife. Hit the high seas with these great boating tour companies recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Cap'n Fish's Cruises - 42 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
  Founded over 80 years ago, Cap'n Fish's Cruises is the granddaddy of whale-watching excursions along Maine's mid-coast. They have developed extensive knowledge about whale feeding grounds and movement during the various seasons. You'll also get a great look at Boothbay Harbor and its lighthouses, islands, and other points of interest. Trips run approximately 3.5 hours. Want more variety? Choose the four-hour whale watch and puffin combo. The boat's first destination is Eastern Egg Rock, home of the renowned Atlantic puffins. If no whales or puffins are spotted on either of the cruises, you receive a standby ticket good for another cruise. Tickets are $74 for adults and $59 for ages 2-12. Dogs are welcome for an additional $20 fee. Visit the website for pricing and departure information.
  
  
• Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. - 1 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is the largest boating tour company in Maine, with excursions ranging from lighthouse tours to lobster fishing. Since 2012, the company has been a member of Whale SENSE, an organization dedicated to promoting responsible whale watching along with education about ocean stewardship. Whale watching tours can run anywhere from 3.5-5.5 hours. In addition to frequent sightings of baleen, humpback, finback, and minke whales, you're likely to see porpoises, dolphins, seals, and other wildlife. Friendly and knowledgeable guides offer information about the history of the Gulf of Maine, and coloring books and other activities are available to keep kids occupied. Don't see any whales? Get a voucher for another cruise good for three years. Tickets are $77 for adults, $47 for ages 6-14, and $25 for ages 5 and under. Visit the website for full calendar of departure times. 
  
  
• Robertson Sea Tours - 57 Bayview St., Milbridge, ME 04658
  Find out why Robertson Sea Tours was named as one of the nine best boat tours in the state by Best Things Maine. Travel aboard the 32-foot Kandi Leigh, named after the wife and mother of the Robertson family. Tours are led by her husband, known as "The Captain." Their 2.5-hour puffin and seabird cruise includes Petit Manan Island, which is the site of a national wildlife refuge as well as a beautiful lighthouse that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Common sightings include terns, razorbills, and black guillemots. During September and October, Robertson offers a three-hour lighthouse and wildlife cruise. Lobster traps are hauled on both trips, giving guests a chance to see this classic Maine activity. A limited number of leashed dogs are accommodated on each trip. Visit the website for the full schedule and pricing. 
  
  
• Acadian Boat Tours - 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  With five boats ranging in size from 27- to 70-foot, Acadian Boat Tours can offer a number of different tours accommodating various numbers of passengers. The smallest is the Rambler, or "Fun Boat," which is available for private fishing or fishing/sightseeing cruises. The Acadian and Eden Star are pet-friendly and feature heated indoor cabins. Acadian's two-hour sightseeing cruise travels into Frenchman Bay for spectacular views of waterfront mansions, the Egg Rock lighthouse, Acadia National Park, and various marine mammals and birds. Other options include the puffins, lighthouses, and seabirds cruise along with the VIP harbors tour, featuring a trip into the only fjord on the East Coast. Visit the website for the full schedule and pricing.
  
  
• Bass Harbor Island Cruises - 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653
  Bass Harbor is so small and quiet that it hadn't even been named when its first post office was established in the early 1900s. Today, Bass Harbor Island Cruises offers a way to explore Maine's history and culture in a more secluded atmosphere. Their two-hour nature cruise travels past the namesake lighthouse to the outer islands of Blue Hill Way. Guides share information about Maine's iconic fishing industry as you watch for seals, porpoises, and eagles and haul some lobster traps along the way. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 11 and under. Visit the website for the full schedule of departures.
  
  
• Camden Harbor Cruises - 15 Public Landing, Camden, ME 04843
  Can anyone mention Maine without thinking of lobsters? Hop aboard the Lively Lady for a one-hour lighthouse and lobster tour from Camden Harbor Cruises. The boat hauls its own lobster traps while passengers get a chance to watch commercial lobstermen ply their trade. Other sights include the Curtis Island lighthouse, Maine's famous rocky coastline, and a rotating lineup of marine wildlife. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for ages 2-12. Visit the website for the full calendar of sailings. 

Whether by land or by sea, life in Maine is exceptional. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at The Masiello Group for friendly and experienced help.