Puffin Tours
wildlife photos by Lee Runge
Puffin Tours in Maine - Seal Island Wildlife Cruise from Stonington
Experience one of the best puffin tours in Maine on a true offshore wildlife expedition to Seal Island, National Wildlife Refuge. Departing from Stonington, this small-group boat tour bring you face to face with an offshore seabird sanctuary which is home to one of the most important Atlantic Puffin colonies in the United States.
Each summer, thousands of puffins return to nest along with razorbills, Arctic terns, and other pelagic seabirds—making this one of the best places in Maine to see puffins in the wild.
Unlike crowded harbor cruises, this is a fully immersive journey through Merchant Row and into open ocean water to Seal Island—summer home to Maine’s puffins.
When is the Best Time to see Puffins in Maine?
Puffins are seasonal visitors to the Maine coast.
Season: May through early August
Peak viewing: Mid June, July, and early August
During peak nesting season, puffins are actively feeding chicks, diving for fish, and returning to their burrows—creating the best wildlife viewing conditions of the year.
Where Do You See Puffins in Maine?
Atlantic Puffins nest on only a few remote offshore islands, including:
Seal Island (our primary destination)
Eastern Egg Rock
Matinicus Rock
These islands are protected seabird sanctuaries and are not open to the public. The only way to view puffins up close is by boat tour.
Seal Island is especially significant because it is part of Maine’s successful seabird restoration effort, which helped bring puffins back to the region after they had nearly disappeared. Read more here about Project Puffin and listen to one of our Nature Tour Guides, Richard Podolsky, describe why it took so long for puffins to return and breed.
About the Seal Island Puffin Tour
Our Puffin Tours depart from the historic fishing village of Stonington, Maine, one of the most authentic working waterfronts in New England and the largest lobster fishing port in the country.
From there, we travel through the scenic archipelago of Merchant Row, past Isle au Haut and the Isle au Haut and Saddleback Lighthouses on our way to Seal Island.
This is a true offshore wildlife expedition—not a harbor cruise.
Important Information About Seal Island
Seal Island is a protected seabird sanctuary and was previously used as a U.S. Navy bombing range. Because of this, landing on the island is not permitted. However, on-the-water viewing is exceptional.
All wildlife viewing is done respectfully from the boat to protect nesting seabirds and ensure their long-term conservation.
What You Will See on the Tour
The highlight of the trip is the Atlantic Puffin, one of Maine’s most iconic seabirds. At Seal Island, you’ll observe puffins in their natural habitat —flying, diving, and nesting along the rocky shoreline. Seal Island is one of the richest seabird habitats in the Gulf of Maine.
Common sightings include:
Atlantic Puffins (lots of them!)
Razorbills and Black Guillemots
Common and Arctic Terns
Northern Gannets
Shearwaters and other pelagic seabirds
Harbor seals basking on the rocks
Occasional porpoises
For birders, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, this is one of the most rewarding wildlife tours in Maine.
Why Choose Our Puffin Tour?
Our experience is designed to deliver an authentic, less crowded, and more adventurous puffin tour with excellent wildlife viewing. We offer:
Access to Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge—one of the best place in Maine to see puffins.
Small-group experience—more space, better viewing, and a quieter wildlife encounter
Scenic route through Merchant Row — some of Maine’s most beautiful waters with dozens of both inhabited and uninhabited islands, working lobster grounds, and rugged coastline
Experienced local captain and naturalist guides—deep knowledge of wildlife, tides and local lore
True offshore adventure — this is not a quick coastal loop—it’s a real wildlife expedition
Respectful wildlife viewing practices
You will not only see puffins—you will understand their ecology, behavior, and conservation story.
Departure Location: Stonington, Maine
This tour departs from Stonington, a working waterfront town on Deer Isle.
That matters because we have:
Fewer crowds than larger tourist destinations
A more authentic Maine coastal experience
Local businesses, coffee shop, ice cream store, and restaurants along Main Street
Local attractions like the Granite Museum , Discovery Wharf and Opera House Arts
Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours
Departure location: 27 Seabreeze Avenue, Stonington, Maine
Season: Mid June through early August
Departure days: Wednesdays and Sundays
This is a fully guided offshore wildlife cruise designed for optimal seabird viewing. Because this is an offshore trip, conditions can be variable. Guests should be comfortable on the water.
What to Expect on Your Puffin Tour
Pricing (2026 Season)
Adults: $80
Children under 12: $45
Advance booking is strongly recommended, as small-group tours often sell out during peak puffin season.
What to Bring
Warm layers (it is cooler offshore)
Windproof jacket
Camera or smartphone
Binoculars (optional but helpful)
Sun protection
Snacks & drinks
Motion sickness treatments if desired
Book Your Puffin Tour
To learn more about where to park and what to bring on your Puffin Tour, please our visit Parking and Important Guidelines pages