Maine Whale Watching Tour in Portland
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean on our whale-watching tour departing from Portland, Maine. Set sail from the historic harbor, where you'll board a comfortable vessel equipped for a thrilling marine adventure. As we cruise along the rugged coastline, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic giants of the sea – humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales are frequently spotted in these waters.
Our experienced naturalist guides will be with you every step of the way, providing fascinating insights into the behavior and biology of these incredible creatures.
The tour also offers the opportunity to observe a variety of other marine life, including seals, porpoises, and a wide range of seabirds. Don't forget to bring your camera, as you'll want to capture these unforgettable moments.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Total tour duration includes travel time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Portland Head Light
Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The light station sits on a head of land at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor, which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Halfway Rock Lighthouse
Halfway Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on a barren ledge in Casco Bay, Maine.[5] The lighthouse tower, which has a height of 76 feet (23 m), and the attached ex-boathouse are all that remains, as the other buildings have been taken away in storms. The name "Halfway Rock" comes from the position of the rock which is halfway between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small, the southwest and northeast extremities of Casco Bay, which are about 18 nautical miles (33 km) apart.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Cooler with Ice
Options
Maine Whale Watching Tour in Portland
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Score on the whale sighting
Q2475SUlisar,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Realize that whales are migrating wild animals. We were fortunate to spot two Fin Tail whales, one less than 100 yards from the boat at the end of the season!! Being from a coastal town, I knew what to expect offshore. We were lucky that the seas were 1-2 feet and no more. The guides were knowledgeable and courteous. The boat was a bit small, but this was not a pleasure cruise, it was a whale watching adventure. Take the adventure!
Cancelled by vendor - high waves!
Jean Z,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Whale Watching was cancelled by vendor due to high waves! They were easy to work with & are issuing a refund!
Nice day at sea
li2s2dbw,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Randy and Neil did a great job and we had a great ride. Saw some finback whales, tuna and dolphin. 3 hours on a smaller boat which was kind of cool vs a big boat.
Zodiac ride was sooo much...
Linda R,,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Zodiac ride was sooo much fun. We saw 2-3 Finn whales. Many spouts. Remember to bring warm clothes. When zodiac speeds up it was quite cold.
This tour is a crapshoot.
Jane M,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00There is no guarantees to see whales or for that matter any type of sea life. It was a very disappointing morning because we did not see anything and even came in almost a half hour early because of that. It was a beautiful day, but that made it all the more disappointing. The crew should be more prepared with creative storytelling if they know they are going to be unable to come up, empty on seeing any wildlife. Basically paying $200 plus for a very boring boat ride. Had we seen wildlife, I believe it would’ve been a better experience as you are very close to the water versus other types of these type of tours .
Jet boating whale watch
Lori D,,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a thrilling experience, we got to see whales, on the way we had an exhilarating ride. Captain and co capitain were very nice and informative, they made sure we saw whales before the trip was over. If you’re looking to see whales but also looking for a fun jet boat ride definitely do this!
Unique Whale Watching Experience
Natalie Z,,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Captain Randy and Neil. It was like a roller coaster boat ride with the bonus of seeing whales - so much fun and so unique compared to any other whale watching tour I’ve been. The small tour group was a huge perk!
Awesome up close whale sighting
Dream36705639862,,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience to get close to whales. We saw five whales and one shark, and Chris and Neal did an excellent job letting us know what to expect, provided insight into the type of whale we saw and their observed behavior. It was a mostly calm morning with low wind, so the boat ride was not as rough as some ~30 foot boats on a windy inland lake. Be ready to straddle the seat over large swells and let your feet take the jumps like on a horse or dirt bike and you'll be fine. We appreciated some of the historical perspective of whale hunting and wildlife preservation efforts, and the respect and distance kept to these large mammals. For us the 3 hour experience was just right length of time.
Best whale watching company in Portland.
debbyc905,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was fantastic. Capt Randy did everything he could to ensure we saw whales. And we did! First Mate Neil regaled us with interesting facts and stories. I would do it all over again.
Extremely disappointing...
joan b,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Extremely disappointing experience. Directions were poor even with GPS. We arrived at 8:30 but no one was there. Received calls at 8:46 and 8:55 but no one was on the other end. When I finally reached someone it was after departure time. The person informed me that the fee, which was paid in full, was non-refundable. Cannot recommend to anyone! Went with a competitor instead and had a wonderful time
From US$129.00
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Operated by Maine Coast Cruising