Birding Code of Ethics » Mainebirding Products » Mainebirding Images Bookmark and Share
Maine birds
site search »
puffin islands »

for detailed maps, visit the Maine maps section

advertisements
report your bird sightings »

Reports from birders around the State of Maine are needed for the weekly Maine Bird Alert. Send reports from your area or your backyard.

Report your Maine bird sightings »

Maine birding trail »

Enhance your birding experience in Maine with this new and free brochure - available as pdf download or request a printed copy from the Maine Dept. of Tourism

more information »

Maine birder bands »

Maine Birder Bands
help support the non-game and endangered species conservation efforts of the Maine IFW

more information »

Puffin Trips in Maine

Puffin Trips to four of the offshore islands that support breeding colonies of puffins, terns and other seabirds run from early-June to mid-August.

Machias Seal Island
off Downeast coast of Maine

» Jonesport
» Cutler

Notes: MSI trips include island landings when possible. MSI has a large number of nesting seabirds including Arctic Terns, Common Terns, Razorbills, Common Murres, & Puffins. MSI is the largest puffin colony south of Newfoundland.

Jonesport is closer drive, longer boat trip; Cutler the opposite. Same island - your choice.

Eastern Egg Rock
off mid-coast Maine

» Boothbay Harbor
» New Harbor
» Port Clyde

Notes: All trips are boat trips only. No landings possible. E. Egg Rock colony was re-introduced but many "wild" puffins have been joining colony. Colony size in 2006 was 82 pairs of puffins according to Project Puffin.

Seal Island
off mid-coast Maine

» Stonington

Notes: All trips are boat trips only. No landings possible. Seal Island is a wildlife sanctuary owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The puffin colony was re-introduced and is managed and monitored by Project Puffin of National Audubon. In 2006 there were approximately 336 pairs of puffins on the island according to Project Puffin.

Boat trips to the island are not daily. There are 8 trips scheduled for the 2007 season from May 27 to August 26 (Aug. 26 might be late to see puffins). See OldQuarry.com website for trip dates.

Petit Manan Island
off Downeast Maine

» Millbridge

Notes: All trips are boat trips only. No landings possible. Petit Manan Island is part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge and has a small puffin and seabird colony during the breeding season.

Important Puffin Trip Information

Most puffin trips are boat trips only - no landings are allowed on the seabird colony islands except for Machias Seal Island conditions and weather permitting. Machias Seal Island is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service and permits a limited number of landings from May to August.

Puffin trips generally run from early June through mid to late August when the puffins are in the breeding colonies. Trip times and schedules vary by island and boat company and may be dependant on tide and sea conditions. If possible, plan to allow a couple of days to get out to see the puffins and seabirds. Fog or rough seas can cause the trips to be cancelled.

Offshore Weather
The waters of the Gulf of Maine are fed by the Labrador Current and remain cold all year, especially offshore and Downeast. This means that the islands offshore and the boat rides to and from them can be cool (or cold) even in Summer.

The months of July and August frequently see fog and this adds to the coolness and adds dampness.

If taking a Puffin Trip, be prepared for cool, wet weather!

Windbreakers, hats, sweaters, warm socks, extra socks, raingear - they can make a big difference. Bring 'em.

Reservations are highly recommended. Visit the boat trip companies' websites for information and pricing.

Read More About Puffins in Maine on Mainebirding