Best Whale Watching near Old Orchard Beach Maine!
- Angie - Your Guide
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
If you’re visiting Old Orchard Beach, chance encounters with seals and seabirds are practically guaranteed. But just beyond the shore, you’ll find an even bigger draw (literally): Maine's majestic whales. Watching these ocean giants breach the surface and glide through the waves is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or planning a week-long getaway, whale watching near Old Orchard Beach is an experience you won’t want to miss.
This guide dives deep into everything you need to know—from the best tours to fascinating whale facts, insider tips, and other must-do activities in the area. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into this New England wonder!
Why Go Whale Watching in Maine?
Maine’s rocky coastline isn’t just a postcard-perfect travel destination; it’s also a hotbed for marine life, with nutrient-rich waters drawing in whales from all corners of the North Atlantic. The coast of Maine is a great place for whales, but also some places and tours can give you the opportunity to spot puffins, seals or ocean sunfish in the Atlantic Ocean.
Southern Maine feels like a totally different world compared to the hustle and bustle of Boston Massachusetts, but not that far away. I have made the short drive in just over an hour with traffic. In fact, the Northern Atlantic Coast of Maine feels different compared to any coastal area of on the East Coast
Spectacular Whale Species
Depending on the time of year, you might spot a variety of whale species, including:
Humpback Whales: Known for their acrobatics, these whales breach the water dramatically and slap their fins on the surface.
Minke Whales: Sleek and shy, these smaller whales are incredible to watch as they dart through the water.
Fin Whales: The second-largest whale species on the planet, often spotted gliding gracefully through the waves.
Northern Right Whales: Critically endangered, they are rare but make for a thrilling sight when spotted.
Pilot Whales: Small pods of these social whales can often be seen near the coast.
Occasionally, on your search of whales, you might even see Sperm Whales, Blue Whales or Sei Whales, but these are not as commonly seen as the others mentioned above.
The Best Time to Visit
Peak whale watching season in Maine is May through October, when warm waters attract whales on their migratory routes. July and August are prime months for humpback whales, while fin and minke whales make appearances all season long. Bonus: Summer months bring ideal beach weather for a full day of coastal adventures!
Top Whale Watching Tours near Old Orchard Beach Maine
Here are the top local tour operators to get you closer to the action:
Located just 30 minutes from Old Orchard Beach, First Chance Whale Watch combines adventure with education. Their tours feature onboard naturalists who share fascinating insights about whale behavior and the ecosystem. Don’t forget your camera, as they’re known for encountering humpbacks mid-breach!
Unique Feature: Hydrophones on board allow you to listen to the hauntingly beautiful calls of the whales.
Website: First Chance Whale Watch
Located in Saco Maine, but the Private Eco tours start in Kennebunkport, less than 30 minutes away. This is a private tour, costing $1,500 for 4 hours for 6 people and the captain is a licensed Maine Guide and been providing tours for 20 years. Check out their website as the offer a variety of adventures. Scenic cruises of the Casco Bay to deep sea fishing expeditions.
Unique Feature: Learn about fishing practices and conservation on your tour.
Website: Broad Chance Adventures
Also Located in Kennebunk, so easy access to Old Orchard Beach, this tour is 4 hours and budget friendly at $119 per person. This boat holds up to 20 people. They offer a 97% chance of seeing whales and if you don't see a whale, they give a pass to come back until you see a whale. This company also offers a 3-hour tour from Portland for whale watching that only costs $99 per person. They offer a variety of other cruises too, like scenic boat tours and more.
Unique Feature: A visit to see the Boon Island Lighthouse is also in the tour for whale watching, this is where you can spot many seals that rest in the area.
Website: New England Eco Adventures
A quick 20-minute drive to Portland brings you to Odyssey Whale Watch. With a reputation for their eco-friendly approach to whale watching, they’re committed to preserving marine wildlife while creating memorable trips. Sunset tours are especially magical.
Unique Feature: Small group tours ensure attendees get personal attention and clear views.
Website: Odyssey Whale Watch
A bit farther (an hour and a half drive) but truly worth it, Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch offers one of the most comprehensive experiences in Maine. With sightings almost guaranteed, these tours emphasize marine conservation and include sightings of puffins and seals.
Unique Feature: Free photography workshops offered on select tours.
Website: Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch
Other Whale Watching Tours Across Maine
Exploring more of Maine? Check out these standout tours in nearby regions:
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co: Nestled near Acadia National Park, their tours frequently spot humpbacks, finbacks, and even dolphins.
Portland Schooner Co.: For a unique twist, hop on a sailing experience paired with whale spotting near Portland.
Millinocket Adventure Tours: Venture beyond the usual haunts to discover smaller pods and unique marine wildlife.
If interested in taking other boating tours, check out the lobster boat tours in Portland at Lucky Catch Tours. It appears to be very interesting and fun. While in Portland you can visit Portland's historic district or the Portland Museum of art. Portland is a wonderful larger city that offers many surprises and adventures.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Adventure
The Experience
Your tour will start with a scenic boat ride into the Gulf of Maine, an ecosystem teeming with marine life. Most tours last between 3 and 5 hours, so expect plenty of time on the open water. Guides often provide narration to point out natural landmarks and explain whale behaviors.
What to Bring
Layers: Weather offshore can be unpredictable. A light jacket is a must, even in summer.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: The reflection off the water can intensify the sun’s rays.
Binoculars: Enhance those long-range views.
Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the moment that humpback breaches!
Snacks and Water: Some tours provide refreshments, but having your own is always a good idea.
Tips for a Great Whale Watching Trip
Combat Seasickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding. Ginger candies can also help! My favorite sea sick medicine is the OTC pill called Bonnie. I am extremely prone to seasickness, vertigo and sea legs, and this medicine truly helps me.
Check the Weather: Booking flexible tickets? Opt for sunny, clear days to maximize your chances of spotting whales. Weather conditions change on the coast often, and sometimes it might be beautiful on land, but the waves could be rough at sea.
Respect Wildlife: Always listen to your tour guide’s instructions when near marine animals to minimize disturbance. Never touch any of the animals
Don’t Miss These Other Old Orchard Beach Attractions
Extend your coastal adventure with these nearby must-see spots:
Kickstart your day with a latte and a pastry from Beach Bagels or opt for a hearty breakfast sandwich from The Dune Café. Both spots are conveniently located near the beach.
No trip to Maine is complete without a lobster roll! Head to The Shack for a quick (yet mouthwatering) lobster roll or stop by Bayley’s Lobster Pound for the ultimate seafood feast. For some beers visit Lone Pine Brewing Company.
Take a short walk on the Old Orchard Beach Pier, meander through shops, or relax by the water. Golf fans can spend time at the Dunegrass Golf Club.
Traveling with kids or looking for more activities? Check out the rides at Palace Playland Amusement Park (wooden roller coaster) or challenge yourself to a mini-golf session at Pirates Cove Miniature Golf.
Shopping at Candy Shores, Beach Lobster and Farmstand, and also Maine Country Woods. This town is full of gift shop types of stores, even neighboring towns are loaded with amazing stores.
Visit a historic place like Ocean Park Temple that was built in 1881. It is a neat place to take a quick look at.
Old Orchard Beach area itself! 7 miles of sandy beach actually. You can swim and do many other water activities like Kayak rentals, paddle boarding or just splashing around during the summer. In my eyes it is always a little chilly, but that's only because I am used to southern beaches of the United States.
There are many amazing areas to see just a few miles away from Old Orchard Beach too, Ogunquit is one of my favorite places to visit when I am in the area. I love walking the Marginal Way. The Scarborough Marsh Nature Center and Audubon Center is a perfect place to learn about water birds, look for wildlife while hiking, kayaking or canoeing in the marsh area. This Natural Habitat is breathtaking. Visit the historic lighthouses of Southern Maine like Goat Island Lighthouse, Boon Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, Cape Neddick Lighthouse, and Halfway Rock Lighthouse. These that I mentioned are just a few in the Southern Maine area.
Make This Summer Extraordinary
Whether you’re in Maine for the sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, or iconic lobster rolls, a whale watching trip near Old Orchard Beach offers the kind of unforgettable memories every traveler craves. The combination of expert-curated tours, ecological education, and jaw-dropping wildlife sightings make it a must-do for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Start planning your trip today by booking one of the tours we’ve highlighted above. The whales are waiting…don’t miss your chance to see them in action!
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