Whale Watching in Bar Harbor: A Chilly but Worthwhile Adventure

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company 

📍 Website: https://www.barharborwhales.com

🎟 Ticket Prices: Adults $78 | Juniors (up to 14) $61 | Kids 5 & under $32 

🅿 Parking Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot and grab a parking pass at the meter. 

☕ Pre-Tour Bite: A handy restaurant near the boarding line serves breakfast sandwiches—perfect for fueling up before departure. 

🐋 No-Whale Guarantee: If no whales are spotted, you’ll receive a voucher to rebook any cruise within three years! 

Onboard Amenities 

The boat has a concession stand with snacks like pretzels, hot dogs, and popcorn, plus coffee and water (cash only). They also rent binoculars for $5 and sell seasickness remedies—helpful if the waves get rough! 

Our Experience 

We arrived early, parked easily, and boarded the packed but well-organized boat. Snagging a window table downstairs was a win—it gave us warmth, comfort, and quick access to the outer rails when wildlife was spotted. And we needed it! Despite the sunny skies, the 45°F water and biting wind made the open deck brutally cold. 

The (Whale-Less) Adventure 

We knew sightings were a long shot in early June (peak season starts mid-month), but we hoped for luck. While no whales appeared, the trip was far from a bust: 

Puffins bobbing in the distance (adorable, but hard to spot). 

Mount Desert Lighthouse, a lonely sentinel perched on a tiny granite island 20+ miles out—stark and dramatic against the open ocean. 

Harbor and gray seals sunbathing on rocks like lazy, well-fed dogs. 

A Close Encounter with a Gentle GiantThe highlight? A surprise visit from a basking shark—the ocean’s second-largest fish, stretching an awe-inspiring 20–30 feet! At first, we spotted just a dorsal fin slicing through the calm surface. Then, as the boat slowed, sunlight revealed the shadowy outline of its massive body gliding beneath us. Unlike the frantic energy of great whites, this behemoth moved with tranquil grace, filtering plankton as it drifted. For a few breathless moments, we watched its prehistoric silhouette ripple just below the waves—an unexpected thrill that nearly made up for the missing whales.

The Verdict 

Though we missed the whales, the scenery and marine life made the trip worthwhile. True to their promise, we received rebooking vouchers via email before we even stepped off the boat. We’ll be back—next time, in peak season! 

Final Tip:

Dress in layers (seriously—it’s colder than you think), bring cash, and manage expectations if you’re visiting early in the season. Even without whales, the ocean always has surprises.