Maine Whale Watching Tour in Portland
Portland, USA
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Cooler with Ice
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 Marina Wy, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Marina Parking is located in the pay lot after 115 Thames St. Portland which is Twelve Restaurant. There is a large black and white sign that reads, 'Portland Co." on the restaurant. - There are blue picnic tables between the parking lot and the marina, this is the waiting area.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Portland Head Light
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Halfway Rock Lighthouse
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Whale watching point
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Total tour duration includes travel time
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
nichola_s
After leaving Portland the weather took a turn for the worst, thick fog. Once out in the open sea it was apparent that we were going to see some whales. Thanks to Chris' navigation skills it was a smashing trip. Thanks to both Chris and Neil for the very informative trip.
Reviews
4.0
based on 45 reviews
Jean_Z, Oct 2025
Whale Watching was cancelled by vendor due to high waves! They were easy to work with & are issuing a refund!
Linda_R, Sep 2025
Zodiac 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.
Jane_M, Sep 2025
There 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 .
Lori_D, Sep 2025
This 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!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that your tour was both thrilling and rewarding—with whale sightings and a high-speed adventure all in one! 🐋💨
Captain and co-captain will be so happy to know their effort and knowledge helped make your experience unforgettable. We always aim to give guests the best of both worlds: exciting rides and memorable wildlife encounters.
Thanks again for the recommendation—we’d love to have you back for another ocean adventure anytime!
joan_b, Sep 2025
Extremely 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
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re truly sorry to hear about your frustration, but we’d like to clarify a few important details for the sake of accuracy.
Our team sends detailed confirmation and reminder emails that include specific directions, including the correct address, GPS-friendly location, and a clear description of where to meet. We also call and text every guest before departure to ensure everyone arrives on time, and we would have gladly waited a few extra minutes had we known you were close by or en route to the correct location.
You mentioned arriving at 8:30, but unfortunately, you were at the wrong location. Our records show that we attempted to reach you multiple times before departure, including calls and texts, but we did not receive a response until after the boat had left.
We completely understand how disappointing it is to miss an experience you were looking forward to. However, missing the tour due to arriving at the wrong location is not something we can control, and as stated in our policy, no-shows are non-refundable. That said, we always do our best to help when possible—had we heard from you sooner, we could have tried to reschedule or assist further.
We’re glad you were still able to enjoy your time in the area, and we do wish you safe and happy travels in the future.
nichola_s, Sep 2025
After leaving Portland the weather took a turn for the worst, thick fog. Once out in the open sea it was apparent that we were going to see some whales. Thanks to Chris' navigation skills it was a smashing trip. Thanks to both Chris and Neil for the very informative trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the great review! We’re so glad you had an unforgettable experience—even with the surprise turn in weather. Fog can certainly add some drama to the day, but thanks to Captain Chris’ expert navigation and Neil’s knowledge, we’re thrilled it turned into a smashing trip with successful whale sightings!
We truly appreciate you joining us and taking the time to share your feedback. Hope to see you again for another adventure soon—hopefully under blue skies next time! ⚓🌫️🐋
fabrizio_p, Sep 2025
cruise was cancelled at the last moment with no apparent reason after we booked hotel to stay in Portland ME
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We’re sorry you were disappointed, but I want to clarify that your tour was cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions. This was clearly stated in the email and text message we sent prior to the tour.
Safety is our top priority, and we do not take cancellations lightly—but when marine forecasts indicate unsafe conditions, we are required to cancel trips out of an abundance of caution.
If you have not received a refund, or still need help rescheduling, please feel free to contact us directly. We’re happy to help resolve this for you.
Stacey_C, Sep 2025
EXACTLY!! Highly recommend!! Even if you don’t see the humpback whales, we had a blast seeing the seals, small whales and adventure. Ours guides Kate & Chris were fabulous!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! 🐋🦭 We’re thrilled to hear you had a blast out on the water—even without a humpback sighting, it sounds like the seals and small whales put on a good show! Kate and Captain Chris will be so happy to know they made your trip memorable. Hope to have you back aboard for more adventure soon!
Upagnya_P, Sep 2025
Amazing experience with this company. Randy and Neil were great. They shared lot of information.
The boat ride was an adventure so make sure you wear proper clothes.
We were lucky to see whales.
Will definitely book with them again
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you had an amazing experience with Captain Randy and Neil—they love what they do and it shows. Seeing whales is always special, and we’re so glad you got that chance! Great tip about the clothes too—the adventure is real out there! We’d love to have you aboard again anytime. 🐋🚤🌊
Randi_K, Aug 2025
Before we went on the trip we were told the bay would be very choppy. Wish they had an option to cancel or reschedule at that time. One of our party members became sick during the trip and threw up over the side of the boat. I would not recommend this trip for anyone who has motion sickness issues. Yes, he tried all the motion sickness products available. It still was not enough. I personally enjoyed it even though we did not see any whales. You can't control nature. I did find the seating very uncomfortable, I am only 5 ft tall, I had to straddle the seat, like riding a horse for 3 hours. There was not a lot of personal space and you would be touching the person/people on the side(s) of you. If you are of shorter stature or over weight this may not be the boat for you to go on a whale watch. They did offer a option to return again since we did not see any whales, I was the only one out of our party of 4 to even be open to the idea. The rest flat out said no never again. If you are not the adventure type, this is not for you! Choose a larger boat.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your honest and thoughtful feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that the experience wasn’t enjoyable for everyone in your group. Your concerns are valid, and we appreciate you taking the time to share them.
Weather & Rescheduling
We do our best to inform guests in advance when sea conditions may be choppier than usual. Unless the seas are so bad it's a safety concern, we won't cancel. We're sorry a member of your party became ill, and we genuinely hope they're feeling better now. Seasickness is a real thing, and everyone is prone to it differently, which is why 1/14 passengers were sick. You’re absolutely right: this is an adventure tour, and this style of tour may not be the best fit for everyone.
Seating & Comfort
We appreciate the feedback on seating. Our vessels are high-performance RIB-style boats designed for speed, maneuverability, and a closer-to-the-water adventure experience. However, they do have a different seating configuration than larger tour boats, and your experience highlights that it may not be ideal for all body types or preferences.
Whale Sightings & Wildlife
Thank you for acknowledging that nature doesn’t always cooperate—we wish we could guarantee sightings, but unfortunately we can't. We're glad you still personally enjoyed the trip and appreciated the offer to return.
For Future Guests
Your note about this being best for the more adventurous traveler is fair, and we hope your detailed feedback helps others choose the experience that best fits their needs. For guests who prefer a more traditional ride, we always recommend looking into larger vessels.
Again, we appreciate your honest review and the chance to learn from your experience. If you ever do decide to give it another try, we’d love the opportunity to welcome you back under calmer conditions.
Monica_P, Jul 2025
We can’t go out because of the bad sea conditions , they was really honest to say that and refunds the cost. My suggestion ? Clarify better how people need to come dressed for this experience or keep jackets and pants waterproof to rent .
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the thoughtful feedback! We truly appreciate your understanding about the cancellation due to rough sea conditions—your safety is always our top priority, and we’re glad the refund process was clear and prompt.
When the seas are too rough, it's all about safety. We don't cancel tours because people aren't dressed for it; we cancel them because people could get hurt.
The idea of having gear on hand is a good one. Thanks.
Thank you again for your helpful input—we hope to welcome you back for a smoother day on the water in the future! ⚓🌊🧥
Melissa_S, Jul 2025
We had a great trip although we saw only one whale. David, our naturalist, did a great job of answering questions and telling us about the whales in the area.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the kind review! While we always hope for more whale activity, we're glad you still had a great trip and enjoyed learning from David. He's a fantastic naturalist with a true passion for marine life, and we're happy to hear he helped make your experience informative and engaging. We appreciate you joining us and hope you'll come back for another adventure—maybe next time the whales will be a little more active! 🐋⚓🌊
Timothy_B, Jul 2025
It’s not a calm boat ride. It’s a three-hour long excursion on a really fast boat. We were able to see three whales, two fin whales and a humpback. The crew was super knowledgeable with marine science degrees so we learned a lot. It was tremendous!
The seats are odd, you’re halfway standing so it’s not for super young children.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the detailed and thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear you had a tremendous time on your whale watch and that you were able to see not just one, but three whales—including two fin whales and a humpback! Those are unforgettable moments, and we're glad our crew's marine science background helped make the experience even more enriching.
You're absolutely right—this isn't your average boat ride. Our high-performance vessels are built for speed and adventure, which means it's not always smooth sailing, but it is a thrill! And yes, the saddle-style seating is unique—it allows for safety and stability at higher speeds but may not be ideal for very young children or those needing extra back support. We have an age minimum of 6 years old.
Thanks again for joining us and for setting the right expectations for future guests. We’d love to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable day on the water! 🐋⚓🌊
Robert_C, Jul 2025
The experience was very enjoyable despite the fact we saw no whales. Our captains were knowledgeable about the waters and the sea life we did see. Fair warning the intensity level is high; the boat does go very fast and if you’re not ready for it, it’s very startling but quite fun.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We're really glad to hear that you had an enjoyable time—even without a whale sighting. Nature doesn’t always cooperate, but we do our best to make the experience exciting and educational either way.
You're absolutely right—the ride is high-intensity and fast-paced, which makes it a thrilling adventure, especially for those who are ready for it! We're happy to hear our captains made you feel informed and safe while showing off the beautiful waters and wildlife of the area.
Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon—hopefully with some whales next time! 🐋⚓💨
Donna_P, Jun 2025
My 87 year old mother and I were in Portland, ME during a cruise and booked this Whale Watching tour through Viator with Ecoadventures. Captain Randy and crew were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We did not see very many whales but did see a fin whale and some harbor porpoises. I appreciated the assistance on and off the boat for myself and my mom. Unfortunately we were a little late but, they waited on us to arrive by cab. It was an enjoyable adventure.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for the kind and thoughtful review! We're honored you chose to spend part of your cruise stop with us and are so glad you and your 87-year-old mother enjoyed the whale watch, even if the sightings were a bit limited that day. Spotting a fin whale and harbor porpoises is always special, and we’re happy the experience was memorable.
Captain Randy and the crew will truly appreciate your kind words—providing assistance and making sure all of our guests are safe and comfortable is a top priority, and we’re glad that came through. We also really appreciate your understanding regarding the weather and timing—we were happy to wait and get you both on board.
Thank you again for joining us, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure if you're ever in Maine again!
Shaun_K, Jun 2025
So sad that the weather forced a cancellation. We weren’t here long enough to rebook, but they immediately offered a full refund. Haven’t seen it yet, I think it goes to Viator first, and they are dragging their feet. The charge went through promptly though!
oreosmom7351, Oct 2024
Tough day for a zodiac-style whale watching tour. The day was cold and windy with large waves. The ride out to the whale feeding area was grueling. Luckily we saw a pod of dolphins. The whales eluded us. The trip back to shore was easier and warmer. We saw 2 very nice and historic lighthouses.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks for joining us on a whale watch.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We understand that the ocean can be unpredictable, and while we're glad the return trip offered some warmth and smoother waters. The sea can be a hard thing to predict in Maine and I believe on this day, the forecast was wrong. It's wonderful that you had the chance to see a pod of dolphins and two of our historic lighthouses, though we wish the whales had made an appearance for you that day. We hope you'll consider using your Non-Sighting passes and join us again in the future for another opportunity to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures.
Thank you again for choosing us for your adventure!
Lemira_P, Sep 2024
What a great adventure! We saw many whales and dolphins. The guys who took us out were knowledgeable and entertaining.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had a memorable adventure with plenty of whale and dolphin sightings. Our crew loves sharing their knowledge and passion, and it’s great to know they helped make the trip both informative and fun. We hope to welcome you back aboard for another adventure soon!
Melinda_H, Sep 2024
Trip was canceled and they were unable to reschedule for the entire week we were going to be in town.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
I'm sorry your trip was cancelled but it does happen when you're going out into the ocean and it's unsafe.
Unfortunately, we were completely sold out, so we couldn't move you to another tour. I believe we asked if you wanted to take the same tour in Kennebunk but you declined.
Activities, especially in the Maine Ocean, need to be canceled occasionally for safety reasons. This is how life works. There are a million great things to do in Portland; I hope you found one.
Manuel_C, Jul 2025
We couldn't see any marine animals. I think they didn't feel like going out to sea. The guide was very friendly, but that day we didn't see any dolphins, much less whales.
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