TRIP 1

We depart from Journeys End Marina in Rockland Maine and head 25 miles south to Matinicus Rock. It will take us around 1 1/2 hours. On the way we go by Rockland Harbor Lighthouse and Owls Head Lighthouse. On the way we may see porpoise and whales. Usually the whales are Minke, but last summer we saw a breaching Humpback. As we approach Matinicus Rock we slow down and circle the island. We usually see many birds including Puffins, Auks, Murres and Terns. Seals usually welcome us as we get close to Matinicus Rock. Cormorants are on the rocks drying their wings. The lighthouse is seen on both sides of the island. We will completely circle Matinicus Rock, taking us 1/2 hour. We will then return to Rockland. The trip will take around 3.5 to 4 hours. Pets can come, but it is a long trip and they are usually happier staying somewhere ashore.

Puffins return to Matinicus Rock by mid May and stay until usually mid August. Razorbill Auks and Common Murres arrive in May and stay until mid July. Terns are seen most of the summer. Gannets are sometimes observed 1/2 way across.

We do not dock or land on Matinicus Rock, we cruise around it as close as safely possible. It is illegal to drop off passengers on the island.

The weather is often much different out at sea. Be sure to bring a sweater and jacket. Binoculars and a camera are a must! Food and drinks are welcome. There is a bathroom on board, but it is best to use the facilities at the Marina before we depart.

The fare for the 2025 season is a total of $1100 for 1 up to 6 passengers. For 7-12 passenger the total fare is $1400. Taking 7-12 passengers depends on crew availability. A $200 deposit is needed at time of reservation. The balance is paid at the end of the trip. A check or credit card may be used for the deposit. Cash, check or a credit cards are welcome for the balance. You may cancel up to 7 days before the trip. A $15 processing fee will be deducted from the deposit. There is no refund of the deposit if you cancel 6 days or less before the date of the trip. If I cancel the trip, the full deposit will be refunded. Parking at the Marina is $20 a vehicle. Please see the ABOUT page for where to unload and pay to park.

If it is too windy I will cancel the trip. I will let you know at least 12 hours in advance. I will try and give you the option of going the next day.

FOG: Summer in Maine is about fog. It can come and go as it pleases. It can be clear in Rockland and foggy at Matinicus Rock. The reverse also happens. If I feel the fog is so thick and I do not think it will lift, I will cancel the trip. If the fog comes in while we are enroute, I will keep on going. You can almost always see puffins near the boat in the fog, but it is not guaranteed.

TRIP 2

The trip departs and returns to Matinicus Island. Total trip time is around 75 minutes. This Puffin trip is possible only if you are staying on Matinicus Island. I do not make the trip if it is too windy or very foggy. If you are staying for a week, the weather and scheduling almost always allows us to make the trip sometime during your stay. But, in June 2023 it was very foggy for 26 days straight! No Puffin trips were made during that time.

The fare for the 2025 season is $300 for 1-6 passengers and $375 for 7-12 passengers. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted.

Other companies that take people to see puffins at another island, Eastern Egg Rock are: Monhegan Boat Line out of Port Clyde, Hardy Boat Cruises out of New Harbor and Cap’n Fish’s Cruises out of Boothbay Harbor. These are larger boats and have a regular schedule. Eastern Egg Rock Island is much closer to the mainland than Matinicus Rock.

For lots of amazing information on puffins please see the Project Puffin website. The link is on my Resources page. On the website you can actually “adopt” a puffin. The Project Puffin Visitor Center at 311 Main St in Rockland is a great place to visit and should be a highlight of your trip.