ABOUT PUFFINS
ATLANTIC PUFFINS
Hardy Boat Cruises is a small, eco-tourism business lovingly cared for and operated by a local family. We are dedicated to the environment, sustainability, conservation and education. We offer an authentic experience with a genuine love for the Maine coast, our community and the people we serve.
At Explore.org you can find a series of Puffin cams on Seal Island in Maine. These are wonderful to watch and you can track the Puffin chick from egg to fledgling…
Listen/Watch “Puffins, Little Fish and Climate Change” a 2018 talk by Dr. Steven Kress
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MORE RESOURCES
THE BOSTON GLOBE, GLOBE MAGAZINE, April 5, 2015: The Puffins of Eastern Egg Rock and Hardy Boat Cruises featured in “What it takes to restore the puffin to Maine’s islands“
NPR – PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL’S ‘LIVING ON EARTH’, May 15, 2015: Steve Curwood speaks with Dr. Steve Kress and Derrick Jackson about their new book “Project Puffin: The Improbable Quest to Bring a Beloved Seabird Back to Egg Rock”. Click here for audio and here for transcript. This is an excellent resource for Puffin information.
DOWN EAST MAGAZINE, May 2015 : Hardy Boat Cruises Listed in top 5 “Super-Scenic Boat Cruises” and “From Our Archives” a partial reprint of a Down East Magazine article from 1977 “Puffins From The Past”
For more information about Dr. Steve Kress, Atlantic Puffins and the amazing work on Eastern Egg Rock, please visit Project Puffin and National Audubon.
ATLANTIC PUFFIN FAQS
Q: How Long Is the Hardy Boat Puffin Cruise?
A: The Hardy Boat Audubon Puffin Cruise is approximately 1.5 hours long. During the cruise, guests travel along Maine’s scenic coast while learning about Atlantic puffins, seabirds, and local marine wildlife.
Q: Do I Need a Reservation for a Puffin Cruise?
A: Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for Hardy Boat puffin cruises. Booking in advance helps guarantee your preferred date and departure time, especially during peak season.
Q: Are Puffin Sightings Guaranteed?
A: While puffin sightings are very common during the season, wildlife sightings can never be fully guaranteed. Atlantic puffins are wild seabirds and their activity can vary depending on weather, feeding patterns, and ocean conditions.
Q: When Is the Best Time to See Puffins in Maine?
A: The best time to see puffins in Maine is typically from late spring through mid-summer, generally between May and August. During this period, puffins return to nesting islands along the Maine coast to breed and raise their chicks.
Q: What Should I Bring on a Puffin Cruise?
A: Guests should dress comfortably and prepare for cooler ocean temperatures, even during summer. Bringing layers is always a good idea, as weather conditions on the water can change quickly along the Maine coast.