We leave from Matinicus Island and head 5 miles south to Matinicus Rock. 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.

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.

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

The trip takes around 75 minutes. Puffin and Lighthouse trips are possible only if you are staying on Matinicus Island. 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 foggy for 26 days straight! No Puffin or Lighthouse trips were made during that time. I do not go if it is foggy (you can not see the puffins or lighthouse) or if the seas are rough. If you are staying on Matinicus Island for only a few days , often the weather or schedule does not allow us to make the trip.

The fare for the 2024 season is $375 for 1-6 passengers and $450 for 7-12 passengers. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted. I do charge a 3.5 % fee for taking a credit or debit card.

Other companies that take people to see puffins at Eastern Egg Rock Island 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.