Though it doesn’t exactly have the rhyming capabilities of its western counterpart, anyone who’s lucky enough to spend a summer on the east coast knows that it’s undoubtedly the best coast.
From golden evenings in our favorite concrete jungle—catching the ferry to the Rockaways, wandering through bustling night markets, watching movies under the stars, and escaping to charming beach towns just a few hours away—summer here has a certain kind of magic that’s hard to replicate.
And if you needed one more reason to fall in love with the East Coast, we’ve got just the thing. After sweating through last week’s relentless heat dome, it’s time for a much cooler adventure: puffin season has officially arrived.
Every summer, thousands of the impossibly adorable seabirds return to nesting islands along the northeastern coast, making this one of the only times of year you can hop aboard a scenic boat tour and watch colorful Atlantic puffins waddling, diving, and soaring through the ocean air. It’s easily one of the cutest—and most unexpectedly magical—summer escapes within reach of NYC.
What to Know: Cap’n Fish’s Puffin Cruises
Cap’n Fish’s Cruises has been exploring Maine’s coast since the 1930s, and its 2.5-hour Audubon Puffin Cruise is one of the best ways to see Eastern Egg Rock’s famous puffin colony. Led by live narrators from the National Audubon Society’s Project Puffin, the excursion offers fascinating insight into the decades-long conservation effort that successfully restored these beloved seabirds to the island.
Departing daily at 10 a.m. from June through the summer, the cruise also passes three historic lighthouses—Ram, Burnt, and Pemaquid Point—along with scenic islands, rocky coastlines, and the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and other marine wildlife.
Trips take place aboard one of Cap’n Fish’s Coast Guard-certified vessels, both equipped with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, onboard restrooms, snack bars, and accessible main decks for a comfortable ride.
Tickets:
- Adults (13+): $71
- Youth (2–12): $61
- Children (Under 2): $21
- Dogs: $21
- Groups (30+): $71 per person
When to see puffins on the East Coast
Atlantic puffins spend most of their lives out at sea, only returning to land for a short breeding season each year. They arrive at Eastern Egg Rock in April and typically leave by late August, with June and July offering the best chance to see thousands of puffins nesting, feeding, and raising their fluffy chicks, known as “pufflings.”
More things to do in Boothbay Harbor
The puffins are the highlight, but Boothbay Harbor is worth exploring beyond the cruise.
Stay on the water with Cap’n Fish’s Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise or scenic Kennebec River Cruise, then head ashore to browse waterfront shops, feast on fresh Maine lobster, or wander the nearby Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, home to giant wooden trolls hidden throughout the forest.
How to Get There from NYC
Escaping the pavement of NYC for the rocky coast of Maine is a straightforward and highly scenic trip, located roughly 350 miles northeast of Manhattan.
- 🚗 By Car: The drive takes about 6 to 6.5 hours depending on traffic. You’ll take I-95 North through Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, continuing onto the Maine Turnpike. Take Exit 52 to Route 1 North toward Bath/Wiscasset, and then follow Route 27 South straight into Boothbay Harbor.
- ✈️ By Air: If you want to skip the driving, you can catch a quick 1-hour flight from NYC (JFK, LGA, or EWR) into Portland International Jetport (PWM). From Portland, Boothbay Harbor is just an easy 1-hour drive North. You can rent a car at the airport or coordinate a regional shuttle.
Know Before You Go
- 🎟️ Book in Advance: This is a designated “Best Seller” and tickets during peak summer months sell out fast. Reserve your spot online ahead of time.
- 🧥 Dress in Layers: Even if it’s a sweltering 90-degree day on land, temperatures drop significantly on the open water. Bring a windbreaker, light jacket, or sweatshirt.
- 🎒 Pack the Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a pair of binoculars for close-up views of the puffins.
- 💵 Bring Extra Cash: While the galley accepts multiple forms of payment for food and souvenirs, cash is great to have on hand to tip your hardworking crew and captains.
- 🏝️ Stay on the Vessel: Eastern Egg Rock is a protected wildlife sanctuary. To protect the nesting birds and fragile habitat, passengers are not allowed to step off the boat onto the island.
- 🐾 Pet Friendly: Dogs are welcome aboard with a paid Dog Fare ($21), making this a great trip for the whole family!
