Wildlife Watching
Unspoiled nature at its best defines TRUE Maine .
Schoodic Institute
Ways to Discover the Wildlife in DownEast Acadia
Wildlife for Families
• Kids and families love getting in and on the water , whether fresh or salty : swimming , paddling , seeing a lobster hauled from the deep .
• Enjoy a ranger-led hike in Acadia National Park and Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge . Wander the trails at Ellsworth ’ s Birdsacre Sanctuary where injured birds get a second chance . Sandpipers and on-shore seabirds skitter in the surf .
• Head out for a guided night paddle of Castine Harbor filled with glowing bioluminescent organisms that will change forever how you see the sea .
• Go on a Kids Quest along the Schoodic Scenic Byway . This series of self-guided interactive trails teaches kids about wildlife and the ecology of the region .
Hands-on Wildlife Encounters
• Visit the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries or Downeast Institute , or take a harbor cruise with touch tanks and a view on life under the sea . ( seasonal )
• Take a nature cruise out of Bar Harbor , Winter Harbor , Milbridge , Jonesport , Lubec or Eastport to experience our rich array of wildlife : whales , seals , dolphins , puffins and other sea birds .
Try Tide Pooling
• Once the tide recedes , take the opportunity to uncover amazing creatures under seaweed-covered rocks and in briny pools . Chase scurrying crabs , sing a song to a snail , hold a starfish aloft . Turn free time into lasting memories .
• Explore the day away at Seawall and Wonderland on MDI , Roque Bluffs State Park , or Shackford Head State Park . Honestly , any stretch of rocky beach will keep you busy for hours . Check the local tide schedule for the next low tide .