| If you're going to be on the coastline of Maine this | | | | cafeteria where you can buy drinks, snacks, and |
| summer and looking for something fun and new to try, | | | | high-priced sunscreen. If you burn easy, I would just |
| whale-watching is a unique new activity to try. The | | | | throw some sunscreen on before you leave home |
| experience keeps you on your toes and also gives | | | | that day. It'll save you money and your skin in case |
| you a relaxing escape from the busy lifestyle. | | | | they just happen to be out of the stuff the day you |
| What to Expect | | | | go. You'll definitely get a little tan. It is just a matter of |
| As you can imagine, the main point of a whale | | | | whether it happens on the way there or the way |
| watching tour is to spot a whale, but there are also | | | | back. Trust me on that one. I came back as a lobster! |
| other marine life to be seen, such as dolphins, sea | | | | Why bring a jacket? Well, when you're still at port and |
| otter, ocean sunfish, and birds. On my trip, which | | | | just sitting, it can definitely be stifling. Once you're out |
| departed from Casco Bay, we managed to see some | | | | on the ocean and cruising, though, the temperature can |
| minke whales surface as well as sea turtles and | | | | drop up to 15 degrees. It is always easier to remove a |
| waving otters. Though we didn't see the bigger | | | | layer of clothing than find and put one on, especially |
| humpback whales, I would've been fairly content with | | | | one you didn't think you'd need. Plus, it gives some |
| just those sights, considering the trip out to sea was | | | | protection from the ocean spray! |
| therapeutic enough. However, the biggest surprise for | | | | Where to Go |
| me was catching sight of a giant swordfish jumping | | | | If you're planning to be on the Maine coastline this |
| out of the water. That put a smile on my face. Next | | | | summer, I would definitely consider whale watching. |
| time, I'll have to be quicker on the camera or possibly | | | | Just head to Odyssey Whale Watch in downtown |
| try getting something recorded. | | | | Portland, Maine. They normally cruise several miles out |
| What to Bring | | | | into Casco Bay and their base price is only $47, though |
| Assuming you eat lunch before boarding, I would | | | | slightly less for kids 12 and younger. They'll make your |
| recommend bringing along a jacket and a camera at | | | | tour a unique, fun, and very relaxing experience. Most |
| the minimum. The boat I road on had its own miniature | | | | of all, it'll definitely be worth it! |