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Embark on a rare ocean tour to Boon Island, home of New England’s tallest lighthouse and hundreds of seals. Discover stunning coastal views and intimate wildlife encounters on this exclusive 1.5-hour maritime adventure departing from Kennebunk, Maine.
Embark on a rare ocean tour to Boon Island, home of New England’s tallest lighthouse and hundreds of seals. Discover stunning coastal views and intimate wildlife encounters on this exclusive 1.5-hour maritime adventure departing from Kennebunk, Maine.
Book with New England Eco Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New England Eco Adventures · Kennebunk, Maine
Located off the rugged coastline of Kennebunk, Maine, the Boon Island Light Seal Watch offers an unforgettable maritime adventure that places you eye-to-eye with New England’s tallest lighthouse and its lively seal inhabitants. This 1.5-hour ocean excursion stands apart as the only boat tour granting access to Boon Island, a small, rocky outcrop about 12 miles offshore, known for its iconic lighthouse and thriving seal colony. The trip marries stunning coastal scenery with intimate wildlife encounters, catering to adventurers and nature lovers who crave unique and uncrowded experiences on the water.
Boon Island Lighthouse, towering over the Atlantic at 137 feet, has guided mariners since 1799 and remains a vital piece of Maine’s rich nautical history. The island’s dramatic, wave-battered granite landscape is a fascinating contrast against the bustling marine life clustered in its shallow waters. Hundreds of harbor seals haul out and frolic here, offering guests a rare opportunity to observe these inquisitive mammals up close in their natural habitat. Birdlife is equally abundant, with seabirds filling the sky and coastal rocks, completing a dynamic ecosystem few get to witness firsthand.
The tour is conducted aboard custom-designed boats equipped for comfort and panoramic 360-degree viewing. Guests can expect expert narration throughout the journey, learning about the lighthouse’s storied past, the island’s ecology, and the behavior of seals and other wildlife. The small group sizes ensure a personal experience without the crowds typical of more mainstream tours.
Departure takes place in Kennebunk, where operators provide all essentials including complimentary water, ice coolers, ponchos for unexpected rain, and motion sickness wristbands to keep the voyage enjoyable regardless of conditions. The company’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction is underlined by their seal sighting guarantee—see seals or your money back—highlighting their confidence in the area’s abundant wildlife.
For visitors staying in Kennebunk, this adventure is a perfect complement to exploring southern Maine’s beaches and charming town life. Early arrivals are advised to secure parking nearby, with convenient options including paid lots and limited free street parking. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly in layers, bring a camera fully charged for spectacular photo opportunities, and wear sturdy footwear suitable for boarding and disembarking at the dock.
This tour is uniquely positioned as a gateway to one of Maine’s most fascinating offshore landmarks and its vibrant marine wildlife. It offers a blend of natural wonder, historic reverence, and active exploration that stands out in New England’s coastal outdoor recreation scene. Whether you are a lighthouse enthusiast, a wildlife watcher, or simply looking to escape onto the ocean, the Boon Island Light Seal Watch delivers a memorable, authentic experience that is both educational and exhilarating.
Yes, children aged 6 and above are welcome, and child life jackets between 50-90 lbs are provided.
The company guarantees seal sightings or your money back, demonstrating their confidence in the abundant local wildlife.
Complimentary water and a cooler with ice are provided, but guests should bring their own snacks if desired.
Dress in layered clothing suitable for coastal weather, and wear sturdy footwear; ponchos are supplied in case of rain.
Meet 20 minutes before departure at the ticket booth below Federal Jack’s at 8 Western Ave, Kennebunk, on the river side.
No, storage space is very limited on the boat, so large bags and coolers are not allowed.
New England Eco Adventures is a Portland, Maine–based outdoor tour operator specializing in small-group marine experiences and paddle sports along southern Maine. The company offers guided and self-guided options including one-, two-, three-, and four-hour kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals in Kennebunkport, sunset boat tours in Casco Bay, whale watching excursions from Portland, and specialty trips such as a tour to Goat Island Light, a Boon Island Light sunset seal watch, and a visit to the Mere Point oyster farm. Trips are presented with clear trip lengths and guest limits; several boat experiences run on a 14-passenger rigid inflatable boat (RIB), while kayak and SUP rentals suit families and small groups. The Adventure Whale Watch and Adventure Whale Watch – Portland trips run approximately three to four hours and report high whale-sighting frequency. The Goat Island Light tour provides two-hour access to island views and seal sightings, and the Boon Island Light sunset seal watch is offered as a 1.5-hour narrated outing. New England Eco Adventures highlights local knowledge, safety briefings, and educational narration from captains and naturalists. Equipment for rentals and tours is maintained for reliability, and oyster farm trips include a shucking demonstration and six oyster samples for guests. With departures from Portland Harbor and operations along Casco Bay, Kennebunk River, and the Gulf of Maine, New England Eco Adventures focuses on responsible, informative, and family-friendly coastal adventures. Booking information, schedules, equipment details, safety policies, and group options are listed on the company's website and confirmed at reservation time.
Book with New England Eco Adventures