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We only saw 2 puffins since it was the end of the season, but saw seals and many other birds. The highlight was listening to Donelda tell about the lobster industry which her family is much involved in.
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Date of experience: August 2019
Helpful
This boat cruise is worth every penny! The owners could not have been any nicer or helpful and their knowledge is deep. We saw over 20 Bald Eagles, hundreds of seals and plenty of Puffins. It was an awesome experience and my 10 and 13 year old kids were totally into the whole trip. It is a short trip to see puffins which is why we originally chose to go - we live in Maine and any puffin cruise near us is 4 hours or more. We highly recommend this tour and the ferry next to the dock was a nice surprise!!…
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Date of experience: August 2019
Helpful
I’m an experienced bird watcher, but this tour takes the cake. Eagles are rare in my neck of the woods, yet on this trip I saw 5 or more. Fantastic guidance from Donelda, who talks about the birds, and the history of the island. She and her husband are lobster fishers and they know these water quite well. Donelda helped me to identify a bird I saw in my binoculars with her bird guide books. She is highly knowledgeable and has some wonderful stories to tell. If you have binoculars, be sure to bring them! I brought my 10x50s which work well for the water and distance. The boat has binoculars available. The seats are like bus seats, and you look at the birds out an open window. Be sure to read their instructions and check if the tour will be going out the next day. I saw Black Guillemots, Great Cormorants, Double crested cormorants, a sandpiper, Blue Herons, and grey seals- who were singing! Great outing!…
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Date of experience: August 2019
Helpful
This was a really nice surprise as we had some issues getting in touch with them after booking online so I was a bit concerned. Donelda is really well informed and gives you wonderful information about the history of the area and the birds you will see on the way to the islands. I do wish the P.A. speaker was clearer though. The boat is comfy, there is a head (toilet), and nice big windows that are open (no glass) so photography and viewing is easy. I expect glass can be put in on cold days but we were out on a warm sunny day. Definitely saw puffins, but for me - the seals stole the show! Well over 100 and John stopped the boat a few times so that we could hear the seals sing, which filled my heart with such joy. Wonderful experience all around.…
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Date of experience: August 2019
Helpful
Response from DoneldaM6, Owner at Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Responded 16 Aug. 2019
Thank you for sharing your time with us . Cell phone reception on the Island can be challenging but the VIC's and most tourism operators will make the call for you to confirm . When the windows are all open as they have been almost all summer the PA /speakers have the challenge of the " winds " as we are sailing . The seals can be very entertaining ! So happy that you enjoyed your nature experience with us !
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Put Donelda on your list if you are in the area. She and her husband John do a wonderful job introducing you to the the birds and you get right in there at the Bird Islands with her spotting for you. We had a great time. Highly recommended.
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Date of experience: August 2019
Helpful
Response from DoneldaM6, Owner at Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
Responded 16 Aug. 2019
Thank you for taking the time to post your review and recommending our tour !
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