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An autumn view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine

Wild Maine Escape: Exploring Downeast & Acadia National Park

Portland - Portland - Example 6 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
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The National Geographic Sea Lion hosts an exciting 6-day wild Maine escape cruise expedition. Take part in an amazing island exploration: wander different islands by kayak, paddleboard, and Zodiac while enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Visit the galleries of the artists on Monhegan Island and find out about Acadia National Park's remote Schoodic Peninsula.
Colorful sunrise at Portland Head Lighthouse in MaineBeautiful seascapes in MaineMain Street, remote Monhegan Island, Maine.Explore Maine's beautiful rugged coastEnjoy stunning views of PortlandAn autumn view from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine
Highlights
  • Enjoy an island exploration along Maine's coast
  • Hike and kayak Acadia National Park's secluded Schoodic Peninsula
  • Visit North Haven Island and savor a farm-to-table dinner
  • Look for puffins at Eastern Egg Rock and whales feeding along the coast
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Portland | Embark

Arrive in Portland, Maine, and board the National Geographic Sea Lion.

Day 2: Island Exploration

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning winding in and out of the many islands along Maine’s southern coast by kayak, paddleboard, and Zodiac. With no firm schedule, you're free to follow the wildlife and the scenery, making the most of your time in this rugged seascape. Later, you may have the opportunity to visit Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, an innovative, hands-on research and science education program.

Day 3: East Egg Rock | Monhegan

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up this morning off of Eastern Egg Rock, where an ambitious project to restore seabird colonies began in the 1970s has led to the return of Atlantic puffins—a true conservation success story. Tour the island in Zodiacs on the lookout for nesting pairs of puffins. Continue to Monhegan, a small island with a rich history. Often disputed by warring European countries, Monhegan spent time as a British fishing camp and a 19th-century artists’ colony. Visit art galleries in its tiny community of about 70 full-time residents, go on a hike, and see the Monhegan Lighthouse that looks out over this remote outpost.

Day 4: Penobscot Bay | North Haven Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Scattered with islets, Penobscot Bay is a fantastic place to explore by Zodiac, and, conditions permitting, by kayak or paddleboard. You'll spend the morning discovering its secret coves and stunning scenery, watching for wildlife, and photographing vistas of rocky islands, boats moored in village harbors, and solitary lighthouses poised on the shore. In the afternoon, anchor off North Haven Island and go kayaking and paddleboarding, or enjoy a hike ashore. Join the staff at Turner Farm for a tour of their organic farm, and then gather at the barn for a farm-to-table dinner as the sunsets.

Day 5: Schoodic Peninsula / Acadia National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your adventure continues up the coast to the stunning Schoodic Peninsula, a lesser-known part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland. Discover its lush spruce forests and granite shores during a full day of exploration on hikes and by kayak, Zodiac, and paddleboard.

Day 6: Portland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, National Geographic Sea Lion arrives in Portland where you disembark.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Lion

Dining Room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 3 Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person

Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended. Click  here for information about rubber boots rental.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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