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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit New England Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Onboard physician consultations (where available)
24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
Complimentary reusable water bottle
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
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
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
