Join Wild Latitudes on this 8-day tour of Maine, renowned for the natural beauty of its wild forests, vast blueberry bogs, and rugged coastlines. Wildlife and scenery will be at the heart of this tour as we venture to salt marshes, the boreal forest, and the crown jewel of the north Atlantic: Acadia National Park.

We will begin the tour exploring the salt marshes of southern Maine. Many waders like Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis will be returning to the marshes to breed, while several shorebird species may drop in for only a day or two to refuel for their long journey to the arctic.

Our next stop will be the northern boreal forest, to which millions of birds migrate annually to breed. Here we will seek out some of these migrant birds like Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, and over 20 species of warblers! We will also be on the lookout for some of the specialty species that call the boreal forest home year-round, such as Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Canada Jays. With any luck, we may even get to see some large mammal species like Black Bear or Moose!

The final leg of our tour will be to the east, to Acadia National Park. Here the scenic combination of rocky coasts, granite mountains, and dense forests will surely leave us in awe. We will look for Common Loons on the still glacial lakes, nesting Peregrine Falcons in the cliffs, and Black Guillemots & Common Eiders bobbing in the waters just offshore. To see what lies farther out to sea, we will take a boat ride to the outskirts of Petit Manan Island, where nesting Arctic Terns, Razorbills, and endearing Atlantic Puffins will be busy catching fish to take to their young on the island. This boat will leave from Bar Harbor, a charming town with a multitude of shops, galleries, and restaurants which we will make time to visit.

This tour is designed so that there is something for birders and nature enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy. We hope that you’ll join us on this exciting exploration of Maine!

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - Jun 19: Arrival in Portland, Maine

Arrive in Portland and meet your Wild Latitudes guide, get settled at the hotel, then enjoy a welcome dinner as we preview the week’s birding and wildlife targets.

Day 2 - Jun 20: Scarborough Marsh & Entering the Boreal Forest

Explore Maine’s largest salt marsh for breeding waders and secretive sparrows, then head north with birding stops en route toward the boreal forest and our lodge.

Day 3 - Jun 21: Full Day in the Boreal Forest

Spend a full day in Baxter State Park, searching for breeding warblers and boreal specialties amid wild scenery, with an unhurried pace and a picnic lunch in the field.

Day 4 - Jun 22: Boreal Forest Morning & Transfer to Mount Desert Island

Make a special effort for Moose (and more boreal birding if time allows), then travel south to Mount Desert Island—gateway to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Day 5 - Jun 23: Full Day in Acadia National Park

Take in Acadia’s granite peaks, rocky shoreline, and glacial lakes while looking for Peregrine Falcons, Black Guillemots, and calling Common Loons, then enjoy free time in Bar Harbor before dinner.

Day 6 - Jun 24: Schoodic Peninsula (Acadia National Park)

Visit the quieter Schoodic Peninsula for serene forest birding, with chances for grouse, thrushes, and a rich mix of songbirds, then return to Mount Desert Island for the evening.

Day 7 - Jun 25: Puffin Boat Tour & Return to Portland

Cruise to the waters around Petit Manan Island for Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Arctic Terns, and more seabirds (plus possible seals), then return to Portland for a final group dinner.

Day 8 - Jun 26: Departures

Transfer to the Portland airport for morning departures and farewells as our Maine adventure comes to a close.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $995

START DATE: June 19, 2027

DURATION: 8 days

GROUP SIZE: Max of 8

TRIP FOCUS: Birding

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guiding services
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees

YOUR GUIDE

Chris Payne grew up in rural Pennsylvania with two naturalists for parents, so he has been immersed in the natural world his entire life. Once he discovered the world of birds, he was hooked. After graduating with a degree in biology, he pieced together bird-related field work for several years before returning to school to work on an M.S. in biology. Leading nature tours is the best of both worlds for Chris: getting to work in nature surrounded by birds, but more importantly, getting to share that passion with others.