While it is possible to see orcas in Maine waters, these sightings are rare. Orcas are not a common sight along the state’s coastline and do not maintain resident populations in the Gulf of Maine.
Orca Sightings in Maine Waters
Orca sightings in Maine are infrequent, with years sometimes passing between confirmed reports. These observations typically involve transient individuals or small groups venturing beyond their usual habitats. One notable orca, “Old Thom,” is regularly sighted in the North Atlantic, occasionally appearing in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy.
Documented sightings highlight their rarity. For example, in June 2023, four orcas were observed south of Nantucket, Massachusetts. In May 2024, two orcas, including one carrying a tuna, were sighted off New England. “Old Thom” was also spotted off the coast of Massachusetts in August 2025.
Factors Limiting Orca Presence
Orcas are apex predators with diverse diets, and individual populations often specialize in certain types of prey, such as fish or marine mammals. Their habitat preferences lean towards cooler coastal waters with high productivity and cold-water upwellings.
The waters off Maine are generally warmer than these preferred habitats. While Maine’s marine environment can temporarily offer increased prey, primary feeding grounds with abundant food sources are typically found further north in colder regions like Iceland, Norway, and the Arctic. This combination of water temperature and prey distribution contributes to their infrequent presence in the Gulf of Maine.
Other Marine Mammals You Can See
Despite the rarity of orcas, Maine’s coastal waters host a rich diversity of other marine mammals. Commonly sighted whale species include humpback whales, finback whales, minke whales, and pilot whales. Less common observations include sei whales and the endangered North Atlantic right whales. Sperm whales are also rare sightings.
Two seal species, the harbor seal and the gray seal, are common year-round residents. Other occasional seal visitors include harp, ringed, and hooded seals. Dolphins, such as the Atlantic white-sided dolphin and common bottlenose dolphin, are present, along with the harbor porpoise.
The optimal time for marine mammal viewing is from late spring to early fall, between May and October, with peak activity from June through September. Whale watching tours operate from various locations along the Maine coast, including Kennebunk, Portland, Boothbay Harbor, and Bar Harbor.