Cap'n Fish's Cruises — Local services in Boothbay Harbor

A whale watch through the bowels of hell. Courtesy of captain fish.

If you’re considering this whale-watching cruise thinking it will be a tranquil ocean adventure—turn back now. What we experienced was less “Marine Safari” and more “Maritime Mayhem.” Within an hour, every single passenger was transformed from curious tourist to shell-shocked survivor.

The chaos began about an hour in. Passengers were being flung three feet off their seats, only to crash back down like ragdolls. The boat pitched and rolled like we were in a hurricane, not a scenic cruise.

The true horror, however, was the vomit. It was everywhere. Into paper bags, over the tables, on the guide railings. The air was thick with the stench—each new wave (both literal and gastrointestinal) introduced an entirely new olfactory nightmare. Each person had a signature smell worse than the last. People filled up multiple vomit bags like they had a vomit factory inside their bodies. Pulses were being checked and people were graying out, blacking out. Several elderly passengers were curled up on the floor clutching a pole. This was for hours! Trust me it felt like a lifetime. The experience will not be forgotten. Thanks captain fish!

And the crew’s response? “These are typical conditions.” It was clearly the owner who is mainly responsible for this mess. The crew did the best they could handing out pike bags as the boat rolled and pitched violently.

Typical? For who—deep-sea fishermen from the 1800s? It is only a matter of time before someone is thrown overboard. I cannot believe life vests weren't required on the outside of the boat.

The real tragedy was watching the expressions on passengers’ faces when we first boarded—bright-eyed, excited, full of vacation joy. They were eating hot dogs, grilled cheese, and sharing drinks and smiles. An hour later, those same faces were vacant, drained of humanity, like survivors of some unseen war.

I can guarantee you that halfway into this 4 hour tour of hell that nobody gave a damn about seeing a whale. Hands and legs were shaking in fatigue from bracing yourself. You had to choose between clutching the seat or trying to time a pitch or roll to fill your vomit bag.

This wasn’t a cruise. It was a psychological and physical trial. I wouldn’t wish this experience on my worst enemy—but if you’re into trauma bonding with strangers, by all means,...

This was honestly a pretty horrible experience. I don't know much about boats but I've been on enough of them to understand that your guests shouldn't be tossed around like rag dolls. Everything was calm when we left the harbor but that changed as soon as we were further out. The boat sped up and the swells grew. Pretty quickly people were being thrown around, falling, unable to get their footing. The boat didn't slow down. We had to retreat to the cabin where people were crashing to the floor, hitting themselves on poles, and seats. The boat still didn't slow down. The crew finally closed the door and instructed people to find a seat, but it was too late. There was a chain reaction of sea sickness now that we were all crammed inside, no air circulation, and a choppy sea. Then came the puke chain. One after another people started vomiting, it was horrendous. We finally slowed down.

I want to make it clear, the cabin crew were incredible. They were handling the vomit volcanos like professionals. It was obvious this wasn't their first time dealing with 10+ people sacrificing their lunches to posiden. They even checked on us after, offering ginger ale and barf bags. They were kind and compassionate as they helped people off the floor, making sure we were OK. I really appreciate them.

As for the whales, we saw a few spouts and some silhouettes of humpback whales, which was not worth the hours we were trapped on that boat. The puffins were incredible and beautiful to see but it was difficult from our distance. There was a collective sigh from the boat as soon as we saw the harbor. We all wanted off. Kudos to the old lady that yelled at the crew member to turn us back around, although it didnt work, I appreciate her effort. I cannot in good conscience recommend this trip. It was a nightmare and not worth the trauma or money. We entrusted our safety to these people and were confused when things became dangerous. We never should have gone out in that weather. We should have...

Embarking on Cap'n Fish's Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, was an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly blended natural wonder with maritime charm.

The journey commenced aboard the Harbor Princess, a spacious and comfortable vessel equipped with 360-degree viewing decks and a full-service galley offering snacks and beverages. As we set sail, the crisp sea breeze and panoramic ocean vistas set the stage for the day's exploration.

Our first destination was Eastern Egg Rock, the southernmost nesting site for Atlantic puffins. Guided by an expert naturalist from the National Audubon Society's Project Puffin, we learned about the successful reestablishment of the puffin colony on the island. Observing these charming seabirds in their natural habitat, along with sightings of black guillemots, common eiders, and various gull species, was truly captivating.

The cruise continued past iconic Maine lighthouses, including Ram, Burnt, and Pemaquid Point, offering picturesque views and ample photo opportunities. As we ventured further offshore, the anticipation of spotting whales grew. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the knowledgeable crew provided insightful commentary on the marine ecosystem, enhancing our appreciation of the surrounding waters.

It's worth noting that the open sea can be unpredictable. Some passengers experienced mild seasickness due to the swells, so taking preventive measures like motion sickness medication is advisable for those prone to discomfort. Despite this, the crew's attentiveness and the overall experience made the voyage worthwhile.

In summary, Cap'n Fish's Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise offers an enriching and scenic exploration of Maine's coastal wildlife and landmarks. For nature enthusiasts and maritime adventurers alike, it's an experience that combines education, relaxation, and the thrill...