Pirates, Whales, and the Gulf of Maine
Pirates and whales rank high among the “charismatic megafauna” of the oceans. And they both have spent the summertime in the Gulf of Maine—although not for the same reasons. Who were pirates really? Did they bear any resemblance to the pirates of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” . And why did they summer in the Gulf of Maine and other parts of the Northeast?
Every summer whale watching is a popular summer activity up and down the east coast including in the Gulf of Maine. Finbacks, Humpback, Minke and North Atlantic Right Whales travel up the coast in search of rich food sources that grow plentiful during the warm summer months. Where are they coming from and where are they going?
The Gulf of Maine stretches from Cape Cod in Massachusetts to Sable Island at the southern tip of Nova Scotia. It was sculpted by glaciers and hosts 3,000 marine species and birds and is the fastest warming body of ocean water on earth.
This is three topics in one! So we'll spend the more time on your favorite and less on other topics if you'd like.
Join Certified Interpretive Guide Jeanne Christie of Connect to Wilderness to hear stories of the past and present--of pirates, whales and much more-- above and beneath the waters of the Gulf of Maine. This can be done as a walk along the shore day or night. it can be stationary as a presentation or in motion--or both.
Outdoor events are held rain or shine.
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Length: 1-2 hours, clear skies to moderate rain.
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Locations: Walks can be scheduled at Sebago Lake Land Reserve in Standish, Clifford Park in Biddeford, Two Lights or Crescent Beach State Parks in Cape Elizabeth,or Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal (near Freeport). Other locations are possible provided permission to lead a walk on the property is granted by the land owner. This is often possible on state and town parks and lands. Properties that are privately held or owned by nonprofit organizations are also possible on a case by case basis.
Rates
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
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$45 per person 1-2 hour walk twelve or more participants
$50 per person 1-2 hour walk, seven to eleven participants
$60 per person 1-2 hour walk three - six participants
$85 per person 1-2 hours one-two participants.
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Available daily based on availability. Must be reserved
a minimum of three days in advance.
Half day and full day flat rates provided upon request. These are generally used when the cost of the walk is paid for by an organization and individuals participate at no cost.
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Next Step: Click on the button below to fill out a form and we'll schedule a walk.
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Logistics
