Physical Requirements
Most Earthwatch Expeditions take place in destinations that are wild and remote, with varying physical demands and limited medical facilities. All field research trips may not be suitable for every traveler. In order to participate on this expedition, you must comfortably and reliably be able to execute all physical requirements as noted below.
Level of Difficulty
- Moderate
Trip Pace
This trip is packed with science and adventure each day. Some days will be full of research activities from about 8am-4pm. Others will be a mix of research and nature/wildlife exploration activities. Evenings after dinner will be free to rest and relax, reminiscing on the day of adventure and in preparation for the day ahead.
Early mornings around 7am breakfast most days, including one especially early morning to see the sunrise, are planned to maximize wildlife and scenic viewing and research opportunities
Daily schedules are flexible and may shift based on weather, wildlife activity, and research needs
Research days include 3–8 hours of combined activity
Be able to walk 2-4 miles on slightly uneven or steep terrain on a given day. While hiking 2-4 miles daily is unlikely, some research activities may require a moderately strenuous hike and/or walking on uneven, slippery rocks. Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water, and some small field equipment.
Watch footing while moving through dense, tangled vegetation.
Fieldwork may require:
Get low (generally squat, kneel, or sit) on barnacle-covered coastal rocks.
Move through low, thick vegetation over variable terrain.
Tolerate cold temperatures and rain.
Sit upright in a 15-passenger van for up to one and a half hours at a time.
Get yourself up into and down out of 15-passenger van and ride, seated, with a seatbelt fastened.
Opportunity to participate in a 2-hour boat cruise as part of a wildlife education and tour experience (both puffin tour and lobster tour are about 2 hours)
Due to the nature of the terrain, activities, and remote location, this trip is not suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
Guests must:
Have good balance and stability
Be comfortable walking unassisted on uneven terrain
Be able to get in and out of vehicles without assistance
July and August July and August represent the peak summer season at the Schoodic Peninsula, offering the warmest weather of the year with temperatures frequently in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. However, because this is a coastal, maritime environment, the weather is characterized by rapid changes, frequent fog, and cool evenings
July Weather
Temperatures: Highs generally range from the mid-60s to low-80s, with average highs around 75F. Evenings are comfortable, often dipping into the 50s.
Conditions: July is often warm but subject to "ocean air conditioning"—breezes off the 50–60°F water can keep the coast significantly cooler than inland Maine.
Fog/Rain: July is often quite foggy, especially in the early mornings, and can experience afternoon showers.
August Weather
Temperatures: August is typically the warmest month. Expect daily highs between 74-82F and overnight lows between 52-60F
Conditions: While sunny days are frequent, August can be humid and still experience thick fog, particularly in the mornings.
Rain: There are a handful of rainy days, but overall the period is usually drier than early summer, though afternoon thunderstorms can occur
Day-to-day research locations will vary along the rocky coast and within the surrounding forests. Guests should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer.
23- 1,530 feet above sea level. Guests will mainly be around sea level throughout their stay. However, when viewing sunrise at Cadillac mountain, they will briefly be at 1,530 to take in the stunning views.