Sharks in Maine: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, you can identify several shark species in Maine, with the spiny dogfish and blue shark being the most common. While the legendary great white shark occasionally visits, most sightings involve smaller, less aggressive species that follow the schools of mackerel and herring. Start your identification journey by looking for the distinct dorsal fins and body shapes that separate our local species from their more famous cousins.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, August, May
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
81 verified observations on iNaturalist of shark have been recorded in Maine, most often in June, August, May.
When shark are recorded in Maine
Yes, you can identify several shark species in Maine, with the spiny dogfish and blue shark being the most common. While the legendary great white shark occasionally visits, most sightings involve smaller, less aggressive species that follow the schools of mackerel and herring. Start your identification journey by looking for the distinct dorsal fins and body shapes that separate our local species from their more famous cousins.
How can you identify a spiny dogfish in Maine?
The spiny dogfish is the shark you are most likely to encounter in Maine. Look for a slender, gray body with small white spots on the sides and a sharp spine in front of each dorsal fin. They lack an anal fin, which is a key marker that separates them from many other sharks. These sharks usually grow to about three or four feet and are often seen by anglers in deeper coastal waters. If you see a small shark with white spots and no anal fin, it is almost certainly a spiny dogfish.
What are the field marks of a blue shark?
Blue sharks are common in Maine's offshore waters and are known for their striking indigo blue backs and bright blue sides. They have long, pointed pectoral fins and a slender, streamlined body that allows them to glide gracefully through the water. Look for their long, conical snout and large eyes. While they rarely come close to shore, they are frequently spotted from boats near ledges and drop-offs where they hunt for squid and small fish. Their brilliant color and long fins are unmistakable markers for any observer.
Are there great white sharks in Maine?
Yes, great white sharks do visit Maine, but they are far less common than smaller species. Identification is based on their massive size, thick torpedo-shaped body, and a clear line of contrast between their dark gray back and white underbelly. Their dorsal fin is large and triangular, often showing a distinct notch. While sightings have increased in recent years as seal populations grow, they remain rare visitors that typically stay in deeper water. If you see a very large shark with a sharp color break, it could be a white shark.
How do you tell a shark apart from a porpoise or dolphin?
The most reliable way to tell them apart is by the movement and shape of the dorsal fin. A shark's fin is rigid and usually has a sharp, straight trailing edge, and it moves in a steady, horizontal path through the water. Dolphins and porpoises have curved fins that appear to roll in and out of the water as they breathe. Also, a shark's tail moves side to side, while a marine mammal's tail moves up and down. If the fin is rolling and the animal is surfacing to breathe, it is a mammal, not a shark.
Where are the best spots for shark watching in Maine?
Your best odds for land-based viewing are from high vantage points along the southern Maine coast, such as the cliffs at Cape Elizabeth or the beaches of Wells and Kennebunkport. For offshore sightings, consider a pelagic birding tour or a whale watching trip, which often encounter sharks near the surface. The waters around Monhegan Island and the ledges of the Gulf of Maine are also productive. Always scan the water for shadows or the distinctive dorsal fin cutting the surface. Check theMaine wildlife guidefor more coastal locations.
When is the best season to see sharks in Maine?
Summer and early fall, from July through September, are the peak months for shark activity in Maine. This is when water temperatures are warmest and baitfish like mackerel are most abundant near the coast. Blue sharks and dogfish are common during this window, while basking sharks may be seen earlier in the season. Winter sightings are non-existent as most sharks migrate to warmer southern waters. For the best experience, plan your trip for a calm, sunny day in late August. Visit theanimals/sharkpage for more seasonal details.
How can you watch sharks safely in Maine?
Stay calm and maintain a respectful distance. Do not approach or try to feed the shark. If you are swimming, slowly move toward shore without splashing. Report your sighting to the Maine Department of Marine Resources or your local beach patrol. If boating, observe from at least 50 feet away and avoid cutting off its path. Most Maine sharks are not aggressive toward people, but caution is always best.
Shark ID prints and wall art for your home
If you want to bring the experience home, consider these clean, field guide inspired prints:
Whale Shark Wall Art | Black and White Minimal Ocean Canvas Print
A minimalist black and white canvas that captures the whale shark's iconic pattern. Great for a home office or coastal decor.Check Price and Availability
Hammerhead Shark Giclée Print: Minimalist Black and White
A clean, scientific illustration style print that helps ID the hammerhead's unique head shape. Affordable for any budget.Check Price and Availability
Black and White Shark Ocean Depth Modern Coastal Decor
A framed canvas showing a shark in deep water. Works well as a statement piece in a den or reading room.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife inspired prints, browse ourart prints collection.
Frequently asked questions about identifying sharks in Maine
**Q: Can you see great white sharks in Maine?** A: Great whites are rare but occasionally pass through. They have a useful body, a rounded dorsal fin, and a distinct color break. **Q: Do I need a boat to see sharks in Maine?** A: No, many sightings occur from shore, especially in southern Maine beaches during summer. **Q: What time of day are sharks most active near the surface?** A: Early morning and late afternoon, especially on overcast days. **Q: Are there any shark tours in Maine?** A: Yes, some charter boats offer pelagic trips targeting tuna and often encounter blue sharks. Check local regulations.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
What is the best way to identify a basking shark?
Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world and are known for their enormous size and slow movement at the surface. Look for a very large, dark dorsal fin and the tip of the tail often visible at the same time. They often swim with their mouths wide open to filter plankton, which can look like a large dark hole in the water. Despite their size, they are harmless to humans and are a treat to see in the Gulf of Maine. If you see a massive, slow-moving fin, it is likely a basking shark.
Can you identify sharks by their tracks or signs?
No, sharks do not leave tracks like land animals, but you can look for other signs of their presence. Watch for schools of baitfish jumping or birds diving in a concentrated area, which often indicates a predator like a shark is hunting below. You might also see 'bait balls' where small fish huddle together for protection. In shallow water, a shark may leave a 'swirl' or 'boil' on the surface as it turns quickly. These indirect signs are often the first clue that a shark is nearby.
Frequently asked questions
How can you identify a spiny dogfish in Maine?+
The spiny dogfish is the shark you are most likely to encounter in Maine. Look for a slender, gray body with small white spots on the sides and a sharp spine in front of each dorsal fin. They lack an anal fin, which is a key marker that separates them from many other sharks. These sharks usually grow to about three or four feet and are often seen by anglers in deeper coastal waters. If you see a small shark with white spots and no anal fin, it is almost certainly a spiny dogfish.
What are the field marks of a blue shark?+
Blue sharks are common in Maine's offshore waters and are known for their striking indigo blue backs and bright blue sides. They have long, pointed pectoral fins and a slender, streamlined body that allows them to glide gracefully through the water. Look for their long, conical snout and large eyes. While they rarely come close to shore, they are frequently spotted from boats near ledges and drop-offs where they hunt for squid and small fish. Their brilliant color and long fins are unmistakable markers for any observer.
Are there great white sharks in Maine?+
Yes, great white sharks do visit Maine, but they are far less common than smaller species. Identification is based on their massive size, thick torpedo-shaped body, and a clear line of contrast between their dark gray back and white underbelly. Their dorsal fin is large and triangular, often showing a distinct notch. While sightings have increased in recent years as seal populations grow, they remain rare visitors that typically stay in deeper water. If you see a very large shark with a sharp color break, it could be a white shark.
How do you tell a shark apart from a porpoise or dolphin?+
The most reliable way to tell them apart is by the movement and shape of the dorsal fin. A shark's fin is rigid and usually has a sharp, straight trailing edge, and it moves in a steady, horizontal path through the water. Dolphins and porpoises have curved fins that appear to roll in and out of the water as they breathe. Also, a shark's tail moves side to side, while a marine mammal's tail moves up and down. If the fin is rolling and the animal is surfacing to breathe, it is a mammal, not a shark.
Where are the best spots for shark watching in Maine?+
Your best odds for land-based viewing are from high vantage points along the southern Maine coast, such as the cliffs at Cape Elizabeth or the beaches of Wells and Kennebunkport. For offshore sightings, consider a pelagic birding tour or a whale watching trip, which often encounter sharks near the surface. The waters around Monhegan Island and the ledges of the Gulf of Maine are also productive. Always scan the water for shadows or the distinctive dorsal fin cutting the surface. Check theMaine wildlife guidefor more coastal locations.
When is the best season to see sharks in Maine?+
Summer and early fall, from July through September, are the peak months for shark activity in Maine. This is when water temperatures are warmest and baitfish like mackerel are most abundant near the coast. Blue sharks and dogfish are common during this window, while basking sharks may be seen earlier in the season. Winter sightings are non-existent as most sharks migrate to warmer southern waters. For the best experience, plan your trip for a calm, sunny day in late August. Visit theanimals/sharkpage for more seasonal details.
How can you watch sharks safely in Maine?+
Stay calm and maintain a respectful distance. Do not approach or try to feed the shark. If you are swimming, slowly move toward shore without splashing. Report your sighting to the Maine Department of Marine Resources or your local beach patrol. If boating, observe from at least 50 feet away and avoid cutting off its path. Most Maine sharks are not aggressive toward people, but caution is always best.
What is the best way to identify a basking shark?+
Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world and are known for their enormous size and slow movement at the surface. Look for a very large, dark dorsal fin and the tip of the tail often visible at the same time. They often swim with their mouths wide open to filter plankton, which can look like a large dark hole in the water. Despite their size, they are harmless to humans and are a treat to see in the Gulf of Maine. If you see a massive, slow-moving fin, it is likely a basking shark.
Can you identify sharks by their tracks or signs?+
No, sharks do not leave tracks like land animals, but you can look for other signs of their presence. Watch for schools of baitfish jumping or birds diving in a concentrated area, which often indicates a predator like a shark is hunting below. You might also see 'bait balls' where small fish huddle together for protection. In shallow water, a shark may leave a 'swirl' or 'boil' on the surface as it turns quickly. These indirect signs are often the first clue that a shark is nearby.
Keep exploring
More places to see shark
More wildlife in Maine