Spending time on the water can really enhance your visit to Acadia. Four boat cruises offered in conjunction with the park feature a park ranger onboard to tell the stories of the Maine coast. Explore the mysteries, life, and legends of sea, and learn about the lives of hardy Maine islanders.
Each of these ranger-narrated boat cruises are offered multiple times per week from late spring through early fall. Reservations are recommended. Please ask boat operators about accessibility. Schedules and fees vary; check the schedule of events for more information.
Be sure to check out the cruise essentials listed below. Boat operators recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before departure.
Baker Island Cruise (mid-June through mid-September)
Explore a remote, ocean-sculpted island seen by few visitors. Hop aboard a motorized launch for landing and discover the island’s unique natural and cultural history on a moderate hike with a park ranger. 4½ hours. Fee. Harbor Place, 1 West Street, Bar Harbor. Reservations: 207-288-2386.
Dive-In Theater Boat Cruise (mid-May through early October)
Cruise with a ranger through Frenchman Bay in search of seals, porpoises, and coastal bird life. Watch real-time video as a diver scours the ocean floor for marine life to bring aboard the boat for hands-on exploration. 3 hours. Fee. College of the Atlantic Dock. Advance Ticket Sales (through their reservation company): 800-979-3370 (US) or 212-209-3370 (international).
Frenchman Bay Cruise (mid-May through early October)
Climb aboard a majestic 151-foot, four-masted schooner in search of wildlife and history. 2 hours. Fee. Bar Harbor Inn Pier. Reservations: 207-288-4585.
Islesford Historical Cruise (mid-May through early October)
Discover the enduring connections between people and the sea. Search for wildlife as you cruise to Little Cranberry Island for a stop at the Islesford Historical Museum and explore the scenic fjord of Somes Sound. Municipal Pier, Northeast Harbor. 2½ hours. Fee. Reservations: 207-276-5352.
