Tidepooling at Bar Island

This relatively flat land bridge offers an interesting view of marine life. Explore barnacle- and seaweed-covered rocks. Poke around along the edge of the sea. Sturdier shoes that can get a little wet are recommended over flip flops. Look for periwinkle snails, rice-sized snail eggs, colorful sea stars, and large Jonah Crabs.  

Bar Island is accessible by walking down Bridge Street from West Street in downtown Bar Harbor. The "bar" is a natural .5 mile stretch of sandy gravel land that becomes exposed as the tide goes out and connects the town to Acadia’s Bar Island. It is only exposed 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after low tide.

• Distance: Varies, .5 miles from town to Bar Island across land bridge

• Terrain: Sandy, gravel, with some larger rocks and uneven footing

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Wildlife Watching

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Activity Fee

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Location

Bar Island

• The Trailhead: Where to Begin

  • Bar Island Trail starts by walking down Bridge Street from West Street in downtown Bar Harbor.

• Getting to the Trailhead

  • By car: Start from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. At the four-way intersection, turn left. Turn right at the stop sign onto ME Route 3. Continue south for 2 miles, then turn left onto West Street. Park along this road and walk down Bridge Street. You must pay for parking downtown from May 15 to October 31. Parking is not allowed on the Bar or on Bridge Street.

  • By bus: Take the fare-free Island Explorer to downtown Bar Harbor and walk to Bridge Street.

Reservations

No

Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Tidepooling at Bar Island and along the land bridge is not accessible. The trail is sand and gravel with uneven footing throughout.

Don't get stranded on Bar Island! Check the tide chart and don't lose track of time when tidepooling.

NPS Photo/Lisa Girardin

Know When to Go

This land bridge is exposed at low tide. The opportunity to tide pool occurs between the window of time 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after low tide. It is best to start tidepooling before low tide and to leave as the tide is rising.

Before you head out to the intertidal zone on your own, check the tide chart for Bar Island.

Be cautious and aware of the tides, as the bar is otherwise covered by the ocean. If you walk over to the island and lose track of time, it is 9 hours until the bar emerges again to safely walk across.

Visitors tidepooling off Bar Island

NPS Photo/Kat Connelly

Safety and Etiquette

• Before exploring, wash off sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and bug spray.
• Do not wade into the tidepools.
• We are guests in these animals’ homes. Use a light step!
• Leave the park as you found it. Never use force to remove anything.

Slow is the Way to Go

Step carefully and slowly. Seaweed is slippery, and rocks can be wet, loose, and/or sharp.

Protect Your Feet

Wear closed-toed sturdy outdoor shoes.

Eyes on the Sea

Keep a safe distance from the sea, and watch those waves.

Kids Stay Close

Small children should stay within arm’s reach of adults.

"Sea" a Whole New World

Get low, look closely and carefully, and have patience!