Listen to a ranger point our all the great things about Acadia from four of the commercial boats in the water on the Acadia National Park Boat Cruises. Learn a little bit more about the area from a different standpoint.
Organization: AllTrips.com
Date: 06/20/2013 update info
Time: 1:00:00 PM - 1:00:00 PM
Event Cost: Varies
Venue: Varous Docks and Harbors in Bar Harbor,ME
Contact: Acadia National Park
Phone: (207) 288-3338
Email:
Website: www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Event Details:
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. 4˝ 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. 2˝ hours. Fee. Reservations: 207-276-5352.
Don't forget to take along these essential items on a cruise:
Warm, layered, and windproof/waterproof clothing for all seasons
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
Water and snacks
Binoculars and a camera
- Daily from June to Oct
- Fares vary by age
- Several tours to choose from
Overview:Â Four of the many commercial boats int eh area offer a special ranger led boat cruise around Acadia int he summer months. Only a few of the daily cruises are staffed by park rangers so make sure you check the schedule in advance. Choose from several theme tours including the Frenchman Bay Cruise, the Islesford Scenic and Historic Cruise and the dive in Theater Boat Cruise.
When: Daily June to October
Where: On one of four commercial boats on the water
Fees: Fees can vary by age and operator. Make reservations through boat operators. Fares based on age for adults, seniors and children.
Details:  Make reservations with boat operators and ask about accessibility and which of their cruises offer park ranger interpretation. Make sure you wear warm clothing and arrive at least 30 minutes early from the cruise departure.