Bar Harbor Maine Boating, Boat Rentals & Marinas

Acadia National Park
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Boating

Boating is popular in Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the spectacular views via ocean, lake and stream, and for great fishing opportunities. Common activities include sailing, motor boating, boat charters, tours and cruises, canoeing or sea kayaking. Read More

Providers These companies can get you there

Sail Acadia

Haul traps aboard a classic wooden lobster boat for a uniquely-Maine experience, or raise the sails and relax on a traditional Friendship Sloop. Enjoy unforgettable scenery!

Downeast Windjammer Cruises

Is it time to set sail? Take a sailboat cruise from Downeast Windjammer Cruises located in Cherryfield Maine. It's guaranteed to have breath taking views.

Robertson Sea Tours Adventures - Milbridge ME

Go whale watching, Island Lobster Bake, Puffin Tours, and private charters available. Family owned and operated, Captain Robertson has twenty plus years on Maine waters.

Mount Desert Yacht Charter

Rental boats of all sizes. From paddle boards to cruising sailboats

Scotty's Kayak & Canoe Rental

Deliver and pick up kayaks and canoes to vacation cottages, campgrounds and hotels. Single kayaks, double kayaks and canoes (holding up to 4 persons).

Mount Desert Island Sailing Center

People of all ages can learn how to sail, and even race sailboats with their experience! Located in Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Lobster Boat Cruises

Lobster Fishing & Nature Cruises. Dinner cruises, private or shared charters.

Mansell Boat Rentals

See spectacular Acadia and Mount Desert Island, lighthouses and fjord, by sail or motor boat with our rentals. Narrated tours, sailing instruction, experienced captain trips.

Hinckley Crewed Yacht Charters

Get modern, fast and designer yacht charters at reasonable prices. Experienced crew comes along to make your sea ride even more joyful and exciting.

Downeast Sailing Adventures

Boat tours of Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound. Day and overnight trips. Private charters. Go lobster fishing on a traditional Maine lobster boat.

You may also be interested in:

  • Activities include sailing, boat charters, tours and cruises, fishing, canoeing or sea kayaking. 
  • Mount Desert Island has numerous fresh water lakes and public marinas for ocean access. 
  • A list of boating regulations and limitations is available at any Park information center. 
  • Tours and rentals are available at many locations.

Mount Desert Island has numerous fresh water lakes and public marinas for ocean access where visitors can go boating, fishing, kayaking or canoeing. The park service provides a complete list of recommended fishing areas according to fish species for Mount Desert Island.

Saltwater Boating

Somes Sound and Frenchmans Bay offer a unique experience for ocean boating with unmatched spectacular views. As with any Northern climate ocean activity, the waters of Frenchmans bay rarely exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If participating in adventure sports such as kayaking, please have appropriate gear equipment such as insulated suits to protect from hypothermia.

Public ramps can be found in Seal Cove and Tremont providing access to Blue Hill Bay. The Manset Town Landing also has a ramp. The town of Bar Harbor, though often congested, has an extra wide ramp accessible at high tide.

Freshwater Boating

Several ponds are part of the Mount Desert Island drinking water supply and have posted regulations concerning water usage. These usually restrict swimming, wading, or disallow pets in or near the water but allow boating and fishing activities. Many ponds have restrictions concerning motor boats based on Horsepower. A complete list is available at any Park information center.

Enjoy fresh water charters on Penobscot River or Grand Lake Stream. Kayaking and Canoeing are some of the most popular activities in the park. Find tours and rentals in a handful of locations.

Hire a Guide

For a guided ocean adventure, or if lacking your own boat, consider chartering a boat. Leave from Bar Harbor or the surrounding areas of Sedgwick, Blue hill, Stonington, Deer Isle and Isle au Hau.

The Charter ships that make Bar Harbor home port are part of the local culture. Search for whales or other ocean life on Whale watching cruises. Experience a taste of the fishing tradition on a chartered lobster boat. Go on sunset cruises. Educational cruises are available through the National Park Service. Or simply enjoy the serene sound of the wind in sails from a four masted schooner while cruising off Bar Harbor.

Other Boating Resources

The Castine Yacht Club

The Castine Yacht Club joins local yachting enthusiasts and organizes local events.