Acadian Boat Tours
Acadian Boat Tours
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Acadian Boat Tours offers 4 distinct tours sailing from Bar Harbor, Maine. Our sightseeing / nature cruises sail along the shoreline of Frenchman Bay and see summer mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse, highlights of Acadia National Park as well as bald eagles, harbor porpoise, seals and other sights and wildlife. Trips are 2 hours long, pet friendly and sail at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 6:30pm (Sunset tour in July) or 6:00pm (Sunset tour in August)daily. Our other tours include: Puffins, Lighthouses & Seabirds tour, Family Friendly Fishing Trips, and our spectacular Somes Sound Fjord & Harbors Tour. All trips depart from Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor, ME. We offer FREE ONSITE PARKING - Or let us pick you up from your downtown hotel in our courtesy van! A real plus in Bar Harbor! At the end of your tour, come visit the Sea Dawg Gift Shop at 47 West St. and pick up an awesome souvenir!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,161 reviews
Excellent
2,589
Very good
406
Average
103
Poor
36
Terrible
29
Deb H
15 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We had an absolutely wonderful time! Delightful tour of Bar Harbor from the water. They practiced excellent social distancing with every other row of seats blocked off and required face masks so we felt very safe.
Saw so much incredible scenery and wildlife including a lighthouse, summer "cottages" of the rich and famous, seals and many birds. Watched a swarm of seagulls dive bombing an eagle to protect their nests. Live Nature Channel TV!
Guide was a professionally trained naturalist and was very informative. Provided in-depth information on the topography and history of the region including Acadia National Park, which we could view from the harbor.
Two hours was just the right amount of time and the price was extremely reasonable. Would HIGHLY recommend this tour!
Saw so much incredible scenery and wildlife including a lighthouse, summer "cottages" of the rich and famous, seals and many birds. Watched a swarm of seagulls dive bombing an eagle to protect their nests. Live Nature Channel TV!
Guide was a professionally trained naturalist and was very informative. Provided in-depth information on the topography and history of the region including Acadia National Park, which we could view from the harbor.
Two hours was just the right amount of time and the price was extremely reasonable. Would HIGHLY recommend this tour!
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your awesomely detailed review! We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us. We love what we do - and we always love when it shows!
On a side note - we do ask for a face covering when boarding - but once seated outside in the fresh air on the boat, masks may be removed. Put back on when moving about or going inside where social distancing is a little more tricky.
Diane Smith
Written June 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thelevys5
Dominican Republic15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
My 15 year old son and I spent the morning on the boat in the harbor fishing. He caught nearly 25 fish - pollock, mackerel, cod, sea perch. The crew was a great group of young guys from the island who knew what they were doing and we met some terrific people on the boat. They made it so easy all around which I appreciated. We had a really nice time and highly recommend it as an easy and affordable way to get out on the sea and do some fishing.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ADJ911
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Acadian Boat Tours is definitely the best of the 3 boat tours operating during COVID. They have easy parking, tours that actually take you to see sites, they kindly accommodated our last minute schedule request, and the successfully implement safe social distancing on the boat with 1/3 capacity. We had 2 smallish kids (5 & 7) so we took the shorter Nature Tour. The guide was pretty good (not a biologist/ranger like I read in reviews but entertaining enough.) We really only toured the immediate bay, not around MDI, so it was one lighthouse and a couple small islands. Without the young kids, I would recommend a longer Lighthouse tour, Puffin tour, or even Whale tour so you can see more of the area.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you
Diane Smith
Written August 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
52triciaf89
Millstone, NJ1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
We had originally booked the whale watching tour but when we found out it was around 4-5 hours we decided to switch to the wildlife tour since we have 3 small children. We got there early and my children went right to the top of the boat and decided to sit in the last row. I didn’t think anything of it but once the engines fired up I immediately regretted not moving. The boat was full so we were stuck at that point breathing in the smell of the engines for around 2 hours. Obviously they can’t help that but what they could do is put a speaker or two in the back bc I’m sure the guide had some great commentary but unfortunately I couldn’t hear a single word over the sounds of the engine. It really turned the guided tour into just me looking at the sights, which were admittedly breathtaking, however I would have enjoyed hearing what the guide was saying about everything.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so sorry it wasn't 100% for your family - but we are happy you enjoyed the visuals!
Diane Smith
Written June 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda_A_I
Nashua, NH166 contributions
Jul 2020
We took the sunset cruise on July 3, 2020. The company limited their capacity to 1/3 the normal capacity. Every other seat was taped off to allow for social distancing. Masks were required when walking around the boat, however you could remove the mask when at your seat. Most of the passengers on our tour were respectful of the mask and social distancing requirements.
Our tour guide was very entertaining and pointed out everything we needed to see (eagle, seals, etc). We stayed out on the water until the sun set. It was a beautiful sunset! We had such a good time on the tour that we would have booked a different tour for the next day but they were sold out.
Would highly recommend this activity when you are in the area. The staff and crew are very nice.e
Our tour guide was very entertaining and pointed out everything we needed to see (eagle, seals, etc). We stayed out on the water until the sun set. It was a beautiful sunset! We had such a good time on the tour that we would have booked a different tour for the next day but they were sold out.
Would highly recommend this activity when you are in the area. The staff and crew are very nice.e
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Sunset is always my personal favorite!! I am sorry we were sold out on another trip - the downside to seat limitations unfortunately. Please come see us another time!!!
Diane Smith
Written July 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stevinne
1 contribution
Sep 2020
We took the three-hour tour. The crew was nice and professional as we were boarding. Everyone - crew and passengers - were very aware of social distancing and wore masks when getting close to one another. The guide was terrific. He knew his stuff and spoke for nearly three hours straight on history, wildlife, local culture and legends as we cruised through some of the nicest scenery nature has to offer. We saw harbor porpoises, seals, bald eagles, osprey, egrets, ducks, loons and even a sunfish who seemed to have swum too far north but was very interested in our boat. We passed by scenic lighthouses, visited a fjord and learned a little about the rich and famous who own homes along the coast. The guide also spoke about local boat building and told us everything we needed to know about the working boats local fishermen favor and even the handful of racing sailboats unique to the Arcadia coast. There was literally something for everyone. However, what impressed me the most, was that after speaking for three hours, the guide said something along the lines of "Now I'm going to rest my voice for a while." But then, when people and kids started asking him questions, he stepped up and answered them as if the cruise was just starting out. A real pro. Overall, the best part of our trip to Acadia.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review - we are so happy you enjoyed your time with us!
Diane Smith
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather H
5 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Over the weekend I was lucky enough to experience the sunset nature cruise. The trip was absolutely fabulous! It was seamless boarding the boat and felt really safe with the social distancing measures in place. Our guide Bill was fantastic! He had worked over 10 hours that day and still had such an enthusiasm that you could truly tell he loved what he did. While the tour is stated at being 1.5 hrs, it was more open ended and they made it a point to make sure we got a sunset view! We were able to see bald eagles, harbor seals and harbor porpoises! It was a great night and I HIGHLY recommend spending a night with this crew. Thank you!
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow thank you SO much!! We are so happy you enjoyed your time with us - and yes, Bill is definitely a star in our eyes!!
Diane Smith
Written October 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bengroth
Pittsburgh, PA1 contribution
Sep 2021
My wife and I booked the Somes Sound "Fjord" and Harbors tour only a few days in advance for what turned out to be a beautiful Sunday morning boat ride. The weather was perfect and clear, offering great views not only of the coast of Mt Desert Island, but the surrounding islands and ocean life. Our guide, Kaitlin, was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable, offering up information not only about the history of the island but insights into lobstering in Maine, migration patterns of the birds, and how to get that extra edge over the competition in your next regatta. The boat captain was fantastic at navigating us just to the right spots for amazing pictures and had the uncanny ability to sneak up on the harbor seals.
We booked online, the website was very easy to use and purchasing tickets was a breeze. The launch point was easy to find, and the free onsite parking was a plus. If ever we find ourselves in this part of Maine again, we'll definitely book another one of these tours (perhaps the sunset one!).
We booked online, the website was very easy to use and purchasing tickets was a breeze. The launch point was easy to find, and the free onsite parking was a plus. If ever we find ourselves in this part of Maine again, we'll definitely book another one of these tours (perhaps the sunset one!).
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neen813
West Fairlee, VT126 contributions
Sep 2020
My kids gifted me with a nature sunset cruise for my birthday to take while on vacation. I found their website easy to navigate & informative. Booking reservations on line, using my 'gift card' was very easy.
The boat & crew were very nice. They were a bit more full than the current norm (w/COVID guidelines), but still within the requirements. At first I was a bit uneasy about this, but my fears were soon put to rest, as they were very thorough w/explaining the precautions taken. The boat (Acadian) was immaculate. A passenger got sick while on the trip & the lengths the crew took to clean up and thoroughly sanitize EVERYTHING afterward was impressive (seats, floors, railings - multiple times).
Our naturalist was an engaging guide & provided interesting facts & information in an interesting manner. We had some fog which prevented us from going out to the lighthouse (bummer), but we did see several bald eagles, some deer on an island & learned about the local history & way of life. The water was relatively calm, which was also a plus.
Overall, it was a very relaxing & enjoyable cruise. Watching the sun set was beautiful & taking in the sights of the area very nice. I would highly recommend this trip to folks - with & without children.
The boat & crew were very nice. They were a bit more full than the current norm (w/COVID guidelines), but still within the requirements. At first I was a bit uneasy about this, but my fears were soon put to rest, as they were very thorough w/explaining the precautions taken. The boat (Acadian) was immaculate. A passenger got sick while on the trip & the lengths the crew took to clean up and thoroughly sanitize EVERYTHING afterward was impressive (seats, floors, railings - multiple times).
Our naturalist was an engaging guide & provided interesting facts & information in an interesting manner. We had some fog which prevented us from going out to the lighthouse (bummer), but we did see several bald eagles, some deer on an island & learned about the local history & way of life. The water was relatively calm, which was also a plus.
Overall, it was a very relaxing & enjoyable cruise. Watching the sun set was beautiful & taking in the sights of the area very nice. I would highly recommend this trip to folks - with & without children.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your informative review - we are so happy you enjoyed your time with us! (Side note - we are about 1/3 to less than 1/2 capacity this season on all trips. Our crew is awesome with the precautions -we are so proud of them all!!)
Diane Smith
Written September 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon H
Milford, MA79 contributions
Jul 2021
The four of us really enjoyed the 2 hour nature sightseeing tour at 1 PM on a beautiful sunny day in July. We arrived at 12:20 and there was already a line to get onto the boat but we were able to get seats on the top deck which is what we wanted. Gabby did an excellent job presenting history of the Bar Harbor area and shared facts about lobstering, wildlife and nature and we could hear her very clearly. We saw seals, porpoises and lots of sea birds. It was very easy to purchase tickets on the website. Our boat was sold out but there were quite a few empty seats which made it extra comfortable. It was sunny with temperatures in the 70s but I was glad I had my sweatshirt because of the cool breeze off the water. Overall we had a great time and it was good value for the money spent.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Front right! I had read that in someone else’s post but we ended up in the back right (my son chose) it was a little loud with the engine. But anywhere is a great seat
Written August 8, 2023
I see you don’t offer specific whale watching trips. However, I was wondering if you do see whales on the puffin trip sometimes? Thank you!
Written March 22, 2022
Can you bring alcohol on the 10am or 1pm Nature Tour? I find a drink helps take away any sea sickness.
Written August 4, 2021
My apologies for the late reply - I am just today (October 6th seeing your question). For future reference - you may BYOB on any of our tours through Acadian Boat Tours. We don't serve or sell it onboard. Two things to keep in mind - bring what you need to go with it (bottle openers, cups, etc...) and please please keep it in moderation (it's definitely not a 'party' boat but a more relaxed, scenic and fun boat tour!!
Thank you for your inquiry!
Diane Smith
(Operations Manager - Acadian Boat Tours)
Written October 6, 2021
How much time is spent at Egg rock for the puffin cruise?
Written May 31, 2021
Egg Rock has seals and some seabirds but no puffins there. We have to go to Petit Manan Island to see the puffins - they are located more offshore - so a longer trip. Only our Puffins, Lighthouses and Seabirds trips offer puffin viewing
Written June 21, 2021
How many lighthouses do you see and do they stop at them to take pics?
Written September 29, 2020
Hello!
On our sightseeing/ nature cruises we see one lighthouse (Egg Rock), on our Somes Sound Fjord tour we see two (Egg Rock & Bear Island) and on our Puffins, Lighthouses & Seabirds tours we see three (Egg Rock, Mark Island and Petit Manan Island). Please note we see lots of other things on each of these trips as well including some fun, local wildlife (eagles, seals, harbor porpoise) and whatever else may be out there.
Written September 29, 2020
Which is best cruise time slot to see birds & seals- morning or afternoon in mid August?
Written August 8, 2020
Hello!
There really isn't a better time for our Sightseeing/ Nature cruise - because we stay close to shore - most of what we see is there all the time. Seals live out at the lighthouse we stop next to and eagles nest along the way so we see them way more often than not.
Written August 9, 2020
Hello. Typically, how rough is the area where the nature cruise sails? I have a daughter who gets motion sickness. Does the boat stay in the bay? We will be traveling to Bar Harbor at the end of July.
Written July 4, 2020
Was nature cruise boat difficult to get Aboard? I have osteoporosis and afraid of falling.
b
Written July 2, 2019
Not at all. The gangplank is relatively level with the boat. And I'm sure that one of the crew can help you if you need it.
Written July 2, 2019
We will be there on Oct. 16th. Which cruise is the best- we are senior citizens who are active and love wildlife and spectacular scenery! The Soames or the nature cruise?
Written August 18, 2018
I have not been on the Somes Sound tour, but I have done the Acadian Nature Cruise and it was wonderful. Somes Sound is absolutely beautiful. I stay in Southwest Harbor for vacation so I pass through Somesville and it is breathtaking. I imagine it would be amazing in the fall. The Acadian Nature Cruise is well worth it, but sit on the top deck. Get there early, even before the 15 minute loading time.
Written August 19, 2018
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