One of the most amazing ways to appreciate the beauty of Mount Desert Island is aboard a boat. Imagine yourself cruising or sailing in between the numerous outer island, with the wind in your air and the granite-topped mountains of Acadia National Park ever present in your view.
Boat owners have always found welcoming harbors while sailing around Mount Desert Island. Detailed information about local marina services can be found here. Various towns and private facilities on the island accept applications for mooring each year.
For those who don’t own a boat, never fear! There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
Take a day-trip on one of the private and public ferry boats operating on Mount Desert Island to explore some of the offshore islands and their historical villages, like Great and Little Cranberry islands and Swan’s Island. There is also the option to take a guided tour of Acadia National Park’s Baker, Bear or Sutton islands. To save time on driving, you can also ferry over to Schoodic Peninsula to explore a less-visited, but equally beautiful area of Acadia.
The island also offers numerous nature cruises, specifically on Frenchmen Bay. Come face-to-face with the area’s largest marine mammals, when you jump on a whale watching tour. Huge finback whales, humpback whales, and minke whales are common sightings in this area. Some of the whale watching tours also include a visit to the off-shore puffin colonies.
Finally, imagine sailing around Mount Desert Island aboard a magnificent schooner, letting the fresh, coastal air guide the boat along the shore. On either a morning, afternoon or sunset sail, you’ll enjoy views of lighthouses, wildlife, local fisherpeople at work, and the backdrop of Acadia National Park.
