Frequently Asked Questions

All of our cruises book up quickly! We recommend booking at least a 1-2 weeks prior to your planned visit to Bar Harbor, especially in the peak months (July-August).

You can make a reservation anytime on our website! You will then receive an email confirmation with a QR code that can be scanned by our crew to check you in when getting ready to board the vessel.

When our ticket office opens in May, you can call us at 207-288-2386 or visit our ticket office at 1 West Street, Bar Harbor to make a reservation for a boat cruise.

You can also send us an email if you have any questions or issues making a reservation.

Early and online reservations will be strongly recommended as trips could fill up very quickly. We also cannot guarantee re-bookings/rescheduling for trips that are cancelled due to weather or changes to patrons’ travel plans. This is due to potential high demand for visitation and reservations.

If your trip is cancelled due to weather, you will automatically receive a refund at the end of the day. If you would like to reschedule a cancelled trip, please contact us at (207) 288-2386, email us, or visit our ticket office at 1 West Street.

We encourage folks to plan ahead and have alternative plans in place in the event their cruise is impacted by weather conditions resulting in rescheduling for desired trip not being available. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company has many boat cruises to choose from, so there is usually way to get you out on the water!

Wait lists are not available due to high volume of interest for boat cruises.

Please note: If cruises are modified or cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is not responsible for changes or interruptions in patrons’ travel plans including accommodation fees and transportation fees.

You can cancel your cruise up to 24 hours prior to your departure time and receive a full refund. If you need to cancel on the day of your cruise, please call our office at 207-288-2386 or email us at [email protected]

If you need to make any changes to your current reservation you will need to call our ticket office at (207) 288-2386 or send an email. You can also visit our ticket office during opening hours. We cannot always guarantee availability of tickets on cruises, especially in busy times of our season, when changes are made to a reservation. If you need to cancel your reservation and be refunded, you will need to call or email us 24 hours before your cruise’s scheduled departure.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company has a fleet of high tech catamarans that range from 90 to 130 feet. Most of our larger vessels will carry between 140-350 people depending on the cruise and size of the vessel. Bar Harbor is a popular destination and we are able to accommodate many visitors looking for an experience out on the open ocean and Frenchman Bay!

Our larger catamarans have restrooms, multiple levels or decks, and a galley. The passengers going on the Puffin and Lighthouse cruise, Whale Watch, Somes Sound Lighthouse cruise, and Nature cruise will ride on one of the larger catamarans.

The boat we use for the Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching and Baker Island cruise is 56′ long and has a restroom and carries 60 passengers.

All of our vessels are US Coast Guard inspected and certified. All required life saving equipment such as life jackets and life rafts are on every vessel. Our crew are trained in safety drills, CPR, and first aid.

Visit the Our Boats page to learn more!

• If you booked online, you can find your QR code tickets in your confirmation email. You can use your mobile device or print the QR codes for the crew to scan. You can also stop into our ticket office at 1 West Street, Bar Harbor to have them printed for you.
• Please make sure to have a photo ID for all passengers over 18 years of age.

It is best to arrive at least an hour and no later than 15 minutes prior to trip departure.

Due to tight schedules and respecting the time of all passengers we have to leave at scheduled departure time. Please arrive early to find parking as finding a parking spot can become difficult by late morning/early afternoon.

The town of Bar Harbor has paid parking meters and kiosks located along West Street and on the town pier. You can also visit Directions and Maps, to see a detailed map of the Bar Harbor parking layout.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is not responsible for any parking fees or tickets incurred.

The Island Explorer is a free shuttle that departs from some hotels and campgrounds. It drops folks off at the Village Green, which is a short walk from our location by the town pier. There are also local taxi services available that can drop you off and pick you up at our location.

Unfortunately we do not offer parking at our facility. There is public parking around our building and on the town pier next to our location. If you cannot find parking nearby, there is street parking throughout the town. There is no RV parking in the downtown area. RV parking is located next to the ball field at the YMCA on Main Street. For more information on parking please click here.

Weather conditions are carefully and frequently monitored to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Captains frequently check weather forecast and offshore buoys reports. We use the NERACOOS buoy system to check for offshore conditions which are typically updated every hour.

If there is wide-spread dense fog, thunderstorms, and/or high seas conditions in the forecast or occurring offshore up to an hour before departure the trips will most likely cancel.

The decision to cancel can be made up to 30 minutes before a trip’s departure. We do our best to alert passengers as quickly as possible. If you ordered tickets online or over the phone and provided an email address and cell number, please check your for an email and/or text messages before arrival to confirm the status of your trip. You can also call our office at (207) 288-2386 from an 30 minutes before trip departure. Due to high call volume, our ticket staff will do their best to answer each call as quickly as possible. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is not responsible for any parking tickets incurred.

If we cancel due to weather, you will be automatically refunded. If you need to reschedule, please email or call our ticket office and we will assist you.

We will reach out to you via email and a text (if you’ve opted in!) at least 30 min prior to departure.

We do not reschedule bookings without speaking to guests. If you would like to reschedule, please stop into our office or contact us via email or phone. Tours can fill up several days in advance and we cannot guarantee space on future trips.

• Layers! Layers! Layers! It can be much colder out on the water so it best to be prepared with layers such as a sweatshirt and light jacket during the summer months and some heavier layers in the mid-spring and fall months. Water resistant clothing is recommended as well! We can experience all kinds of weather here in Maine!
• Sturdy, flat, closed-toed shoes.
• Sunscreen – The water can magnify the sun’s rays so make sure you have sunscreen with you.
• Binoculars – Help to get a closer look at the wildlife! We also rent binoculars on the boats for a fee of $5
• Food – You are welcome to bring food and beverages on with you, however, we do not allow alcohol, glass containers, or hard coolers to be brought on the vessels. Our vessels have galleys with snacks and beverages as well!
• Cash for galley purchases and binocular rentals.
• Polarized sunglasses
• Camera-we allow monopods on the boats, but space can be limited for larger lenses and video equipment. Feel free to contact us if you have photography questions. Our staff photographer is on some of our trips if you have photography questions.
• Anti-nausea remedies such as ginger candies, saltines, and water. Any over-the-counter seasickness medication should be taken an hour before the trip departs.

Items prohibited on all boat cruises include:

Coolers, alcohol, illicit drugs, weapons of any kind and anything contained in glass are prohibited. Aerial drones are not permitted. Smoking or vaping onboard our vessels or on the dock is strictly prohibited.

It is best to make sure you are prepared for how your stomach will feel out on the ocean. Our high-speed catamarans are very comfortable, and do not move through the water like traditional mono-hulled vessels. However, if you know you are prone to motion sickness, or are worried, here are some tips and tricks:

• Come rested and hydrated.
• Stay outside in the fresh air while trying to remain standing up and looking out to the horizon. Dress prepared to be outside where the temperature is cooler. The cooler air can help make you feel better.
• The back of the boat and main level feels less motion. Avoid the higher levels and the front of the boat, which feel more motion.
• Avoid greasy and sugary foods or drinks.
• Ginger chews, ginger ale, or candied ginger can help with nausea.
• Try medication such as Bonine or Non-Drowsy Dramamine. Take 1-2 hours BEFORE the trip departs the dock. Once the trip is underway, it doesn’t tend to work.
• Bring a couple of sport drinks to make sure you don’t become dehydrated.
• Acupressure wrist bands are a non-medication option.
• Avoid racing to the bathrooms or the cabins if you feel unwell. These places will make you feel worse, so be prepared to be outside in the fresh air.
• The captain and crew will let folks know what the sea conditions are before leaving the dock. If worried about getting seasick, passengers have the chance to step off the boat, prior to trip’s departure, to reschedule for a different trip or get refunded.
• Crew are available to help! Just let us know and we will be happy to assist you!
• As a last resort, if you feel like you are going to be sick, there are motion sick bags available. Please try not to be upwind of other passengers or on an upper level if you have to get sick over the rails.

The whale watch cruises tend to experience more variable sea conditions and  its a longer boat cruise. As a result, people tend to get to feel more queasy on this trip, so best to be prepared.

Other trips tend to stay closer to shore or in the Bay, which tend to me a bit more sheltered from the waves, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure you are prepared for these cruises as well.

Yes, we have experienced and enthusiastic guides will point out wildlife, various natural and historical sites, and be available for questions throughout the trip. Most of our guides are locals and live in the Bar Harbor area year round. We also have guides that from different parts of the country and world!  Combined, our guides have over 50 years of experience working on boats and guiding cruises.

Our guides are also participate in training with National Association for Interpretation and Whale SENSE. In the off season they attend workshops and conferences that focus on marine topics and education.

On the whale watch trips, an intern with Allied Whale collects valuable data on the marine life seen and assists the naturalist with educational outreach while working as crew.

All of boat cruises feature some of Acadia’s most beautiful coastal locations. The cruises also provide scenic views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay!

The Baker Island Boat Cruise and Walking tour, is the trip we do with Acadia National Park. It provides a unique experience on Baker Island and is guided by a National Park ranger!

Wildlife sightings vary trip to trip. Though we go to certain areas to find wildlife, each trip can have various levels of activity depending on the time during the season you go and weather the day of the trip.

All Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. facilities and vessels are wheelchair accessible. There are ramps located at the front and left side of our building. There are ramps on the dock to assist in embarking and disembarking vessels. Wheelchairs are available on-site. If you need a wheelchair, our staff would be happy to assist you. When boarding, please check with our dock crew if you would like assistance.

Scripts/written informational guides are available for every boat cruise offered at the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. If you would like to borrow one for your cruise, please inquire with the ticket office staff or the guide/naturalist on the vessel.

Most of our boats have a concession-style galley onboard. The only exception is the boat used for the Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching Cruise. Galley purchases are cash only.

You are welcome to bring food aboard. The only food and drink not allowed are alcohol or items served in glass containers.

There is also the Sunrise Cafe on the dock if you would like to pick up food before your trip.

Our Bar Harbor Nature Cruise and Sunset Nature Cruise welcomes leashed dogs as well as service dogs.

Service dogs are permitted on the other boat cruises.

For their comfort and safety, we cannot permit other household animals on our boat cruises.

Yes, for groups with a minimum of 15 adults. Please email our reservations and office manager, Melody Fletcher at [email protected] for more information.

Yes! We are offering charters within the Harbor. Unfortunately we are not offering offshore charters, such as whale watching or puffin cruises.

Please email our reservations and office manager, Melody Fletcher at [email protected] for more information.

We do offer the following discounts:

Military-active and retired military with proof of military ID.

Members of Gulf of Maine Education Association Members must be the one to make the reservation and discount applies toward one adult ticket. Please provide your full name and associated with your membership account.

For assistance booking with discounts, please email us at [email protected].

All ages are welcome!

Things to consider if you have children or those with limited mobility in your group include:

• Duration of the boat cruises-the longest trip tends to be the whale watch (up to 5 hours), while the others range from about 2-3 hours.
• Weather and sea conditions-most of the Bay Cruises stay inshore where it tends to be more sheltered. The whale watch can experience sea conditions that are a bit more varied, including swells. Captains will announce weather and sea conditions before leaving the dock, providing folks the opportunity to disembark if the reported conditions may make them uncomfortable.
• Seasickness- children and those that have difficulty moving around tend to experience seasickness more frequently. However,  there are ways to come prepared in order prevent seasickness. Check out Will I Get Seasick? section for tips and tricks!

We adjust the departure time of the trip throughout the season to accommodate the sunset. We have timed the trip to coincide with the sunset at a given time of year!

We will have a professional naturalist narrating for the first hour of this trip. They will point out the wildlife, local landmarks, and share historical information during the first hour. The second hour we will sail up the bay while listening to fun ocean/beach/ happy hour themed music.

This tour is 2 hours in duration.

YES! We have a partnership with Atlantic Brewing Company, the local brewery on the island, and we serve their award-winning Blueberry, Real and Stout beers. We also have imported and domestic canned beer, canned mixed drinks and wine.

Yes, we play fun beach and happy hour themed music over our sound system as the sun sets.

We have the chance to see many types! Peregrine falcons, harbor and grey seals, guillemonts, harbor porpoise, bald eagles, and deer are all frequently seen on our trips.

During the first half of the trip we will take in all the entire eastern shore of Acadia and Ocean Drive, which features Sand Beach and Thunder Hole, some of the most famous sections of the park.

We will travel on a high-speed catamaran, most likely either the Acadia Explorer or the Friendship V. These vessels are very sturdy and comfortable, with indoor and outdoor seating available, multiple viewing decks, restrooms, and a galley.

Bring warm clothes, rain gear, water, a snack or bag lunch, bug spray, and sunscreen.

This tour is 4 ½-5 hours.

There is a 45-minute boat ride to and from the island. You spend approximately 2 hours on the island.

Travel 9 miles out to sea aboard the 56-foot lobster fishing boat Miss Samantha. Then step down onto our 24-foot Carolina Skiff “Baker’s Dozen” with handrails, stairs, and a retractable ramp that extends from bow to shore, making your landing safe, easy and water-free. On the island you will take a short walk through a field up to the high point on the island to visit a lighthouse. Then a ½-mile walk through the woods to the dance floor rock formation. Please watch your step for rocks and some tree roots. Enjoy a moderate 1 to 1.5-mile hike in total.

During the boat ride, we travel through Frenchman’s bay on the way out – with beautiful views on the mountains of Acadia. Along the way we often see harbor porpoise, seals, and many seabirds – including diving northern gannets. On the way back we hug the shoreline of Mount Dessert Island and Ocean Drive so you can see many of the crown jewels of Acadia and spectacular geology.

We will travel on the M/V Miss Samantha, a 56’ fiberglass boat. It is very comfortable, and has covered seating as well as a restroom. To land on Baker Island, you will transfer to a smaller vessel that will shuttle you from the Miss Samantha to the island.

The Miss Samantha is wheelchair accessible. The walking portion of the cruise has an alternative program aboard the Miss Samantha. Scripts are available upon request. Certified guide dogs are welcome.

A licensed captain will operate the boat and haul the traps while assisted by the guide or naturalist. The naturalist will describe the process as its happening while also holding up and bringing around lobsters and other critters that come out of the traps.

This trip is demonstration only. The lobsters caught during the cruise will be released. We are happy to refer you to local lobster pounds or fishers where you can by lobsters.

The species we see include the harbor seal (May-October) and the gray seal (mid/late June to October). Harbor seals give birth in May and June.

In order to prevent disturbing the seals, we stay a safe distance from where they are hauled out or swimming.

There is potential to see many different kinds of wildlife including bald eagles, harbor porpoise, eider ducks, guillemots, and herring and black-backed gulls!