Have questions about our sailing tours, lobster boat adventures, private charters, or what to expect on the water? Browse our frequently asked questions below to help plan your perfect Acadia and Mount Desert Island boating experience.
Dress comfortably for walking around town and bring an extra sweater or sweatshirt along with a windbreaker. A baseball cap with a visor, sunglasses (polarized are best), sunscreen, and your camera are also recommended. If you are debating between shorts or long pants, we suggest going with long pants. Before your trip, feel free to explore our Gallery or learn more about our boats.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring snacks, takeout, beer, or wine onboard. Sunset sail guests often enjoy bringing a bottle of wine. We provide a small electric cooler and bottle openers onboard. Reusable plastic cups are available on sailing trips, but on Elizabeth T we do not provide cups, so please bring your own. Our Sunset Cruise is especially popular for guests bringing wine and snacks.
No, our sailing tours depart from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor, both located only about twenty minutes from Bar Harbor.
The sailing experience is very similar from both locations since both harbors open into Great Harbor and the protected waters around the Cranberry Islands. Routes are selected by the captain based on wind and tide conditions while showcasing the best scenery possible. We recommend choosing the harbor closest to your lodging or travel plans. You can view all available tour options here.
Yes, each boat does have a small onboard bathroom. Public restrooms are also located near the departure piers. Visit our Contact page if you need directions or additional information before departure.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on private charters. For shared public charters, pets are not permitted out of respect for other guests.
You may cancel without charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows are responsible for the full amount of the trip. Weather-related cancellations are determined by the captain. If weather prevents your trip and rescheduling is not possible, you will not be charged. Full details are available on our Policy page.
Minke whales are occasionally spotted, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Finback and humpback whales rarely come close to shore in this area. Seals and porpoises, however, are commonly seen on many trips. Our Lobster & Nature Tour is another great option for wildlife viewing.
Absolutely. Many of our guests are first-time sailors. Our captains provide a relaxed and comfortable experience, and the protected waters around Mount Desert Island generally offer calm sailing conditions. Learn more about our Sailing Tours.
We recommend arriving approximately 20–30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in, and boarding. If you have questions before your trip, please visit our Contact page.
Yes. Families and children are welcome aboard our sailing tours and lobster boat tours. Kids especially enjoy spotting seals, seabirds, porpoises, and watching lobster trap demonstrations.
Yes, blankets are available onboard for cooler days and evening sunset sails. We still recommend bringing an extra layer since temperatures can feel cooler on the water.
Seasickness is uncommon because our tours take place in the calm and protected waters surrounding Great Harbor and the Cranberry Islands. You can browse all tour experiences here.
Definitely. Our tours provide incredible views of Acadia National Park, Maine’s coastline, the Cranberry Islands, wildlife, lighthouses, and beautiful sunsets. Check out our photo gallery for examples.
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may spot seals, porpoises, seabirds, bald eagles, and occasionally whales while exploring the waters around Acadia. Our Lobster & Nature Tour is especially popular for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sometimes, yes. Light fog is a natural part of the Maine coastal experience and can create a peaceful atmosphere on the water. Severe weather or unsafe conditions may result in cancellations determined by the captain. Please review our tour policies for additional details.
Yes. Private charters are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, family gatherings, proposals, and corporate events around Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.
We focus on smaller groups, authentic wooden boats, personalized experiences, and local captains who share the maritime history, wildlife, and beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Learn more about our boats and tour experiences.