Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a village on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County in the Down East area of Maine. It is a useful base for those visiting Acadia National Park.

Understand

Get in

By car

30 min from the city of Ellsworth via Route 3.
45 min - 1 hour from Bangor, Maine, depending on traffic. Take I-395 and Route 1A to Ellsworth. From Ellsworth continue on Route 3 to Bar Harbor.
3½ hours from Portland, Maine. Take I-95 to exit 182, I-395 and follow the directions from Bangor. Alternatively, take I-95 to Route 3, exit 113, just north of Augusta, and follow Route 3 east to Belfast, and then to Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.
5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts
7 hours from Burlington, Vermont. Take I-89 South to Montpelier, get on Route 2 West and follow until Newport, Maine. Get on I-95 North and take exit 185 to the "Acadia Region". Follow the signs along Route 1 to Bar Harbor.
7 hours from Quebec, Canada

By plane

The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport 📍 (IATA: BHB) is in Trenton on the outskirts of Ellsworth, on the mainland adjacent to Mount Desert Island. There is scheduled air service to Boston, and seasonal flights to Newark that go on to Vero Beach. During the summer there is free bus service between the airport and Bar Harbor, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi service and rental cars are also available.

By ferry

Bay Ferries will be returning The Cat high-speed ferry service to Bar Harbor, ferrying passengers between the area and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Originally expected to return in June 2019, delays in renovating the ferry terminal put off the return to either late in the 2019 season or, more likely, 2020.

Get around

Depending on the time of year you find yourself in town, and your intended goals, your visit may necessitate different modes of transportation. With many of the nearly 3 million annual visitors arriving in the summer months, getting around town by motor vehicle is a bad idea. Bar Harbor is much, much quieter between October and April.

Use the Island Explorer buses to get around the island. They are sponsored by L.L. Bean and you don't have to worry about parking.

Driving a large truck or SUV is ill-advised, as parking in Bar Harbor is not suited to such vehicles. On the bright side, bringing less stuff requires befriending of locals, improvisation, and overall a more fun Maine experience.

The central area of Bar Harbor is quite small and easily explored by foot. This includes the shopping and eating establishments on Main St. and Cottage St., and the activities at the town pier.

Bicycles can be rented in town and may be put on the front of the buses.

See

Bar Harbor Historical Society, 127 West Street, 44.38525°, -68.20790°, +1 207 288-0000. mid-June to Oct: M-Sa 1-4PM, open by appointment in the winter. Closed holidays. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the museum exhibits memorabilia, maps, antique clothing and pictures. free 2019-08-13
Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert St, 44.385833°, -68.209444°, +1 207 288-3519. May-Oct: 10AM-5PM, Nov-Apr: Th-Sa 10-16. Devoted to the Native American tribes of Maine. The new Abbe museum is much larger and offers plenty of activities for both adults and children. A good rainy day activity. Open to school groups and programs by appointment in the winter. $8/adult, $7/senior, $4/youth, children under 10 free 2019-08-13
The Abbe Museum:Original, +1 207 288-3519. Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information.
Village Green, 44.38768°, -68.20518°. The well-groomed park is a great place to take a break from walking, shopping, etc. Toss a frisbee, enjoy your ice cream, read a book, or just take a nap. The gazebo hosts the town band every Monday and Thursday night. On summer nights, there are often concerts on the bandstand. Street performers will often roam the sidewalks, and there's free Wifi! Just create an account name and sign on.
Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center, 44.36211°, -68.20788°. Home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
The Bar Harbor Whale Museum. 10AM-8PM. The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28-foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bioacoustics, marine adaptations, and a brief history of whaling. Great for kids and adults. Great souvenirs and presents to be found in the gift shop. by donation
Dorr Museum of Natural History, 44.3948°, -68.2224°, +1 207 288 5015. Dedicated to the natural history of the North East. Exhibits vary from year to year, and are designed by College of the Atlantic students. There is always a touch-tank filled with sea creatures, and plenty of taxidermied animals to examine. Child friendly.

Do

In general, Bar Harbor is more interesting from 9PM-5AM during the summertime, when the crowds are thinner and the air cooler, although the Police Department never sleeps.

Boat tours

Acadia Sailing Company, +1 207 669-5900. Offers a two- or three-hour sail with a native captain on a 25-foot Crosby Catboat built in 1915. 6 passenger maximum & nice dogs sail free. Trips depart from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center dock (119 Eden St) daily.
The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., 1 West St, 44.39149°, -68.20483°. Cruise Frenchman's Bay and get up close and personal with whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds and more.
Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater, 146 Gilbert Farm Rd, 44.40905°, -68.33150°, +1 207 288-DIVE. Dive-In Theater is a family-friendly 2-hour interactive marine life boat cruise.
Lulu Lobster Boat Ride, 55 West St, 44.39164°, -68.20728°, +1 207 963-2341, info@lululobsterboat.com. The only lobster boat and seal watch tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. After fourteen successful seasons delighting passengers in the Hancock area and Bar Harbor, Lulu sails out of downtown Bar Harbor. The Harborside Hotel & Marina is Lulu's base of operations. Lulu takes you on a two-hour tour offering the most exclusive, personal and unique cruise in Bar Harbor.
Schooner Margaret Todd, 27 Main St, 44.39112°, -68.20400°, +1 207 288-4585. A 151-foot, four-masted schooner. Bring your own drinks, alcohol permitted. Be on the lookout for whales, seals, porpoises, and puffins. Sails at 10AM (morning sail), 2PM (afternoon sail), and 6:30PM (sunset sail). Adult: $37.50, seniors 65+: $35.00, children 6-11: $27.50, toddlers 2-5: $5.00, infants under 2: free
Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises, +1 207 276-5352, resortmaps@gmail.com. A Maine Coast tradition since 1968. Take a scenic nature cruise from Northeast Harbor (20 minute drive from Bar Harbor). View Bear Island Lighthouse, Osprey, Eagles, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, visit the Cranberry Islands and the Islesford Historical Museum, and cruise into majestic Somes Sound Fjord.

Paddling

Aquaterra Adventures, 1 West St, +1 207 288-0007. They offer several types of tours and instruction led by the best licensed Maine guides. They provide you with all of the equipment that you will need on the trip and have their own dock located right behind the shop so there is no need to shuttle anywhere or lug equipment.
Coastal Kayaking Tours, abckt@acadia.com.
National Park Sea Kayak Tours, 39 Cottage St, info@acadiakayak.com. Reservations are suggested for these ecological tours, which cruise the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island.

Hiking

There are numerous trails around Bar Harbor, and even more in the surrounding areas of Mount Desert Island. When planning a hike, avoid driving and use the free Island Explorer buses. These stop at most trail heads, and afford an ideal means of taking hikes from one point to another without spotting cars. Bring and drink at least one liter of water per person and use sun protection. The nearby mountains and shoreline afford little protection from the sun. Dress in layers. Even on the hottest summer days, the mountains and shoreline can be windy and cool. Stay on the 160 km/100 miles of trails and 80km/50 miles of carriage roads.

The following is a list of walks and hikes around the village of Bar Harbor.

North Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.
South Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.
Dorr Mtn.. 1,270 ft.
Bear Brook Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn.
The Precipice Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn. It is one of the most difficult hikes on the island, iron rungs and ladders help you make the steep ascent. This trail is closed at times due to nesting peregrine falcons, which can be viewed from the parking area.
The Beehive. 540 ft. A short but steep hike up this mountain rewards you with some great views of Sand Beach, Great Head, Frenchman's Bay, and Champlain Mtn.
Gorham Mtn.. 525 ft.
The Shorepath. A relaxing stroll along the oceanfront, beginning at the town pier.
Ocean Trail. An easy walk along the dramatic, rocky coastline Maine is known for. See Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
Bar Island. This trail is accessible only at low tide.
Carriage Roads. Accessible by Eagle Lake.
Great Head Trail.

Other activities

Acadia Air Tours. Offers scenic flights with both gliders and old-fashioned biplanes that allow you to see Acadia National Park from a unique perspective.
Kebo Valley Golf Course, 136 Eagle Lake Rd (Eagle Lake Road), 44.38021°, -68.21951°, +1 207 288-3000, kebopro@kebovalleyclub.com. Challenge yourself at the 8th oldest golf course in America. 6,131 yards, par 70.
Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery, 3829 Route 3, +1 207 288-5005, theoceanarium@earthlink.net.
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, 368 State Highway 3, +1 207 288-2133. Open mid-April through October, 11AM-9PM every day. Two 18-hole courses, Original and Blackbeard's Challenge. Ice cream window right across the street to celebrate. Both courses $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for children. 36-hole adventure: $12/adults, $11/children.
Acadia Improv, 15 Cottage St, +1 207 288-2503. A live improvisational comedy show. 2021-11-19
Reel Pizza Cinerama, 33 Kennebec Pl, 44.38774°, -68.20610°, +1 207 288-3811, reelpizza@me.acadia.net. Take your pick of comfy seating and gourmet pizzas, beer and wine, in front of one of two screens. Tickets $6 for adults and children. Disability accommodations.
The Criterion, 35 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3441. A classic movie theater with plenty of seating. Always showing new movies. 2021-11-19

Buy

Gear

Acadia Bike, 48 Cottage St, 44.38930°, -68.20678°.
Cadillac Mountain Sports, 26 Cottage St, 44.38944°, -68.20545°, +1 207 288-4532. Includes a Patagonia, Nike and North Face shop in adjacent buildings.

Art

Argosy Gallery, 110 Main St, 44.38883°, -68.20439°, +1 207 288-9226.
Island Artisans, 99 Main St, 44.38909°, -68.20480°, +1 207 288-4214.

Other shops

Bark Harbor, 200 Main St, 44.38814°, -68.20430°, +1 207 288-0404. Pet supply store. Clothing, beds, and treats.
Cool as a Moose, 118 Main St, 44.38859°, -68.20420°, +1 207 288-3904. Tons of moose-themed items (because who doesn't love moose?) Lots of T-shirts and novelties as well.
Eden Rising, 39 Cottage St, 44.38961°, -68.20635°, +1 207 288-1124. Oprah Winfrey's favorite jeans are sold here. They have a great selection of funky clothing, artsy jewelry and unique nick-nacks. Eden Rising also does aura photography at certain times, stop in and inquire about it.
Sherman's Books and Stationary, 56 Main St, 44.38999°, -68.20457°, +1 207 288-3161. Open year round. For books and postcards.
Village Emporium, 14 Cottage St, +1 207 288-9584. Offers gifts, clothing, toys, jewelry, and outerwear.
Bee's Yarn, Sweaters and Candy, 59 Cottage St. They really do sell candy, yarn and sweaters. Best part? They have penny candy! A dollar goes a long way at Bee's.
Bar Harbor Tea Company: sells a wide variety of teas, tea blends, tea pots, and other tea paraphernalia.
Acadia Shops of Bar Harbor: on Main Street. Acadia Shop, Acadia Outdoors, Jordan Pond Ice Cream and Fudge Acadia Country Store, and Acadia Park Company.
Willis' Rock Shop, 69 Main St, +1 207-288-4935. Daipy 10AM-5PM. Kids love the rock specimens and can get a geode to break at home. Mom can enjoy some custom jewelry including local granite and Maine tourmaline, custom made in the shop. 2021-11-19
The Hemporium, 116 Main St, +1 207-288-3014. W-Sa 10AM-7PM. Hemp goods of all kinds: clothing, toys, books, bags, bumperstickers, and more. Also home to the Acadia Silver Exchange- tons of gorgeous jewelry. 2021-11-19

Eat

Those seeking real adventure on a budget in Bar Harbor may find the bar and restaurant prices cost-prohibitive, but the Hannaford Supermarket on Cottage Street offers no end of inexpensive food and drink including liquor.

Budget: under $10, mid-range: $10 - $20, splurge: over $20 (meal for one + soft drink).

Budget

Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium, 66 Main St, 44.38973°, -68.20446°, +1 207 288-3281. Ben & Bills may have long lines in the summer. Known for their lobster ice cream and hand-made chocolate.
CJ's Big Dipper, 150 Main St, 44.38807°, -68.20418°, +1 207 288-2128. The big dipper refers to CJ's "Magic Wand," which he dips in each batch of ice cream.
Jordan's Restaurant, 80 Cottage St, 44.38882°, -68.21007°, +1 207 288-3586. Breakfast served all day.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, 7 Firefly Ln, 44.38835°, -68.20463°, +1 207 460-5515. Serves homemade ice cream. Ever had Strawberry Balsamic? Chocolate Wasabi? Cinnamon, nutella? MDI ice cream pushes the boundaries on flavor, but their ice cream is spectacular.
Rosalie's Pizza, 46 Cottage St, 44.38930°, -68.20659°. For some of the best pizza in town. A seat upstairs at the windows gives a nice view down to Cottage St.

Mid-range

Cafe This Way, 14 Mount Desert St, 44.38674°, -68.20523°, +1 207 288-4483. This cafe has incredible food, and a warm inviting atmosphere. Dinner can be pricy, but go for breakfast and the prices are low! Known locally for a great place for a Sunday hangover brunch.
Downeast Deli, 65 Main St, 44.38961°, -68.20483°, +1 207 288-1006.
Epi's Pizza, 8 Cottage St, 44.38946°, -68.20521°, +1 207 801-2516. Pizza, subs, calzones, soups sandwiches and salads. Two arcade games and a pinball machine in the back. A busy place in the summer, but the wait in line is worth it.
Galyn's Restaurant and Galley Lounge, 17 Main St, 44.39075°, -68.20508°, +1 207 288-9706. Daily Mar-Nov: 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4-10PM. Head to the Galley Lounge for happy hour 4-6PM each afternoon. Reservations are accepted.
Geddy's, 19 Main St, 44.39063°, -68.20509°, +1 207 288-5077. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, all year-round. Burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, and gourmet pizza all provided by cisco systems. Have fun pointing out all of the fake Mount Desert Island memorabilia on the walls while you enjoy the great food and service.
Gringo's, 30 Rodick St, 44.38938°, -68.20629°, +1 207 288-2326. Mexican food with some interesting options, like gingerade and mango salsa.
Mama DiMatteo's, 34 Kennebec Pl, 44.38801°, -68.20636°, +1 207 288-3666.
Poor Boy's Gourmet Restaurant, 300 Main St, 44.38459°, -68.20335°, +1 207 288-4148, cfield@acadia.net.
Route 66 Restaurant, 21 Cottage St, 44.38978°, -68.20557°, +1 207 288-3708.
Town Hill Bistro, 1317 state highway 102, 44.39839°, -68.33433°, +1 207 288-1011.
Siam Orchid-, 30 Rodick St. Traditional Thai food, and a full sushi bar.

Splurge

Havana, 318 Main St, 44.38414°, -68.20325°, +1 207 288-2822. American fine dining with a Latin flair.
Mache Bistro, 321 Main St, 44.38388°, -68.20366°, +1 207 288-0447. French food with a local flair from acclaimed chef Kyle Yarborough, formerly of Havana. An intimate setting and perfect portions make this a must-do on any Bar Harbor trip. Open year round.
Michelle's Fine Dining, 194 Main St, 44.38732°, -68.20387°, +1 207 288-0048.
The Burning Tree, 69 Otter Creek Dr., Otter Creek, +1 207 288-9331. Phenomenally good food. Freshly prepared, seasonal, wonderful. Specializes in freshly caught seafood. Call for reservations.

Drink

Bars

Atlantic Brewing Company, 15 Knox Rd, 44.39946°, -68.33395°, +1 207 288-2337, realale@atlanticbrewing.com.
Bar Harbor Brewing Company, 8 Mount Desert St, 44.38734°, -68.20496°, +1 207 288-4592, orders@barharborbrewing.com.
Carmen Verandah's, 119 Main St, 44.38829°, -68.20452°, +1 207 288-2766, info@carmenverandah.com.
Fish House Grill, 1 West St, 44.39135°, -68.20477°, FHGBHME@aol.com.
Tail Gate Sports Bar and Pizza, 131 Cottage St, 44.38869°, -68.21380°, +1 207 288-4700. Su M Th 11AM-10PM, Tu W F Sa 11AM–1AM. Pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety o shareable appetizers. Two pool tables, arcade games, and 15 big screen TVs. 2020-06-15
Lompoc Cafe and Brew Pub, 36 Rodick St, 44.38903°, -68.20629°, +1 207 288-9392, info@lompoccafe.com. This cozy little cafe offers a selection of seasonal dishes, along with a full bar. There are frequent open-mic nights, and even an outdoor Bocce court! Indoor and outdoor seating.
The Thirsty Whale Tavern, 40 Cottage St, 44.38941°, -68.20631°, +1 207 288-9335. Open year round. Comfortable booths and a full bar make this location a great place to spend an evening with friends.

Coffee

Morning Glory Bakery, 39 Rodick St, 44.38877°, -68.20659°, +1 207 288-3041. Open year round. Free wireless internet. Coffee, daily made bread, freshly made sandwiches, low prices. Try the sticky-buns and you'll be addicted instantly. Eat in or take out.
Opera House Internet Cafe, 27 Cottage St, 44.38985°, -68.20583°, +1 207 288-3509. Open May–October. Offering fee based internet access (wired and wireless), coffee & pastry, come in and to online or simply hang out and play Scrabble, chess, checkers or many other games.
Trailhead Cafe, 37 Cottage St, 44.38983°, -68.20618°, +1 207 288-9592.

Sleep

Room rates in Bar Harbor vary drastically with time of year and also with category of accommodation.

Hotels

The Acadia Hotel, 20 Mount Desert St, 44.38705°, -68.20575°, +1 207 288-5721, acadiahotel@gmail.com. $59 early May; $149 August
Acadia Inn, 98 Eden St, 44.39484°, -68.22459°, +1 207 288-3500, reservations@acadiainn.com. $69 early May; $179 August
Atlantic Eyrie Lodge, 6 Norman Rd, 44.39189°, -68.22266°, +1 207 288-9786, atlanticeyrie@acadia.net. Cheapest rooms are on 1st and 2nd floors, more expensive for corner rooms (two big windows), rooms on upper floors, and those with kitchens. $62 mid-May to mid-June; $202 July and August
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center, 119 Eden St, 44.39762°, -68.22545°, +1 207 288-5801, reservations@barharbormainehotel.com. Open year-round. All rooms ocean view. Room categories from least expensive: Oceanview, kitchenette, deluxe, superior. $92 Jan-mid May; $203 July - Labor Day
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, 269 Main St, 44.38549°, -68.20411°, +1 207 288-5226, reservations@barharborgrand.com. Open Apr 14 - Nov 11. $75 mid-April - mid-May; $195 July and August
Bar Harbor Inn, 1 Newport Dr, 44.39048°, -68.20224°, +1 207 288-3351, reservations@barharborinn.com. Open Mar 24 - Nov 26. There are two restaurants at the Inn, the Reading Room Restaurant and the Terrace Grille. $79 Apr - Jun; $369 Jul and Aug
Bar Harbor Motel, 100 Eden St, 44.39596°, -68.22580°, +1 207 288-3453, info@barharbormotel.com. Open May 11 - Oct 21. $60 May; $128 July and August
Bar Harbor Regency, 123 Eden St, 44.39933°, -68.22869°, +1 207 288-9723.
The Bayview Hotel, 111 Eden St, 44.39693°, -68.22323°, +1 207 288-5861, info@thebayviewbarharbor.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 26 room oceanfront boutique hotel with complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and downtown shuttle. 2020-03-04
Edgewater Motel and Cottages, 137 Old Bar Harbor Rd, 44.43177°, -68.28714°. Cottages, suites and motel rooms all overlooking the ocean.
Hampton By Hilton Bar Harbor, 12 Norman Rd, +1 207 288 3210. Newest hotel in Bar Harbor as of 2018, ocean and mountain views, indoor and outdoor pools, free hot breakfast. 2018-05-29
Harborside Hotel and Marina, 55 West St, 44.39177°, -68.20726°, +1 207 288-5033.
Highbrook Motel, 94 Eden St, 44.39347°, -68.22265°, info@highbrookmotel.com.
Robbins Motel, 396 State Highway 3, 44.43058°, -68.26995°, +1 207 288-4659. All rooms one low price for one or two people. May–June $32; July–August $58; September–October $42
Quimby House Inn, 109 Cottage St, 44.38890°, -68.21245°, +1 207 288-5811, quimbyhouse@acadia.net.
Atlantean Cottage B&B, 11 Atlantic Ave, +1 207-288-5703, stay@atlanteancottage.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 8 rooms. 2019-07-31

Bed & breakfasts and guest houses

Acacia House Inn, 6 High St, 44.38864°, -68.20782°, +1 207 288-8122, stay@acaciahouseinn.com. Charming home with nine guestrooms run by the former owners of the Morning Glory Bakery. Breakfast is included in the price and is made from locally sourced ingredients and prepared to order. Open year round.
Balance Rock Inn Bed and Breakfast, 21 Albert Meadow, 44.38846°, -68.20129°, +1 207 288-2610.
Heathwood Inn, 6 Long and Winding Rd, 44.42999°, -68.32183°, +1 207 288-5591, info@heathwoodinn.com.
Inn at Bay Ledge Bed & Breakfast, 150 Sand Point Rd (turn left on Sand Point Road (you will see the Bay Ledge sign) and continue 3 miles), 44.43806°, -68.26624°, +1 207 288-4204. Atop an 80 foot cliff, amidst towering pines and overlooking Frenchman Bay, sits the Inn at Bay Ledge. The Inn at Bay Ledge has twelve units: eight rooms in the main lodge; three hillside cottages; and a private summer cottage on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The Inn at Bay Ledge is locally referred to as the Eden of New England. $165-475
Manor House Inn, 106 West St, 44.39040°, -68.20884°, +1 207 288-3759, manor@me.acadia.net.
Moseley Cottage, 12 Atlantic Ave, 44.38674°, -68.20321°, +1 207 288-5548.
Ullikana Bed and Breakfast, 16 The Field, 44.38991°, -68.20282°, +1 207 288-9552, relax@ullikana.com.

Camping

Bar Harbor Campground, 409 Maine 3, 44.43278°, -68.26870°, +1 207 288-5185.
Blackwoods Campground, State Route 3, 44.30974°, -68.20321°, +1 207 288-3338. Year round operation by National Park Service, 306 sites, no hookups. $20
Hadley's Point Campground, 33 Hadley Point Rd, 44.43784°, -68.31412°, +1 207 288-4808. Grassy and wooded sites with hookups, pool, hot showers, etc.
Mt Desert Narrows RV Resort & Campground, 1219 State Hwy 3, 44.41992°, -68.33717°, +1 207 288-4782, camp@narrowscamping.com.

Stay safe

While Maine has relatively low crime rates compared to the rest of the United States, Bar Harbor is rather different during tourist season. Locking of one's car is advised, although car theft is almost unheard of.
It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating. The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time. Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm. If you are determined to go out on your own, to do so without every single passenger wearing a PFD, or without having a compass and knowing how to use it, or without understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards is not only foolish but could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer. There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and else where that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.

Bar Harbor - town in Hancock County, Maine, United States