Another beautiful fall day greeted a group of tourists who boarded Acadian Nature Cruises for a boat tour. We set out into Frenchman Bay in search of wildlife and scenic views of Acadia National Park. We would not be disappointed.
Acadian Nature Cruises – You know you are off to a great start when you are not even on the boat yet and the views are already fantastic
Related: Captain Jack will get you lobsters tonight
Getting on board
The boat is a dual level, which is nice as passengers can either sit atop or seek protection from the elements at the bottom level in case of rain or excessive heat. The weather in Maine was pretty much perfect for the three weeks I explored the state, and today was no different. We all congregated on the seats at the top for the best views and to listen to the folksy narrative from our guide.
Does not take long to get some amazing views of the Acadia coastline
It does get a little cooler out on the water, so bring with warm clothes and a rain jacket. The boat has a heated cabin, and they provide blankets, but it is best to be prepared.
Cruising past Mt. Dessert Island near Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadian Nature Cruises two-hour tour
The two-hour tour promoted the possibility to see eagles, porpoises, seals, and perhaps other marine wildlife. The tour also promised views of Acadia National Park and views of Egg Rock Lighthouse. The beautiful views are just about guaranteed. Wildlife sightings; on the other hand, cannot be guaranteed. The likelihood of seeing something interesting is pretty good.
One of the most amazing houses along the shoreline
We began by skirting the rocky shoreline just outside Acadia National Park. There were some incredible houses along the shoreline. Our guide gave a little historical background to some of the residences.
Touch of fall colors remain on the rocky mountains of Acadia National Park
We then left the homes behind and drifted past the gorgeous coastline of Acadia National Park. Hiking the park provides one picturesque view after another; however, you cannot get the same type of perspective from hiking as you get from a boat. I am an avid canoeist, and I always preach about the beautiful views one gets from a canoe. A tour boat is not different, and to get the full spectrum of views from Acadia, you definitely want to take this tour.
Still some fall color in the air from an Acadian Nature Cruises tour
It was fall in Maine; however, this tour is not the best way to see fall colors in the state. The shoreline and the hills overlooking the coastline are rocky with few hardwood trees. Many of trees, especially on the islands, are pines. Despite this, there were a few dashes of color on the hills, which did make for some scenic images.
Related: Moose madness on the Allagash River
Harbor seal seen off the side of an Acadian Nature cruises tour
Wildlife
The wildlife spotting got off to a slow start. After we pulled away from the Acadia shoreline, we headed toward some rocky islands and Egg Rock Lighthouse. We saw a few harbor seals around the rocky islands as well as some waterfowl and gulls.
I believe this is a black guillemot seen from an Acadian Nature Cruises boat tour
The wildlife highlight was seeing a bald eagle not only fly over the boat, but follow it. In fact, at one point, it soared right above the American flag. See the video below for a shot of the bald eagle flying past the American flag. I just missed getting a photo of the eagle right above the flag. We saw another bald eagle a little later in the day roosting on a pine tree on one of the islands.
Bald eagle hovering over our Acadian Nature Cruises boat
Egg Rock Light Station
Maine is well renowned for its lighthouses. Another great reason to book this tour is an opportunity to get close and photograph Egg Rock Light Station. Egg Rock Light Station is on an island midway in the Mt. Dessert narrows between the mainland and Mt. Dessert Island.
Egg Rock Light Station seen from an Acadian Nature Cruises trip
Unless you have a quality zoom lens, it is tough to get a good shot. Hop on an Acadian Nature Cruise boat tour to get closer and take photos with your cell phone. We circled the lighthouse in order to get quality photos from each side, which helps get the best angle with the sun.
No matter how many miles you hike in Acadia, you won’t get views like this unless you get out on the water
Tour recommended
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the system. It is also one of the smaller ones, so it can get pretty crowded. A perfect way to escape the crowds and see the park from a different perspective is through a nature boat cruise. It only takes two hours, so you still have plenty of time to return to the park and go for a hike, bike a trail, or drive one of the scenic drives.
After Acadian Nature Cruises lobster at Geddy’s
After tour lobster
When the tour is over, there is only one way to celebrate. That is with a Sea Dog blueberry wheat ale and fresh lobster at Geddy’s. Check out the smile on my face in the photo below. A Maine fresh lobster dinner has that power. You can definitely meet me at Geddy’ anytime I am in Bar Harbor.
For more information on the boat tour check out their website.
Disclosure
This tour and my hotel in Bar Harbor were complimentary thanks to Visit Maine; however, my meal at Geddy’s and the 4,000 miles I drove to Maine and back were not. These facts did not impact my post as my opinions, photographs, and videos are my own.
Enjoying the Acadia National Park scenery
Adventure on!
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That’s a great adventure. I really like Acadia National Park.
Hello Olivia,
Acadia is a gorgeous place. Thanks!
We are heading to Maine this fall! What month were you there? Just curious for planning purposes. If all goes as planned we will probably be there in the beginning of October. Sounds like a fun tour… as long as it’s not freezing!
Hi Angela,
I was there in October for almost three weeks. The weather was absolutely beautiful for almost the whole time I was there. Out of the three weeks I was in Maine there were two days that rained and maybe two cold days. The rest of the time was sunny and 60s and 70s. We should have a beer sometime this summer and discuss Florida and Maine 🙂
Is Acadian nature cruise difficult to embark?
Hello Karen,
Thank you for the comment. No, it is easy to board and get off. Basically just step over and up the ramp. Enjoy!
Is the ramp real steep to get on Acadia nature cruise?
Is the boarding ramp to get on acadian nature cruise steep? Is the whole process difficult? I have osteoporosis and fear falling.
The only picture I have of the boarding is the top picture in this post. The initial ramp is flat and smooth. I unfortunately do not have a picture of the entry from the pier into the boat, nor do I remember it. I would call Acadia Nature Cruises. I am sure they can assist you on to the boat in a straightforward manner.