Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine

United States

Explore rugged coastal cliffs and pristine mountain trails in Acadia National Park, America's first national park east of the Mississippi.

Currency US Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone EDT (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Jun–Oct
Typical Duration 8-10 nights
Price Range From $50 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Acadia National Park and the stunning Maine coast, offering scenic cruises through New England's picturesque harbors and coastal towns.

Cruises that visit Bar Harbor, Maine

Build Your Day in Bar Harbor, Maine

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Acadia National Park we were there 5 days, ages 9 to 80, and everyone found plenty to do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 24k
Side Street Cafe This was by far the best meal we had while in Bar Harbor. American · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Bass Harbor Head Light Station Kids loved climbing the boulders. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Geddy's Can’t wait for my next trip to Bar Harbor so I can eat here again! Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Thunder Hole It’s a pretty spot, but probably one of the lamest attractions in Acadia. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co Kids can safely explore 3 levels, and adults can hear the highlights. Whale watching tour agency · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Thirsty Whale Tavern While visiting Bar Harbor - the best restaurant experience! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Hulls Cove Visitor Center There are shuttle buses taking you to the attractions. Visitor center · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
The Chart Room One of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Agamont Park Lots of available activities including a ferry ride. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Paddy's Irish Pub & Restaurant The drinks are strong and delicious and service is quick and great! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Cadillac Mountain We even saw a wild porcupine sipping water from a partially frozen puddle. Park · ★ 4.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Price was SOOO reasonable for an awesome 40 minutes of fun and laughs. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Leary's Landing Irish Pub A good selection of beers on tap, friendly service, nice atmosphere. Irish pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Acadian Boat Tours Very educational and engaging. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Havana One of the best restaurants in Bar Harbor! Latin American · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Debbahs This bar harbor shop has so many cute clothes and it’s pet friendly! Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
McKay's Public House Gastropub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Dog & Pony Tavern Laid back vibes, friendly staff, great food & reasonably priced drinks. Pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Finback Alehouse Had an amazing time, great drinks and a super fun atmosphere. Gastropub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Wild Gardens of Acadia You can take 15 minutes to explore or over an hour, it’s totally up to you. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Reading Room Restaurant Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Bar Island Land Bridge One of our favorite activities in bar harbor especially with young kids. Hiking area · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Project Social Kitchen & Bar This was the best dinner we had while in Bar Harbor. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
The Barnacle Excellent drinks and service, unmatched hospitality and love. Oyster bar restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 1 AM
Black Friar Inn & Pub Bed & breakfast · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bar Harbor Shore path And even meditated out there, it was a great time. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Thu
Cool As A Moose Fun store with great merchandise and souvenirs, and a friendly staff. Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Tap & Barrel Tavern Great atmosphere, awesome selection for drinks, friendly staff. Sports bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Abbe Museum Very small museum, limited exhibits, very nice people working there. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Temporarily closed
Bar Island Overall, this was a very fun and cool attraction in the bar harbor area. Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Oceanarium and Education Center Museum · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Acadia National Park Tours There is so much to see and do!!! Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Dinner This was the best food we ate in Bar Harbor during our vacation. American · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Egg Rock Lighthouse Fair distance. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Table Salt Our best dinner in Bar Harbor! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
A LITTLE MAD shop The owners are lovely and the store is filled with beautiful pieces! Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Acadia Country Store The prices were good and the products are great. Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Great Head You def should do this! Park · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Acadia Shop Prices are reasonable, staff was helpful. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Maine Store The owners are kind and thoughtful and the shop is clean and well stocked. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k
William's On The Green Fantastic martinis, world class service, and amazing atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu
The Bar Great atmosphere, amazing music, and fantastic conversation. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
My Darling Maine Island Boutique Unique gifts, beautiful and creative selection of items and so welcoming! Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Otter Cove Overlook 9/2022 5* Fun place to stop for a quick look. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bayside Landing This is a nice place to take a walk and shop. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island Trading Company Which surprisingly was cheaper than the stores retail prices! Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Acadia Park Company Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Bar Harbor, Maine

About Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine stands apart as a cruise port because it blends the elegance of a 19th century resort town with the rugged drama of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Here, guests don’t just pass through a marina; they step into a living Maine experience: strolls along Main, Mount Desert, and Cottage streets, a harbor cruise to glimpse historic mansions, and doorstep access to Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise and the park’s scenic loops. Signature experiences center on Acadia’s granite coast and wildlife-rich waters—guided hikes and carriage rides through the park's carriage roads, whale and seal watching cruises in the Gulf of Maine, lighthouse vantage points at Bass Harbor Head Light, and table side seafood feasts that celebrate lobster and lobster stew. Destinations beyond Bar Harbor include Schoodic Peninsula’s quieter shores and the island’s rocky shoreline, all connected by a network of inns, boutique shops, and fine dining. Fleet features for Bar Harbor port calls favor intimate, expedition and boutique cruise itineraries that dock with minimal disruption to the town, offering guests easy transfers to shore and a mood of refined, low key adventure. Onboard services associated with a Bar Harbor call emphasize local expertise—shore excursion specialists who pair Maine sea routes with food, history, and nature—plus sustainable experiences, enhanced culinary programming, and relaxed, comfortable amenities that reflect the harbor town’s welcoming spirit.

Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Acadia National Park's Coastal Majesty

Explore America's only national park with ocean views, featuring dramatic cliffs, pristine carriage roads, and mountain vistas. Jordan Pond and Thunder Hole are must-see attractions just minutes from the cruise terminal. Hike scenic trails or drive the Park Loop Road to experience Maine's rugged natural beauty in a single day.

2

Fresh Lobster Straight from the Dock

Savor authentic Maine lobster rolls and fresh seafood at harborside restaurants where fishermen dock their boats daily. Bar Harbor's waterfront eateries serve lobster caught that morning, prepared simply to highlight its sweet, tender flavor. This is where locals eat, and it's an unmissable culinary experience unique to coastal Maine.

3

Historic Downtown Bar Harbor Charm

Stroll the picturesque Main Street lined with Victorian architecture, art galleries, and boutique shops housed in restored 19th-century buildings. Visit the Bar Harbor Historical Society to learn about the town's Gilded Age heritage and its transformation from exclusive resort to accessible destination. The walkable downtown captures authentic New England character.

4

Artisan Markets and Local Crafts

Browse Bar Harbor's thriving arts scene at galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and crafts by Maine artists. The Bar Harbor Village Green hosts seasonal markets featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, and local goods. These intimate shops offer authentic souvenirs you won't find elsewhere, supporting the creative community that defines the town.

5

Whale Watching and Marine Adventures

Embark on guided whale-watching tours departing directly from Bar Harbor's harbor, where finback and humpback whales are frequently spotted during summer and fall months. These 3-4 hour excursions offer unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced naturalists provide fascinating insights into whale behavior and ocean ecosystems.

Cruise Lines at Bar Harbor, Maine

Cruises Departing From Bar Harbor, Maine

Cruises Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine

Ship Schedule at Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine Location

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bar Harbor known for?

Bar Harbor is known for its proximity to Acadia National Park, historic districts, and seaside charm.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?

Late spring to fall offers mild weather and park access, along with festivals and events.

Is Bar Harbor a good base for exploring Acadia National Park?

Yes, Bar Harbor provides easy access to trails, Cadillac Mountain, and scenic coastal areas.

What wildlife might I see near Bar Harbor?

Whales, seals, and seabirds are common in the Gulf of Maine, with occasional offshore viewing.