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Aqua-Safari Kayaking with Maine State Sea Kayak in Southwest Harbor - Bar Harbor, ME

Aqua-Safari Kayaking with Maine State Sea Kayak in Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harboreasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have basic physical fitness for steady paddling but no advanced experience is required.

Overview

Paddle through Maine’s Western Bay and Blue Hill Bay on a four-hour guided Aqua-Safari with Maine State Sea Kayak. Spot seals, eagles, and enjoy a serene beach lunch on this all-ability excursion based in Southwest Harbor.

Southwest Harbor, Maine

Aqua-Safari (254 Main Street Southwest Harbor)

4 hours • 56" minimum height- Anyone under 16 must be paired with 16+ y/o from your party.

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Adventure Photos

Aqua-Safari (254 Main Street Southwest Harbor) photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of Aqua-Safari excursions, designed for all skill levels. Over four hours, paddle through stunning bays while a professional guide ensures a safe and enjoyable journey. Encounter diverse wildlife, including seals and eagles, and savor a beach lunch. This unique adventure promises relaxation and unforgettable memories in Maine's beautiful waters.

Our Aqua-Safari excursions are catered to all ability levels.

Duration

4 hours

About

Our Aqua-Safari's are catered to all ability levels. Using the wind, tides, and dynamics of the group to ensure the most enjoyable paddling experience. We feel that a 4 hour tour gives adequate time for relaxation, wildlife viewing, and interpretation from our professional Registered Maine Guide staff. Your Registered Maine Guide will decide which route will be the most enjoyable and safest based on wind direction/velocity, visibility and tides. We paddle Western Bay (Pretty Marsh), Blue Hill Bay, and Somes Sound. Most tours are one-way. Occasionally, a tour might be round trip. Your guide will stop on a coastal beach for a short lunch break. Maine State Sea Kayak specializes in quality Ecological Sea Kayak Tours. Tandems are most commonly used versus single kayaks

All participants must be checked in 40 minutes prior to trip time, this is for safety purposes.

We are located in Southwest Harbor, please allow ample time for unexpected traffic if traveling from Bar Harbor. In order to maintain a quality experience for all of our guests each tour will leave promptly at the scheduled time...No exceptions or refunds will be made. Please come enjoy the quiet-side activities prior to your trip to reduce travel frustrations

Each child under the age of 16 must be at least 56", and accompanied by an adult. (Please call to see if accommodations can be made)

Participant Testimonial

"Wildlife Galore!”

"We went out on the 4pm-8pm, 6.5- mile tour with a group of 11 people, launching near Bartlett Island and ending at Clark Cove. Our guide, Brad, was fantastic. He has an uncanny and super human ability to spot wildlife from a quarter mile away. We saw harbor seals, 5 bald eagles (including a fledgling!), porpoises, osprey, crabs, sea stars, and more. The equipment was good and the tour very safe. It was a one-way trip, where they drove us to the start and back from finish. They strategically planned the paddling direction to have the current and breeze at our backs, making for a really pleasant ride."

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Check-In

All participants must check in 40 minutes before launch to ensure safety protocols and prompt departure.

Dress for Changing Conditions

Wear layered clothing and bring waterproof gear since coastal weather can shift quickly on the water.

Paddle Tandem for Stability

Most tours use tandem kayaks, ideal for beginners and those who want an easy ride with a partner.

Respect Wildlife Viewing Distance

Maintain a respectful distance from seals, eagles, and other wildlife to avoid disturbance and protect their habitat.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Harbor seals
  • Bald eagles

History

Southwest Harbor has a rich maritime heritage, once home to thriving shipbuilding and fishing communities dating back to the 19th century.

Conservation

Maine State Sea Kayak emphasizes ecological awareness, promoting low-impact paddling to preserve fragile coastal ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Bar Harbor, ME

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof Jacket

Essential

Protects against splash and chilly coastal winds.

spring specific

Sun Protection (Hat & Sunscreen)

Essential

Crucial for shielding exposed skin from prolonged sun exposure on the water.

summer specific

Water Shoes

Helpful for maneuvering on rocky shorelines during beach stops.

summer specific

Layered Clothing

Essential

Allows temperature regulation during cooler paddling in autumn.

fall specific