easy
8–9 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal activity required beyond boarding and disembarking.
Join an unforgettable all-day cruise exploring Maine’s Bold Coast and iconic lighthouses, continuing on to Canada’s Grand Manan Island. Capture breathtaking views and fascinating maritime stories on this limited-space tour departing from Bar Harbor.
8.5 Hours | 18 Lighthouses of the Bold Coast & Bay of Fundy
Embark on an unforgettable all-day lighthouse cruise along Maine's stunning Downeast and Bold Coast to Grand Manan Island. Led by seasoned experts, explore historic lighthouses while capturing breathtaking coastal scenery and diverse wildlife. With limited space, this unique adventure promises rich stories, incredible photo opportunities, and a memorable maritime experience.
A unique excursion for both birding and lighthouse enthusiasts!
Join expert guides Bob Duchesne and Zack Klyver for an all-day offshore boat cruise exploring seabird islands home to historical offshore lighthouses!
This adventure off the Downeast coast and eastern Gulf of Maine offers a chance to see unique seabird species including: Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common murres, Arctic terns, common terns, northern gannets, shearwaters, Wilson's storm petrels, phalaropes, and other pelagic species!
The cruise will also feature the following offshore lighthouses: Petit Manan, Machias Seal, Mount Desert Rock, and Great Duck Island!
Other wildlife sightings are possible such as harbor and gray seals, whales, porpoise, and dolphins!
Make sure to have binoculars and camera ready for this experience! The itinerary will include a stop at each island lighthouse, providing great opportunities to view and photograph both the lighthouses and wildlife!
Space is limited, so reserve your spot aboard the Friendship V, today!
AMENITIES
Galley with light snacks and hot and cold beverages. Purchases are CASH ONLY.
Restrooms available onboard.
Binoculars are available at the galley for $5. Photo ID required for rentals (while supplies last). BINOCULARS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR THIS TRIP!
Covered, indoor, and outdoor seating available.
ACCESSIBILITY
DON'T MISS THE BOAT!
We recommend arriving at the dock 45-60 minutes before departure. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before departure.
Municipal paid parking is available at the town pier and in downtown Bar Harbor. It is recommended to arrive early to find parking, as spots can fill quickly. Plan enough time to get into town, park, and get to the dock.
RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS & EXCURSION INFORMATION
When booking, please make sure to have tickets for all members in your party, including children, as our boats are certified to carry a specific number of passengers.
To ensure safety and comfort of our passengers, this offshore excursion is subject to weather related cancellations. This could be due to dense wide-spread fog and/or rough seas. If the long term forecast will impact the trip, we make a decision to cancel the trip up to 48 hours before departure. However, day-of weather conditions are a possibility due to the variability of the offshore conditions.
THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RAIN DATE FOR THIS EXCURSION. Please be prepared for alternative plans if this excursion is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The captain has the right to change the route, lighthouses visited, or itinerary at any time during the excursion to ensure passengers safety and comfort.
All lighthouses and wildlife are views from the boat. We do not land on and walk around the islands.
Wildlife sightings can vary day to day, season to season. We will do our best to get as many views of seabirds and other marine life within the time permitted and the weather experienced during the trip.
Our company follows regional marine mammal viewing guidelines. We operate within boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and will adhere to appropriate viewing practices for seabirds.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch is not responsible for impacts of patrons' travel plans and itinerary due to weather or unforeseen circumstances cancellations. Full refunds will be issued if excursion is cancelled due to weather.
If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please contact our ticket office as soon as possible. Cancellations 21 days before will recieve a full refund. A 50% refund is granted for cancellations after 21 days but no later than 24 hours prior to departure.
Refunds are not given to NO SHOWS, this includes if you miss the boat. You will be charged the full amount of your ticket(s).
Hard coolers, glass containers, and alcohol are not permitted to be brought onboard the boat. There is a galley on the vessel that provides concession-type refreshments including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
GALLEY IS CASH ONLY! You are welcome to bring food in soft coolers. The Sunrise Café is located on our dock with provides breakfast and lunch items for purchase.
Please be prepared to be offshore on the water for the day! Layers including jacket, sweatshirt, gloves, hat, and waterproof materials are a must to ensure you are prepared for the offshore conditions. Make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS?
Folks of all ages are welcome! Just a couple of things to consider for kids:
The trip is extensive and offshore, which can make for a long day on a boat for kids. It will be up to guardians to decided if this is the right kind of experience for their children.
Safety- it is crucial that kids have an adult with them at all times. We are out on the ocean and kids tend to wander off, attempt to jump, run, swing and climb on things they shouldn't and could potentially get injured. It helps to make sure adults are reinforcing the safety rules!
Seasickness- kids tend to get seasick more easily. Keeping kiddos hydrated, in the open air, and avoiding sugary foods will help keep them from getting seasick.
HAVE QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT INFO@BARHARBORWHALES.COM OR (207) 288-2386
Coastal weather can change quickly; dress in layers to stay comfortable on deck.
Photography opportunities abound with dramatic coastlines and historic lighthouses—charge your batteries!
Bring water or beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day on the boat.
This exclusive cruise has limited space; book in advance to secure your spot.
Maine’s coastal lighthouses have guided mariners since the early 1800s, reflecting the rich maritime culture of the region.
The cruise emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and helps support local lighthouse preservation efforts along the Bold Coast and Canadian shores.
Protects against chilly coastal winds during cooler spring days.
spring specific
Offers sun protection during long hours on the open water.
summer specific
Enhances wildlife and lighthouse viewing from a distance.
Captures the stunning coastal landscapes and historic structures.