How many passengers fit on the water taxi?

The vessel carries up to six passengers per trip.

Where do pickups and drop-offs occur?

Boarding is from Beal's Lobster Pier with custom pickup and drop-off options available around the harbor—confirm locations when booking.

How long is a typical crossing?

Trips generally run 10–30 minutes depending on route and destinations.

Can I bring gear or bikes?

Small gear like packs, coolers, and fishing equipment is fine; contact the operator in advance for oversized items or bikes.

Are children and pets allowed?

Children are welcome and lifejackets are provided; pets may be allowed on a case-by-case basis—ask when booking.

What about cancellations and weather?

Captains monitor conditions and may alter or cancel trips for safety; check the operator's booking link and contact them directly for current policies.

Harbor Hop: Water Taxi from Beal's Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor

Return Taxi from Beal's Lobster Pier offers a short, dependable shuttle across the harbor in Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States. If your day on the coast needs a fast, friendly connection—dinner plans, a sunset launch, or an island outing—this six-passenger water taxi turns the harbor into a flexible neighborhood street.

Boarding at Beal's Lobster Pier, a working slip on the town's rocky shore, the ride cuts through narrow channels and past low, granite ledges carved by ice and tide. The captain’s local knowledge matters here: they steer a steady course around lobster gear, hand the wheel through tidal rips, and point out small islands that hide quiet coves. The trip itself runs 10–30 minutes depending on route and pick-up points, and the vessels are operated for up to six passengers—ideal for couples, families, or friends.

What makes this service special is its combination of convenience and place. Southwest Harbor’s coastline is a study in Maine contrasts—exposed bedrock banded by salt-sprayed conifers, harbor seals slipping between moored boats, and the daily choreography of lobstermen hauling traps. A short taxi ride here is more than transport; it’s an accessible coastal cruise that deposits you at seafood shacks, island trails, or the small docks that make up local life.

Practical perks matter. Captains offer custom pickup and drop-off options across the bay, which lets you plan around ferry schedules, tides, or a restaurant reservation. The vessels are sized for quick loading, and runs are flexible—book a return leg or reserve a one-way hop to meet a rendezvous. For those carrying packs, picnic coolers, or fishing gear, the ride is uncomplicated and direct.

Safety is front and center: life jackets and briefings are standard, and captains monitor weather and harbor traffic. Because the harbor is active, expect short detours around gear and commercial boats. Bring windproof layers; the ocean wind can be sharper than shore temperatures suggest.

For visitors who want to compress travel time and expand their options, a water taxi from Beal's Lobster Pier is a practical pleasure. It’s a small, locally run connector that opens up islands, restaurants, and shoreline paths without the hassle of long drives or parking. Book a slot, step aboard, and let the harbor do the traveling.

Reserve through the operator's booking link; many travelers choose evening runs for sunset views or midday hops for island hikes. Because trips are short, this service suits people packing light. If you have oversized gear or mobility needs, contact the captain ahead to confirm pickup logistics. Pets may be allowed—ask when booking. This water taxi is especially useful in summer and shoulder seasons when parking tightens, and it frequently proves the fastest, most scenic way to connect points around the harbor.

Harbor Hop: Water Taxi from Beal's Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor

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