Connecting Northeast Harbor to the Cranberry Isles, Beal & Bunker Ferry brings travelers across Maine’s dramatic coastal waters in a comfortable 30-minute ride filled with sweeping ocean views and island history.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort required.
Wildlife
History
The Cranberry Isles have a long fishing heritage dating back to 1803, with historic island settlements still in use today.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to protect the fragile coastal ecosystems by managing visitor impact and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Beal & Bunker
Connecting Northeast Harbor to the Cranberry Isles, Beal & Bunker Ferry brings travelers across Maine’s dramatic coastal waters in a comfortable 30-minute ride filled with sweeping ocean views and island history.
Beal & Bunker operates ferry services based in Mount Desert, Maine, providing regular passenger transport between Northeast Harbor and the Cranberry Isles. The company runs a set of short crossings and multi-stop routes that connect Northeast Harbor, Islesford, and Great Cranberry, making island access straightforward for residents and visitors alike.
Trips include round trips and point-to-point sailings such as Northeast Harbor to Great Cranberry (approximately 20 minutes), Northeast Harbor to Islesford (approximately 30 minutes), Islesford to Great Cranberry (about 15 minutes), and a two-hour Island Hopper loop that travels NEH → Islesford → Great Cranberry → NEH. Other scheduled runs include Great Cranberry to Islesford, Great Cranberry to Northeast, and round-trip options between Cranberry Isles and Northeast Harbor. Several listings describe comfortable and reliable rides that emphasize scenic ocean views and opportunities to explore island history and culture.
Schedules and exact departure times vary; passengers should consult published timetables for current information. Typical services accommodate walk-on passengers traveling for commuting, errands, and day trips. Boats operate from Northeast Harbor, providing a direct marine link to the Cranberry Isles archipelago.
Beal & Bunker focuses on straightforward connections and short coastal crossings rather than overnight or long-distance voyages. Passenger needs such as comfortable seating, predictable crossings, and island access are highlighted in the service descriptions. For travelers seeking transport to Islesford, Great Cranberry, or other Cranberry Isles destinations from Northeast Harbor, Beal & Bunker provides multiple route options and concise trip summaries to plan each outing. Always check published timetables before travel.
Location
Mount Desert, ME
Home base on Mount Desert Island
Trip Durations
15–120 min
Short crossings to multi-stop loop
Trips Listed
11 routes
Multiple Cranberry Isles connections
Service Focus
Comfortable & reliable
Consistent island crossings described
Choose the right crossing—round trips, point-to-point sailings, and the Island Hopper loop connect Northeast Harbor with Islesford and Great Cranberry.
Arrive Early to Secure Your Spot
Ferries can fill up during peak times, so arriving 15 minutes before departure is recommended.
Dress for Wind and Spray
Even on sunny days, ocean breezes can be chilly—bring wind-resistant layers.
Bring a Camera for Coastal Views
The ferry ride offers panoramic views of rugged granite shores and wildlife—perfect photo ops abound.
Check Weather Before You Go
Maine’s coast can face sudden changes; monitor conditions for safe and smooth crossings.
Windbreaker
Protects against chilly ocean breezes during the crossing.
spring
Sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water and improves visibility.
summer
Camera
Capture the rugged coastal scenery and island life.
Warm Hat
Keeps you comfortable during cooler autumn ferry rides.
fall