Discover Maine’s rugged coast through fun and safe family kayak excursions with Acadia Youth Kayaking. Perfect for building memories and love for nature, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children, with moderate exertion.
Wildlife
History
Acadia National Park was established in 1916 and played a key role in conservation history, inspiring future national parks.
Conservation
Guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile coastal ecosystems and marine life.
Maine State Sea Kayak
Discover Maine’s rugged coast through fun and safe family kayak excursions with Acadia Youth Kayaking. Perfect for building memories and love for nature, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Maine State Sea Kayak operates from Bar Harbor and neighboring towns on Mount Desert Island, offering guided sea kayaking, e‑bike tours, rentals, and specialty workshops.
The company runs excursions that launch from Hadley Point public beach, Bar Harbor shop at 39 Cottage Street, and locations in Southwest Harbor and Northeast Creek. Notable offerings include the Foliage Paddle on Northeast Creek (2.5 hours), Acadia Youth Kayaking at Hadley Point Beach (2.5 hours, tandem kayaks for families), the Bar Harbor Oyster Co. Farm Kayak Tour and Tasting at Hadley Point Beach, Aqua‑Safari excursions from 254 Main Street in Southwest Harbor (four hours), and multiple e‑bike options including a 3.5–4 hour Acadia E‑Bike Tour and half‑day (4 hour) Rad Power electric bike rentals. The business also offers a Paint & Pedal E‑bike and Art Workshop departing from 39 Cottage Street. Guides prioritize safety and local knowledge, lead guided paddles through bays, carriage roads, and oyster farms, and include beach lunches, wildlife viewing, and interpretive commentary where listed. Partnerships with local operators such as Bar Harbor Oyster Co. create community‑focused experiences that combine education and recreation. Equipment provided matches the activity: tandem kayaks for families, guided paddle gear for wildlife and oyster tours, and fat‑tire Rad Power e‑bikes for carriage‑road exploration. Reservations are arranged per trip listing dates and availability listed per trip on booking pages online. Maine State Sea Kayak’s programs serve visitors seeking hands‑on outdoor adventures in Acadia National Park’s coastal and carriage‑road landscapes.
Launch Sites
Hadley Point, Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor
Multiple local departure points
Durations
2.5–4 hours
Short and half‑day options available
Family‑Friendly
Tandem kayaks
Youth and family programs offered
E‑Bike Rentals
Rad Power fat‑tire
Half‑day rentals and guided tours
Reserve a spot for the Foliage Paddle, Aqua‑Safari, Acadia E‑Bike Tour, Pint & Pedal workshops, family kayaking, and more — dates and details listed per trip.
Wear appropriate clothing
Dress in quick-drying layers and bring a hat to stay comfortable during the paddle.
Arrive early
Getting to the meet-up point a bit ahead of schedule ensures a smooth start.
Sun protection
Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect against the sun’s reflection on the water.
Stay hydrated
Bring water bottles to stay refreshed during the excursion.
Quick-drying clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dry during the paddle.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects against sunburn during extended exposure.
summer
Hat with brim
Provides shade and protects your face.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Safe footwear for getting in and out of the kayak.
summer