Island Cruises 12 Little Island Way, Tremont, ME 04653
About the Business
Island Cruises: Your Gateway to the Quiet Side of Acadia
Located at 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653, Island Cruises is your premier travel agency for exploring the serene and picturesque landscapes of the Bar Harbor/Acadia area. Specializing in sailing, fishing, and nature cruises, Island Cruises offers an immersive experience that takes you off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of Acadia National Park and its surrounding waters.
Our Offerings:
- Sailing, Fishing, and Nature Cruises: Embark on a two-hour tour where you’ll delve into Maine’s rich fishing heritage, encounter diverse wildlife, haul up a few lobster traps, and soak in breathtaking views of Acadia National Park. Our cruise routes include the iconic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the outer islands of Blue Hill Bay, home to seals, nesting birds, and other fascinating wildlife.
- Private Fishing Charters: Enjoy a personalized day on the water with our experienced local captains who know all the best fishing spots. Whether you’re an avid angler or a novice, we’ll tailor a perfect fishing trip for you.
- Sightseeing Charters: Revel in the beauty of Acadia National Park from the water. Spot lighthouses, Cadillac Mountain, and a variety of wildlife including seals, eagles, and porpoises. Customize your trip with options like picnicking, hiking, or dockside dining on an offshore island (4-hour minimum).
- Sailing Adventures: Experience one of the world’s finest sailing destinations aboard our 36’ sailboat, Motu Iti. Sail through the pristine waters of Blue Hill Bay and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh breeze of Acadia National Park.
Why Choose Island Cruises?
- Intimate and Interactive: Unlike crowded Bar Harbor tours, our trips are designed to be leisurely and interactive. With a maximum of 49 passengers on our primary vessel, the 40-foot R.L. Gott, you’ll enjoy a more personal and engaging experience.
- Wildlife and History: From sunbathing seals to majestic eagles, marvel at wildlife in their natural habitats. Learn about the local history, fishing industry, and the lore of Bass Harbor from our knowledgeable local captain, Eli Strauss.
- Family-Owned and Operated: With 30 years of experience, Island Cruises is a family-owned business that prides itself on offering a friendly and informative service.
What Our Guests Say:
- "Amazing! Informative on historical, biological, cultural, and economic levels! Eli and Robin were wonderful guides, sharing interesting facts and stories. Despite the cold temps, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour."
- "The Afternoon Nature Cruise on the RL Gott was fantastic. We saw eagles, seals, and even a dolphin. The captain’s knowledge of the islands and their history was fascinating."
- "Capt. Eli and first mate Jill were great hosts. Eli’s knowledge of the islands and marine life made the trip worthwhile. We even saw a bald eagle and learned about lobster fishing."
Getting Here:
Escape the crowds of Bar Harbor and journey to the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island. Drive through historic Somesville, visit the scenic Echo Lake, and explore Southwest Harbor with its rich boat-building heritage and charming shops. Don’t miss the Wendell Gilley Museum for its famous bird carvings.
Photos
Location & Phone number
12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653, United States
Hours open
Monday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Reviews
"Fantastic cruise around Bass Harbor. The captain made this trip amazing. His knowledge of the area, it's history and his story telling of what life has been like in these parts is amazing. Coupled with his knowledge of wildlife and fishing life. We saw bald eagles, birds, seals, salmon farms and pulled a few lobster cages! Must do in Acadia."
"We took the afternoon wildlife and lighthouse cruise on our recent trip to Acadia. Eli was a terrific guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip around Bass Harbor. We definitely recommend this cruise. Great for all ages."
"I cannot possibly conjure up enough positive adjective's to describe this experience. Eli is an absolute gem and everyone needs to experience this adventure! There was so much history shared and I was completely mesmerized by everything. It was informative, beautiful, and so much fun. Please do not hesitate to book this opportunity."
"Absolutely FANTASTIC! So glad we decided, while driving up to Acadia, to boom this boat tour. It was so amazing and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to tour the area from the water. The boat captain was so knowledgeable and we learned about the lobster and fishing industries the years, we learned some very cool history of the islands, we saw grey and harbor seals, a bald eagle, and a lobster trap was pulled up and we learned about crabs and lobster that were caught. His son drove the boat most of the time and did a great job. You can tell they know what they are doing and love it. I would definitely go back on this tour in the future, it was that good. Oh yeah, bring a jacket, it gets chilly out on the water."
"I had the pleasure of going on one of the boat tours Island Cruises offers. It was such a wonderful experience all around. The couple giving the tour were so sweet and knowledgeable. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
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