Fishing Charters from Bar Harbor

Acadian Boat Tours runs from their dock at 119 Eden St in Bar Harbor. Their 3-hour lighthouse and national park tours and sunset cruises are popular draws, with visitors consistently praising the knowledge of guides like George, Analise, and Sarah. You'll likely spot harbor seals, bald eagles, and porpoises, depending on the season.

One visitor who booked a last-minute tour said the staff were engaging and really knew their material. Another took the sunset tour in October and called it sensational. The crew here moves the boat so you can get a good look at wildlife. If you're worried about cold weather on a shoulder-season tour, several guests mentioned they stayed comfortable without issue. With a 4.7 rating from over 1,400 reviews, this is a reliable choice for families and couples.

Based in Corea (about 30 minutes from Bar Harbor), this operation is run by Captain Dan and his family, who are working lobstermen. The tour includes learning how they actually catch lobster, seeing seals and islands, and hearing stories about Maine's coastal history. Groups of any size are welcome, and the crew is known for being funny and accommodating.

One large family group of 14 said the hosts were extremely caring and the whole experience was phenomenal. Another family returned two days in a row because they loved it so much. A parent with an 11-year-old raved that this was one of the best experiences their family had done in years of Maine vacations. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 707 reviews, expect genuine hospitality and the chance to get hands-on with real lobstering. The chowder is apparently good enough to come back for.

Downeast Windjammer operates the Margaret Todd Schooner and the Cranberry Cove Ferry from their dock at 1 Newport Dr in Bar Harbor. The Margaret Todd is a majestic sailing vessel perfect for sunset cruises, while the Cranberry Cove Ferry offers quick trips to Great Cranberry Island for a day excursion. The crew is attentive and on time.

One visitor with a nervous Labrador praised the crew for immediately offering to help carry the dog on and off the boat. Another group took a sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd and said the weather and views couldn't have been better. If you want a full day trip, the round-trip ferry to Great Cranberry gets you there comfortably in a spacious boat with friendly service. This is a good pick if you want a mix of scenery, comfort, and some island exploration.

Island Cruises operates out of Bass Harbor (about 20 minutes south of Bar Harbor) and offers four-hour private charters and guided Harbor Island cruises led by Captain Eli Straus. Eli is known as an engaging storyteller with deep knowledge of Maine's history and geography. You'll see seals, eagles, lighthouses, and islands up close, and can actually haul a lobster trap and examine what's inside.

One group booked a private charter, brought their own food and drinks, and loved every minute. Another pair toured with a local married couple and said they learned so much about Bass Harbor while seeing wildlife like porpoises, lobster, and eagles. A visitor with Captain Eli described him as a natural storyteller who shared his knowledge with both skill and humor. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 391 reviews, Island Cruises feels more personal than larger operations and works well for couples and smaller groups.

Lulu Lobster Boat Ride is located at 55 West St in Bar Harbor and runs 2-hour tours that combine lobster trap checks with a bay tour, local history, and marine life lessons. You'll haul up traps and see what's inside, expect to see lobsters and crabs, and learn how the industry really works. The boat is clean with roomy seating, and guides are funny and knowledgeable.

One family said this tour exceeded expectations and is a must-do for Bar Harbor. An elopement day visitor squeezed in a morning tour and saw seals, a lighthouse, and several traps. A couple on their first visit caught mackerel and crabs and said both the tour guide and captain were fabulous. With a 4.9 rating from 382 reviews, Lulu works for any age and gives you a real taste of lobstering without the full-day commitment. A note: avoid the front left seat if you want good photos.

Morning Flight is a fishing charter based in South Portland (about 90 minutes from Bar Harbor) run by Captain Steve. He tailors each trip to your needs and skill level, whether you're a beginner or experienced angler. Most trips target mackerel and stripers, and Steve coaches newbies patiently through reeling in good-sized catches. The boat is clean and comfortable, and he drives safely.

One couple said the private charter was much better than the touristy boat rides they'd done and that Captain Steve gave helpful fishing advice. A father and son team caught a good mess of mackerel and praised Steve for coaching them on technique. Another group of four-hour charterers said the experience was phenomenal from start to finish. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 81 reviews, Morning Flight is ideal if you actually want to fish and learn something, not just sight-see.

LiveLiner Charters, also based in South Portland, offers fishing trips ranging from a few hours to full 8-hour deep sea excursions. Captain Hugh and his mate Nick handle everything, including cleaning and preparing your catch so you just need to freeze it at home. You'll fish for sharks, stripers, and other saltwater species, and the crew talks about the history of lighthouses you see along the way. Traps in the water mean you can also take home legal lobsters.

One group said they had a killer day shark fishing with Hugh, who was professional, entertaining, and attentive to everyone's needs. An 8-hour charter group caught so many fish that Nick's help with cleanup was invaluable. A fishing trip group that also pulled up lobster traps said Captain Hugh and Nick gave them memories to last a lifetime. With a 4.9 rating from 63 reviews, this is a solid choice if you want to spend serious time fishing and potentially come home with a haul.

Swan's Island Charters is run by Captain Jason on Swan's Island, accessible by ferry from the Acadia Region. Jason is an eighth-generation Swan's Island resident who offers lobster fishing, seal tours, and custom trips tailored to your group. He'll take you to lighthouses, the island quarry, and wildlife hotspots while sharing local history and family stories. He'll even take photos so you have memories to take home.

One family group of five booked a last-minute lobster trip and had a blast learning how to haul traps and seeing local wildlife. A couple said Jason went above and beyond, taking them to multiple lighthouses, capturing photos, and teaching them throughout. Another seal tour group said even though it wasn't peak season, Jason made sure they got a good look at a big group of seals and shared details about his family's deep roots on the island. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 36 reviews, Swan's Island Charters offers a more intimate, local-focused experience if you're willing to take the ferry out.