5 Family Boat Adventures to Do On the Coast of Maine

Are you looking for a unique experience for your family here in the State of Maine? Go to the high seas with these awesome family cruises and adventures, starting with a pirate adventure that I got to take with the family.

The Family Treasure Hunt on the Back and Forth

Me and the fam got to check out a super entertaining experience on the Back and Forth in Belfast with this a pirate-led treasure hunt on an intimate Maine lobster boat. It's a boating experience specifically geared towards the kiddos. I wasn't sure how the older kids (10 and 13) would enjoy they trip but, they had a blast. The cruise was led by the boat captain and the host was Captain Jack Lash Lanigan who made this excursion above and beyond fun. We were touted around the bay in Belfast Harbor, playing games, reading maps, learning nautical terms and about nautical tools to search for a booty well below deck in the waters of the bay. Kids under 12 get in free and you get to take home treasures. This was an hour and half adventure that was a perfect amount of time to enjoy the adventure, take in the sites and have a great time with the crew of the Back and Forth.

Here's what our adventure was like!

Puffins, Lighthouses and Seabirds Cruise with Acadian Boat Tours

From May to August, this cruise will have you afloat in Bar Harbor and have you taking in the classic sights of the Maine coastline. Aboard the Eden Star, the cruise is a good half day adventure with nearly four hours of taking in coastal islands, several lighthouses and to see marine life like seabirds and seals. This boat takes larger groups of up to 70 passengers. The cruise includes a professional naturalist and information about the people who took care of the coastline in the past.

Eco-Tour with Camden Harbor Cruises

This hour and a half cruise shares a lobstering demonstration as you take in the sights of the harbor marine life. You'll get to check out Curtis Island Lighthouse. During the months of July, August and part of September, you can choose an afternoon cruise starting around noon or an evening cruise starting around 4 p.m. Kids under the age of 2 are free.

Bar Harbor Lobster Tour with Lulu Lobster Boat Ride

If you're looking for an experience for the older kids, check out this Bar Harbor cruise that is available from May to October. It's a two hour cruise on a 'traditional Downeast-style lobster boat' called Lulu that is a private experience for you and your family. You have the flexibility to choose from four different times for your cruising adventure. You will learn about the lobstering lifestyle from the onboard captains. See the seals, sea birds and bald eagles on the water.

Nature Cruise with Bass Harbor Island Cruises

This cruise is a great way to adventure along the Maine coast. All ages are welcomed aboard this cruise where passengers will float by the Bass harbor Head Lighthouse and check out local islands. You'll catch glimpses of eagles, seals, and maybe see some porpoises. This two hour cruise can accommodate up to 49 people and runs three times a day Monday through Saturday.