5 Maine Boating Adventures To Do With The Family This Summer

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 in Belfast, Bass Harbor, Bar Harbor, and Camden.

The Family Treasure Hunt on the Back and Forth in Belfast

The family and I got to check out a super entertaining experience on the Back and Forth in Belfast with this 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 the trip but, they had a blast.

The cruise was led by the boat captain and the host, 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-a-half adventure that was a perfect amount of time to enjoy the adventure, take in the sights, 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 In Bar Harbor

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 seeing 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 in Camden

This two-hour cruise shares a lobstering demonstration as you take in the sights of the harbor marine life. During the months of July through mid-October, you can take this afternoon cruise from 1 PM to 3 PM. Kids under the age of 2 are free.

Bar Harbor Lobster Tour with Lulu Lobster Boat Ride in Bar Harbor

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 in Bass Harbor

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, late May through mid-October.