Sail Acadia — photo 1 of 1

Sail Acadia

Rating

5.0(337)

Family of 4

USD 160-280

Duration

2 hours

Best Ages

5-17

About

Sail Acadia offers families the rare experience of sailing aboard a classic wooden schooner on the stunning waters of Frenchman Bay, with the mountains of Acadia National Park rising dramatically on the horizon. The company operates traditional sailing vessels crewed by passionate sailors who share their knowledge of the sea, the local environment, and the rich maritime history of Maine's coast with genuine enthusiasm. For children, stepping onto a tall-masted wooden schooner triggers an almost primal sense of adventure — this is the kind of boat that sailed explorers across oceans, and feeling the wind fill the sails and the hull come alive underfoot is a genuinely visceral experience.

The setting is extraordinary: Frenchman Bay is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on the East Coast, surrounded by mountains, dotted with islands, and alive with seabirds, seals, and porpoises. Captains are open to letting enthusiastic kids take a turn at the wheel, which invariably becomes the story they tell over and over when they get home. The two-hour cruise strikes the perfect balance between long enough to fully experience the magic of sailing and short enough to keep children engaged throughout.

Sail Acadia delivers the authentic Maine sailing experience that photographs can't capture and memories last a lifetime.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

June through October

Wait Times

10-20 minutes

Nearby Food

No food on board; Bar Harbor restaurants are steps from the pier.

Why Kids Love It

Sailing on a traditional wooden schooner with Acadia's mountains as a backdrop gives kids an old-fashioned, romantic adventure that feels completely different from modern boat tours.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Kids who want to can take a turn at the helm — ask the captain.
  • Bring warm clothes regardless of air temperature — the wind on the water is substantial.
  • Morning departures offer the most reliably calm conditions.

What to Bring

  • multiple layers
  • windbreaker
  • camera
  • sunscreen
  • small snack and water

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

USD 160-280

Tips to Save

  • Booking weekday sailings or early-season dates often yields better availability and sometimes lower prices.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact

11 Apple Ln, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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