Saoirse Downs
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a popular destination for cruise ships and boats, offering several docking options with easy access to the town's amenities and attractions. The primary docking location is the Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina, conveniently located near the town centre. This picturesque dock allows passengers to disembark and explore Bar Harbor and the nearby Acadia National Park. Alternative docking locations include the Maine State Ferry Terminal and the Bar Harbor Cruise Terminal, providing opportunities to visit nearby islands. The Town Pier is another popular option, just steps away from the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, making it ideal for those looking to explore the town on foot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest attraction | Acadia National Park |
| Nearest town | Bar Harbor |
| Nearest town pier | Town Pier |
| Nearest hotel | Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina |
What You'll Learn
Bar Harbor Municipal Pier
The Bar Harbor Municipal Pier is located at the Town Pier, at the base of the village. It is one of four piers in the town's waterfront area, which spans approximately 4.25 acres. The other three piers are privately owned. The Harbor Master's office is located in the Port Security Building on the Town Pier.
The Town Pier is a hub for boats of all kinds, including cruise ships, yachts, kayaks, and fishing boats. It is a popular destination for tourists, with restaurants and shops within walking distance. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands while indulging in the town's unique atmosphere, art scene, and seafood cuisine.
The Bar Harbor Municipal Pier offers convenient amenities for those docking their boats. The pier has trailer parking, water access, and restrooms. The staff and dockmasters are known to be friendly and accommodating, providing excellent service and assistance to visitors. They are always willing to help direct boats to their moorings and offer suggestions to make the most of the visitor's stay.
However, it is important to note that there have been some concerns regarding lobster pots in the mooring field, with lobster boats coming dangerously close to other boats. Additionally, the wake from passing lobster boats can be disruptive early in the morning. Despite this, the Bar Harbor Municipal Pier remains a popular destination for boaters looking to explore the beauty of Bar Harbor and the surrounding areas.
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Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina
The Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina is an excellent choice for docking your boat in Bar Harbor, Maine. This full-service resort is conveniently located near the entrance of Acadia National Park and just one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, offering easy access to the town's attractions, shops, and restaurants.
The marina accommodates vessels ranging from 30 to 180 feet and features a T-shaped floating dock that is 200 feet in length and 140 feet across the top. Docking costs $3 per linear foot per day and includes full access to the resort's facilities. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited space in the marina.
Upon docking at the Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina, you can expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff and have access to a range of amenities. The resort offers a daily resort fee of $25, which provides guests with vouchers for whale-watching tours, access to tennis courts, the hotel fitness room, an outdoor waterfront pool and hot tub, a kids' activity room, wireless internet, in-room coffee, a guest laundry room, and unlimited local calls.
The resort also provides free local transportation courtesy of The Island Explorer, with seasonal availability. Guests can take advantage of this service to explore the charming town of Bar Harbor, known for its quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and vibrant art scene.
In addition to its convenient location and comprehensive amenities, the Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina boasts stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands. It provides an ideal backdrop for cruise passengers and a memorable stay for all visitors to Bar Harbor.
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Maine State Ferry Terminal
The Maine State Ferry Terminal is located on the western side of Mount Desert Island, a short distance from Bar Harbor. This terminal serves as a connection point for passengers travelling to and from the nearby islands, including Swan's Island, Little Cranberry Island, and Great Cranberry Island.
The terminal offers convenient parking and easy access to transportation services. From here, visitors can take a ferry to explore the islands, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. The terminal is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, allowing visitors to indulge in local cuisine and purchase souvenirs.
The Maine State Ferry Service operates parking lots at Rockland, Lincolnville, and Bass Harbor. However, parking spaces are limited, and availability is not guaranteed. The ferry service provides daily ferries to various destinations, with some routes operating only during specific seasons or days of the week.
The Maine State Ferry Terminal is a great option for those looking to explore the nearby islands and experience the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can easily access the terminal and enjoy the convenience of having a range of amenities and services at their disposal. Whether planning a day trip or an extended stay, the terminal provides a seamless connection to the surrounding islands and all they have to offer.
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Bar Harbor Cruise Terminal
Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination in Maine's Down East region. It is a tender cruise port, meaning cruise liners anchor in Frenchman Bay, and passengers are then transported to the pier via the ship's tender boats.
The Bar Harbor Cruise Terminal is located on Route 3 and is one of the two piers/docks in downtown Bar Harbor, at 121 Eden Street. It is surrounded by natural beauty, with the nearby woods and scenic views of Frenchman Bay. The terminal is conveniently located near Bar Harbor's main attractions, such as the town's unique shops, museums, and restaurants.
The terminal staff are known for their helpfulness and excellent service. Visitors can take advantage of the trolley and bus services that connect the cruise terminal to local attractions, including Acadia National Park.
The central area of Bar Harbor is quite small and easily explored on foot. The town offers a charming coastal setting, with its quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and vibrant art scene. Bar Harbor is also known for its whale-watching tours and other boat tours that allow visitors to view the local marine life, such as puffins, seals, and pelagic seabirds.
For those interested in renting a car, there are no rental agencies in the village of Bar Harbor itself. However, you can take a free shuttle or a cab to the Bar Harbor Airport, about 25 minutes away, where you can find car rental agencies.
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Frenchman Bay
The Town Pier is also where passengers can find the Information Center, where they can book tours, obtain maps, and ask any questions they may have. Free shuttle buses are available from the pier, connecting Bar Harbor to neighbouring villages and various locations within Acadia National Park.
For those looking to dock their boats in Frenchman Bay, there are several options available. The Bar Harbor Municipal Pier offers slip, dock, and mooring reservations and has received positive reviews from visitors for its helpful and accommodating staff. The pier is conveniently located in the town, providing easy access to local amenities.
Another option for docking in Frenchman Bay is the Hodgkins Lane facility in Lamoine, ME. This location offers trailer parking and restroom facilities and is managed by the Department of Conservation. Information and inquiries can be directed to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several docking options in Bar Harbor, including the Bar Harbor Municipal Pier, the Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina, the Maine State Ferry Terminal, and the Bar Harbor Cruise Terminal.
Bar Harbor has a lot to offer for visitors. You can explore the town's quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and vibrant art scene. You can also visit the nearby Acadia National Park, which offers hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and scenic vistas. Whale watching tours and lighthouse cruises are also popular attractions.
It is important to be aware of the local tides and currents when docking in Bar Harbor. Additionally, lobster pots and boats can be a concern for docking boats, as they may create a wake and cause a safety hazard. It is recommended to maintain a safe distance from these potential hazards.
