KidsOutAndAbout.com's Family Travel Guide to Mount Desert Island, ME

The Gulf of Maine is home to uncountable bizarre and otherworldly creatures that live beneath the waves, atop the waves, and along our shores. It’s also home to numerous coastal communities whose residents make their living from the sea and visitors from near and far who enjoy our beaches, marshes, and waterways.

The mission of the Oceanarium is to bring a small piece of this exotic world to the surface so visitors can gain a window into the everyday lives of these incredible creatures and the lives of people who depend on them.

Acadia National Park may appear small on a map, but the park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres along the Atlantic Coastline of Maine — including Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and other outer islands. 60 miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails provide numerous ways to explore the park.

Sail Acadia National Park with Captain Karl aboard the Alice E, the world's oldest Friendship Sloop still sailing. Built in 1899, the Friendship Sloop Alice E. was originally a working sailing craft used by Maine fisherman. Now she offers private and shared charters in the Bar Harbor area for up to six passengers every day from May to October, from Southwest Harbor, Maine. Sail Acadia also offers private and shared charters aboard the Friendship Sloop Helen Brooks out of Northeast Harbor, as well as nature cruises (with lobster fishing!), private charters, and water taxi service aboard our wooden lobster boat, the Elizabeth T.