If you are looking for a mellow boat ride around the harbor, this is a nice cruise to take. It says that it's a 2 hour cruise but, in total, to include getting on and off the boat, we were only out for about an hour and a half. We went at sunset and it's amazingly beautiful. The staff is obviously a working staff and they get the passengers involved by having us help with lifting the sails (if you'd like to volunteer). That part was fun and it's a lot of arm work. Very safe journey. Do bring a jacket with you because it does get cold on the water. read more

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Over all a great time, hour and a half sunset cruise. The Skipper and crew weee super nice and friendly. One caution, check the weather forecast before you go and dress in layers. On our trip it started to rain and we got wet, not soaked but just enough to make it uncomfortable. The temperature does drop about 10-15 degrees once you leave the dock. The standing temperature was 68 degrees when we left the dock, with the sun setting, rain and lower temperatures of the bay it got into the mid 50's on the water. So dress accordingly. read more

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Nice and easy sail out into the harbor. Pretty amazing how the wind can power a 150 TON schooner all by itself. Enjoyable hour and a half cruise. read more

This cruise takes you across from the marina; makes long stops; and basically shows you nothing. You can see it all from sitting comfortably on the shore. Not worth the time. We thought that this boat circulates around most of the islands so we decided to take it. Crew was nice; boat was clean. read more

This is a tourist trap. It's hard to beat the scenery at sunset in bar harbor and the schooner itself is pretty cool but the experience was mediocre at best. The boat was packed to the brim with people sitting (figuratively) on top of each other, leaving little room to move around or sit comfortably. There was little narration behind safety briefing and general orientation to the harbor. The sail was mostly just going to the other side of the bar island and floating around until it was time to come back to port. They put the sails up and asked for volunteers to help hoist but other than that it wasn't much of a sail and was mostly motor powered. Being out in a boat can be fun but next time I would opt to sit in the park on the Hill and watch the sunset with a drink - it would be cheaper and a lot more comfortable. Note that you can bring food on board and there is a bar to purchase alcoholic beverages ($12 per glass of wine). read more

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Booked this beautiful ship for my family and 2 young kids (6). It was very nice. We had a nice trip out, with some really great scenery. Got to see a more than a few porpoises and tons of birds. Also gave us plenty of info as we sailed around for the 2 hours. You could purchase drinks once the ship was going, and gave out goldfish snacks. Which seemed appropriate. As for the ride, it was smooth. The crew was nice, answered a bunch of questions. Gave good directions to all passengers on being safe and what not to do. read more

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Uh yeah not a cruise. It's a scenic drift "experience." We were on-time no issues, annoying that they allow pets, LEAVE YOUR dogs at home. YES - we have two dogs, they don't need a Wind-letdown cruise. Staff were friendly. They sell cider, beer, champagne, and other drinks but ALL well over priced to poonjam tourists. They raise the sails (for the experience) and maybe go without engine power for 40 minutes - not a big deal. Basically out to the bay area, flip a U and head back. We can say we did it, but this tour is worthless and not worth the money spent. Oh, big guy with vine tattoos on right leg, he was in charge of the forward starboard bar- cooler. Grumpy Fumpy on deck! Bought my wife a Champagne drink, with the card pay format he gave me the price and states "you can tip here." Any one who tells me YOU CAN tip here receives NO TIP. Would not recommend this "tour." read more

Did the Windjammer tour. Had a great time. Very relaxing. Saw an eagle too. Some negative reviews out there but I thought it was wonderful.

This was fine if you're just looking to get out on the boat to see some views of the harbor and islands. Doesn't go very far out. Minimal info or narration given. Colleen, one of the helpers, was very unpleasant and was not very friendly to us from the minute we boarded. Towards the end, she was singing and playing guitar for tips (neither very good). Probably would have preferred not to have that. read more

We had a wonderful time on the private sightseeing tour for 6. Captain Randy was super accommodating and helped us make the best of some unexpected intense rain that rolled in for part of our two hour tour. The boat was "no frills" but then again it's an actual lobster boat so we had no expectation of luxury. I see a lot of negative reviews here, and maybe different captains, different boats, different types of outings are less accommodating? Unclear to us, we thoroughly enjoyed our time, even with crumby weather. read more

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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We did the sunset cruise on September 28. Maybe we've had way too many amazing excursions in our lives but we both thought that this was just mediocre. This was absolutely not a romantic excursion. The boat was packed with people. You sit on benches either facing in or facing out. There was not a lot of communication or narration. They did hoist the sails and asked for volunteers to assist with that. So that was something entertaining for a few minutes. They opened a little kiosk toward the front of the boat to sell canned drinks. I don't remember them telling anyone about it but lines just started forming between the rows of benches. The drinks were priced very reasonably, not a lot of choices but adequate. The crew was not particularly friendly but they were not at all rude. I didn't feel like it was an expensive excursion so I thought I pretty much got what I paid for. I generally enjoy getting out on the water. Bar Harbor and the islands in the area are absolutely beautiful. So there's that. read more

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We took the ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and back. Linda was great, giving info about the area while out on the water and Dan was a great captain. Foggy weather going, but coming back the weather cleared and you got to take in a lot of the views. read more

Please save your money. Total tourist trap to take your money. Boat is packed. They take you a few hundred feet from shore. The only narration was to describe a docked cruise ship that we mostly floated next to the entire time. I've done similar expeditions in other places that were amazing experiences. This is not. I'd be embarrassed to run a business of such low quality. read more

On our first day in Bar Harbor, we decided to take the sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd schooner. Neither of us had ever been on a schooner before, so we were pretty excited, especially as we both (as well as several other guests) were asked to assist the crew in hoisting the sails. It was hard work, but a great way to be introduced to the crew and other guests. There was a guitarist on board playing music, and beer and wine available for purchase. The sunset was beautiful, and, when it got chilly, the crew brought us out blankets. The crew was extremely helpful, pointing out the names of birds and insects we saw fluttering about. We also saw several harbor porpoise, seals, (one of which poked his head out of the water a few feet away from us) and a bald eagle flew right over the boat. We had a great time. It was fun, relaxing, and had beautiful sunset views. You don't ever travel too far away from the dock, but we still had a memorable experience. read more

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines - Sunset aboard the Margaret Todd in Frenchmen's Bay. - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Cruise? Sail? We motored 500 ft from the dock, put the sails up, sat for an hour, took the sails down, and motored back. I've done the sunset sail several times before and had an amazing time actually sailing around the harbor. This was beyond disappointing. I would have done better renting a kayak. read more

This trip was a joke. Just went in circles in front of the dock. At the very beginning, Amanda told my husband, in a very rude tone, to not touch the ropes, they are not there for your leisure. Everyone near agreed it was rude. It's all in the presentation. Figure out a different way to say it. She cost the crew a tip from me. read more

Absolutely terrible!!! Rented a private sailboat with my family. Got there and it started raining. Owner of Downeaster Windjammer was standing there and wouldn't let us reschedule (there was availability the next day) we went out for less than 1 hour got soaking wet and had a miserable experience. Arrogant owner had zero care or sympathy. read more

Great service. Beautiful boat. Professional. We really enjoyed watching the crew put up the sails. We are very curious why you allow dogs? We are dog owners and love dogs but having dogs on this cruise takes away from the peaceful experience. And again we are dog people... leave the fury friends at home. There is not enough space... thank you! read more

Was disappointed that the cruise didn't happen as advertised in the brochure. We left the dock, went alittle way into the harbor area past lobster traps. The sails were raised, and then we just stayed there in the same place for the rest of the time. Could see a lighthouse really far away, but the boat didn,t take us there or around any of the islands or along the coast. Then back to the dock. Didn't see anything we could see from the dock. read more

Went on the sunset cruise! It was great! Beautiful views despite it being foggy. Definitely worth it. The staff was really informative and nice! Would go again. read more

The ship was clean, the crew is nice. not quite worth the money because there was no wind we went out for a while to see the sunset which was beautiful but that was it. circled back and we were back at the dock. read more

Sunset cruise was supposed to last 1.5-2 hrs. The weather was great with clear skies. The crew did not take us to any place where we could see the sunset. Instead we just went back and forth very close to the starting point and docked back after one hour and 15 mins. Very disappointing. read more

This review is for the Ferry service - Winter Harbor, Schoodic Penn, not the Windjammer cruise (same company and website). This is a very small boat, not what you would expect for a Ferry Ride. That being said, it is a lovely ride over from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor. You see a lot of islands and even a light house. The crew is amazing. For a small group, the boat is very well staffed! The crew is very knowledgeable and share history and stories. We had two family members with us that have some disabilities. The crew was so hopeful and in a very caring manner. The needed assistance getting on/off and even walking on the docks. The crew made sure they were safe! When you arrive at Winter Harbor, there is a bus waiting to take you on a tour. All included. We didn't take the tour as we were visiting family over in Scoodic. For the price - excellent VALUE! I would highly recommend fitting this into your schedule. Very happy we did take the trip. Convenient location - Bar Harbor Inn dock. Tips - Maine weather changes quickly so make sure you bring or pack layers especially if you plan to take a late boat back. There is no reservation, so you can take any boat over or back, first come, first serve. Very flexible if you find you want to spend more or less time over at Winter Harbor. read more

We stopped by several years ago on cruise & rode this schooner. Great experience then. They involved the audience in seeking help raising the sails. We returned this summer & my husband wanted to go again & it was every bit as great as we remembered. On 8/11 we went at 2 pm & enjoyed seeing how all the sails are handled by competent & friendly crew. Thanks to all of them for another great time on Bar Harbor Bay! read more

I am so frustrated and upset with this company. I booked an expensive PRIVATE CHARTER SAIL BOAT to have a romantic sunset sail on our anniversary 3 weeks ago over the phone. We are on an anniversary vacation looking forward to this being the highlight!! I get a phone call this morning (5 day's before our PRIVATE sail) saying they have put this boat away for the season and going to switch us to a power boat if that's okay. NO of course not, I specially PRIVATE CHARTERED the sail boat because we wanted to sail. Yes, we are getting a full refund, but that won't salvage our big romantic anniversary sail being abruptly cancelled on us effectively ruining the romantic anniversary. When I booked over the phone we discussed this date still being good for the season and she called someone above her to make sure we could make this happen and everything was good and confirmed. Staff didn't even have a recommendation for somewhere else, she googled and started naming other boat companies, thank you but I can do that. I was looking for your company's recommendation to try to salvage my ruined anniversary. We PRIVATE CHARTED this sail boat and 5 days before, you put it up for the season, WTF. read more

I first will day that I understand the cancelation policy. However, my husband has 3 herniated discs in his back and today we are supposed to sail with them. I wrote them explaining the circumstances that he is horizontal and unable to move. We certainly didn't plan or want this to happen-- my husband writhing in pain on the bed--but I asked if there could be any grace in this situation and asked for a refund. They were unwilling. Totally. Will never ever recommend them. I am a travel agent and recommend based on my experiences. This was poor. Never again. read more

Captain of the Margery Todd had a huge attitude. Very unfriendly compared to prior years. I think crew should do a mutiny. Also music on board not as good as past years. Also on a wine cheese byo sunset cruise, they were nasty checking bags as new rules allow 1 beer per person??? Go figure that fun kill. Stay away the lulu and other water tours have much more friendly and informative staff, same sights. read more

Absolute rip off just like others have said. It started out great. We motored out a bit and raised sails. The captain said we would potentially see whales and other sea life. We were doing great and then poof, the boat turned around and we sat where there was no wind for an hour. 150 people crammed onto this boat and they don't even sail out of the harbor. We saw a couple of seals and porpoises (which the captain said were whales.) So disappointed. Please save your money. read more

Our ferry ride from BH to Winter Harbor was nice and calm, no unexpected adventures . Capt Dan did a great job getting us to and from safely and Galen did a great job explaining and entertaining! Thank you, would recommend!! read more

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Very nice people, live music was good, very informative crew. Overall great experience! read more

Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Re: Sunset Cruise - SAVE YOUR MONEY. This trip was such a disappointment for my family and me. The boat only goes about 750 feet from the dock and then stops and sits for over an hour in the harbor. For $50 a person you would have a much better time (and view) if you sit on the patio of the bar harbor inn with a cocktail. Although we knew that this would be a tourist attraction, we weren't expecting to be jam packed on the boat - I'm talking shoulder to shoulder with the person next to you. It definitely doesn't have a party atmosphere and you are rarely allowed to get up from your seat. With that said, it's I wouldn't have rated this so low if it wasn't for the incredibly prickly staff. The deck crew and captain clearly were there to simply do the bare minimum and take tourists' money. But worst of all was the musician they hired- he was constantly shuffling around the boat saying rude things under his breath to anyone who got in his way (wearing a t-shirt that says "choose kindness" ha!) and preaching about the Bible and how climate change isn't real. He was constantly making people push down the bench so that he could sit down next to you and play some vague rendition of "here comes the sun". I can see how this would be a good experience for someone who doesn't live near the water but for someone who's done several of these cruises it was a big disappointment. read more

Meh. We thought it would follow the coastline but the boat just sailed out and back. The sunset was nice. We saw no wildlife. The workers and captain were friendly and professional and had our large group fairly under control. The musician was just okay. The boat was very crowded and uncomfortably cold even in early August, although I'm warm natured and wore two light jackets, including a good NorthFace windbreaker. I love being on the water, but I do not recommend this experience. read more

*This review is for the bar harbor ferry, the one that goes from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor* The trip was okay, but I didn't feel a connection with the crew. I guess I was just hoping for more than just a simple ride across the bay. I don't feel that it was worth the money spent. read more

We took a sunset cruise on our honeymoon here! It was beautiful and we loved how it was so intimate and we could ask our guide questions about the area and landscape! We brought a bottle of champagne and enjoyed the boat ride tremendously! Even with some clouds and stormy weather in the distance, we saw beautiful colors in the sky and had such a romantic trip before heading off for dinner! We would strongly recommend and we will be going back for our one year anniversary trip!! read more

We took a sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd. It turned out to be our favorite sunset cruise that we've ever done! We were so surprised when we called to make reservations and they invited our two dogs. AND we were allowed to bring our own bottle of wine! The entire cruise was wonderful. We made friends, our dogs got TONS of attention, we helped raise the sails, and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. There was live music as well. Just a perfect evening for our whole family! We will definitely be booking another cruise with Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines in the future. Can't recommend it enough! read more

Extremely disappointed with our experience tonight! Booked for two on the sunset cruise and was very much looking forward to a nice quiet, romantic and relaxing time. Wrong! Don't go by the pictures, there is no violinist on board. I have to say, the crew was awesome and very welcoming! However, it was way overcrowded and chaotic. I get that this is a tourist thing but does a sunset cruise where beer and wine is served HAVE to include small children? This sounds awful, but there are two other times this is offered. Nobody wants to pay $50 per person to listen to children screaming, wining, and being told it's their bedtime. Might I suggest making the sunset cruise adults only? Also, I realize it is totally out of there control, but we found several of the patrons were pushy and intrusive, loud and unwilling to follow the crews direction to "please sit down". The live entertainment was cool, a travelling musician with his guitar and a great singing voice. He did a good job! Regardless, halfway through the tour of the harbor I was ready to commandeer a life boat and go back to shore. Sunset was beautiful, unfortunately we were unable to fully enjoy it and I feel as though our money was poorly spent. Unless your idea of fun is being trapped on what feels like a floating prison, take a different tour offered! read more

Sunset cruise. Not as advertised. Spent $125 for an hour cruise for 3 people. No tour, No food, no drinks included. Can see the sunset from the dock. Expensive, not worth the money. read more