Surprised to see some tepid reviews about Windjammer Cruises. My party and I took their 630p Sunset Cruise from Bar Harbor out across Frenchman Bay. We saw porpoises, a bald eagle, and some rare birds that are similar to Puffins. On the sunset cruise we had live acoustic music and both wine & beer are available for purchase. Avoid the Disney-like tourist trap of paying $20 for a copy of your group's photo after you return to the Harbor - it is so not worth it. Crew was outstanding. Highly recommended and be sure to get there early as parking is indeed difficult to find. read more

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A gorgeous boat ride with live music around the harbor was a lot of fun and exactly what's needed when visiting! Parking can be tricky so ensure you arrive EXTRA early and plan accordingly!!!! Maybe even just Uber/Lyft... lesson learned! It's a good price for an enjoyable experience read more

We had a great evening on the Margaret Todd! We booked the sunset cruise. Boarding process was easy. The trip was gorgeous. It's an actual working sailing vessel, so the crew will be handling lines during the trip. A great addition to any Bar Harbor visit. read more

Really enjoyed our tour today. I've never been sailing before so it was nice to not only experience a tame version, but also to be educated live by the Captain and staff what was going on and why. I liked learning facts about the area as well. We appreciated the onboard snacks (Goldfish Pretzel crackers package, complimentary) and the beverages you could buy. Friendly staff and a unique experience. Would advise to check the weather and prepare accordingly...our trip out was on a beautiful summer day with lots of sun, so I wore lots on sunscreen and a hat. Would do again. read more

Schooner Margaret Todd - Sailing...volunteers helping raise the sails with staff - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

This was a great experience with kids and the staff were very safety conscious and friendly.

It was extremely boring. We just sailed back and forth in front of the hotel for two hours. Crew was bored and despondent. Captain said nothing. Weather was lovely so we could have done a lot in two hours. We assumed there must have been an issue since we didn't "go" ANYwhere, but we could see the ship from our hotel room and it followed the same "path" for the next few days so we assume this was the regular plan. Save your money and do something else. read more

So disappointed! Sitting in the doing schooner as I write this. We are just sitting out here in bar harbor/frenchmen bay. Since it says that it is a sailing excursion, you would think we were sailing however we are not. We're just kind of sitting in the harbor. Not so awful because it is a gorgeous day however I expected to be sailing. It is a waste of money, go on the lighthouse tour instead. This is a farce. read more

This experience was extremely underwhelming. The captain barely spoke or told us anything. We stopped moving for a solid 15 minutes with zero communication from the captain for why. The boat moves extremely slowly and is overly crowded. They don't offer any beverages until after the boat is moving and the sails are fully up so you have to arrive 45 minutes early and just sit there waiting without access to any beverage unless you bring your own. Absolutely NOT worth the price. I'm begging you please do NOT waste your money on this. It's a complete tourist trap. read more

This was amazing. Very little narration, which is good. I'd rather hear the waves and enjoy the ride. There is some narration/instruction ahead of raising the sails and again at lowering and again to point out sea life (dolphins, whales, seals), but otherwise, it's simply a laid back enjoyable boat ride. Our crew was fantastic, and we had a great time with some of the other guests. If you want narration, stay home and watch a movie. Otherwise, do your own homework and just enjoy the experience. read more

2.5 stars. It was OK. If you're able-bodied an in the area for a few days, I'd skip the Margaret Todd and opt for an extra morning/afternoon hike, or Park Loop Road, or a second trip up Cadillac (don't forget to reserve it in advance!), or a trek to the less popular parts or lobster docks on the island instead. Hopefully you get more wind than we did. There was no wind. The diesel engines are admittedly loud and would ruin the feel of the experience, but I'd rather they explain that and drive us around instead of just sitting stationary and letting people help with the sails. We did not move at all for a very long time, not even rotating or a slow drift. So much so that I ended up with asymmetrical tanning. Maybe they wanted to save fuel, I don't know, but if it's intermittently necessary to burn fuel to make up for the weather, the business needs to do so, and not just pass on the disappointment to a boat full of paying customers. I feel like most of my value was being able to say I was on a 4-masted sail boat and being able to finally cross it off my Acadia list after so many years of not incorporating it into my trip. I'm envious of the time my sister and father went many years ago and it was ripping along (as well as a sailboat that size can), but I can't imagine I'll be back. read more

We had a nice day with a lot of wind which was good for sailing, but the ride itself could have been better. We basically left and went to the left of the harbor, around a semi-circle and back in. The Captain didn't really tell us a whole lot and held the mic too close to his mouth to even understand what he was saying. I felt like all we did was go out, see some islands that we could see from the shore, turn around and go back. The ship itself is beautiful, but I've been on much better harbor cruises. read more

This was an absolute lovely cruise. Definitely worth the money. The wine was a bit pricey, but what can you expect for an excursion. There was a very trashy woman who was rude to the crew members so If you catch her review of the sunset cruise from 10/01/21 definitely ignore it. I wish I had cash to leave a tip for them. read more

Schooner Margaret Todd - From the dock - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Nice staff, on time travel and great music. Two of the three of us were injured from an accident and they were very accommodating. John with the music made it perfect!! There is not a bad seat on the boat, but they tell everyone to get there at 6PM. To get first dibs (if that's what you want) go earlier. read more

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This was a great, relaxing tour of the harbor onboard a beautiful sailing vessel. The crew was fun and knowledgeable and the sights were incredible. It is always better to be on a quiet ship when trying to relax for a bit on vacation! We totally enjoyed it! read more

We went on the evening "sail" June 7th. We motored out into the bay and they put up the sails. We proceeded to literally sit for an hour not moving as there was minimal wind. We motored back to the dock area where there was plenty of wind. Why didn't they go where the wind was? The so called guitar player got mad when anyone sang along with him as he "loses his place". The crew wasn't very friendly. This was a waste of $208 for 4 of us. And then they expected tips. When we got back to our camper, the wind was producing small white caps on the bay. Lots of wind for a nice sail if they had wanted. Not at all recommended. Go on a kayak trip instead. read more

I don't have anything bad to say about this activity!! My husband and I had seen some mixed reviews but went ahead with the sunset cruise anyway- we are so glad we did! I think a misconception may be that this is a "tour"- so some people may be put off that there is no commentary throughout the ride. However it was exactly what we expected it to be- a beautiful, relaxing boat ride with amazing views, a super friendly crew, and a lovely sunset as we were getting back to dock. It was chilly, and the crew brought blankets to people who seemed cold- very sweet. My husband and I kept trying to take a selfie and a crew member came up and offered to take the picture for us- nice :) I would recommend this activity for sure!! read more

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Lovely afternoon sail on a perfect day. The boat is well crewed and its captain an old salt. Very nice ride and dialog about the history of the area. Plenty of room to move around once the no seatbelt light was turned off. Highly recommended for those who love the sea. read more

My husband and I were so excited to take a sunset cruise on a luxury schooner. We couldn't have been more wrong. We were told to be there at 6pm, but people started boarding at 5:30. We rushed to get a seat. We wish we chose the smaller boat, which seemed like the party boat. The staff wasn't as friendly or entertaining. The boat has so much potential, but they have not had any upkeep. The floor is peeling and not taken care of. Also the benches are peeling as well. The downstairs where the head was smelled so bad and was scary! I know heads on ships isn't fancy, but this was not good. The bar on board was okay and we were happy that she took credit cards. We wish there was a better local beer selection. The folk singer was pretty good and circled around the boat. The views and sunset was great, but this trip was definitely not worth the $50 per person. There has to be better boats to take! read more

This was listed as a cruise on the Margaret Todd. NOT. This was a boat ride and little more. There was minimum commentary other than a review of safety measures. Granted, the day was beautiful and sunny for a change, so a chance to go on a boat "cruise" was much anticipated. Outside of pointing out a few of the islands there was no information forthcoming about anything else. The crew asked for volunteers to help hoist the sails, and that was the extend of interactions with them. If you want a real educational experience then head to Northeast Harbor Sea Princess. Otherwise, save your money. read more

Beautiful ship and fun experience. The sunset cruise was perfect-- good weather and excellent views! The photo was taken at the end of our cruise, on the dock. read more

Schooner Margaret Todd - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Tour just went in a circle around the island. asked the captain a few questions about the boat and kept getting smart ass comments from him. Seemed like a grump. Lots of better boat tours in Bar Harbor read more

Schooner Margaret Todd - Timber - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

Took entire family and had a fantastic time! Highly recommended! (I unfortunately had to come back to this review and change my rating. After getting directly on the ship the first time, we came back a second time for a sunset cruise. The Margaret Todd was not available so we signed up for the smaller sailboat. While waiting in line, the staff on the pier was incredibly rude and ridiculous about keeping everyone in single file. When I say ridiculous, I don't mean they were concerned about safety in a reasonable way. I mean that when my sister was trying to speak with my brother, the pier lady would yell as soon as her back came off the railing. It was crazy. Once you are on the ship you are fine, but beware the pier!! read more

The cruise takes about an hour and a half and you go out by all of the different Porcupine Islands. Today was really freaking cold and I didn't get as much enjoyment out of the sailing trip as I normally would. The crew was great and my husband got to help put the sails up. I'm only giving 4 stars because it was kind of boring, not a lot to see where they take you, not a lot of wildlife activity. But the water was beautiful and when the fog moved on a little, I could see the Islands were also beautiful. Still a good experience, but not a very entertaining trip if you have kids with you. read more

Where can you take a sail on a four masted schooner? I saw a photo of this beauty and knew when we visited Bar Harbor, this would be on my list. The ship is docked right at the Bar Harbor Inn where we were staying so It couldn't have been more convenient during our mid September visit to Bar Harbor & Acadia. It's centrally located and right near the downtown area. I purchased tickets online a few days in advance hoping the predicted weather held. I'd return and try a sunset cruise ( with music) but we opted for a 2pm sail as it fit best in our schedule. The boat was about half filled and you could easiest walk around or switch seats. I read several reviews stating this was a boring uneventful activity .... thus is NOT a tour. It is an enjoyable relaxing sail on a beautiful vessel. There is little information provided though any crew member would happily chat with you when not hoisting or tending the sails. We chatted with a new member of the crew, Zander, on his first day! It was a perfect afternoon, warm with bright sunshine and a slight breeze . It gets cool on the water so bring a sweater ir jacket. We also brought a bottle of wine and a small snack. BYOB is allowed! It's pretty amazing watching the beautiful red sails go up. The boat in full sail from the shore is beautiful. We enjoyed the sail around the harbor, saw a few seals, birds and the crew spotted porpoises ( we missed this) while enjoying the views on the water. Definitely a 4.5 in my book. I'll be back to try the sunset option. It was a lovely way to spend a sunny and warm September afternoon in Bar Harbor! read more

We went sailing last week on vacation with 3 little kids. The weather was a trick, while we were docked it was warm and sunny, but once we got out it was foggy and freezing. I was super jealous of the couple who smartly wore parkas, ski gloves and a scarf...definitely not their first time. Staff was friendly, highlight was a dog named Peanut who was the goodest doggo. Love that they allow dogs. read more

Good cruise. Great views of Bar Harbor and various park peaks. Cool so bring an extra coat. We were there early Oct. We were fortunate to have a park ranger on board who told us about the islands and the wildlife. Would recommend. Not a long sail but it seemed long enough. read more

Schooner Margaret Todd - Boating Near Me - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Beautiful cruise. Crew was fantastic! Live music was a great touch! Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy :) read more

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There are so many better boat tours in the Acadia area. This ride just went in a small circle off shore waiting for the sun to set. They pack in 150 people, and other watching the sails go up and then the sunset, there's not much to it. There's a guitar player/singer on board, but every song sounds the same. Don't waste your precious Acadia time and money on this event. read more

If you're looking to be yelled at, reprimanded and shamed as you board your sunset cruise in beautiful, charming Bar Harbor, Maine, then the Margaret Todd is the experience for you! In short order, I was accused of trying to smuggle alcohol onto the boat (it was a lime flavored Italian soda), we were explicitly told with visible disgust that we were the last people to board (we weren't) and that the boat was about to leave without us (it wasn't, we waited another 15 minutes once we boarded). One of the surly and unnecessarily rude people checking us in also directed us to the wrong boat and when the deckhands asked us which of the two boats we were boarding, this gentleman (loosely termed), yelled down mendaciously, that he told us to go to the other boat (he did not). We were not the only unfortunates to receive this treatment, once on the boat all passengers were treated to some public shaming over the sound system by the captain as other people arrived "late" or otherwise known as "before the scheduled departure on their receipt". The crew acted as demoralized as they looked under the yoke of such a miserable captain and colleagues on shore. (They were otherwise generally pleasant.) The cruise itself was fine. No enthusiasm for the adventure from the captain and the head smelled like they were storing months-old lobster corpses for use in what I can only imagine is some very black magic. In all seriousness, if you're ok with getting treated like garbage, you probably don't have to pay $50 per person for the privilege. In fact, there are probably places on the internet where you can GET paid for it. Spend your money somewhere else in this beautiful town, there are so many other great options. read more

The crew was extremely rude and we were packed on like sardines. I would avoid this cruise.

would have given it a 0 if I could. 1. motors out from dock about 500-600 ft puts sails up.... with a crew who has NO EXPERIENCE. ( it was windy and things coukd have gotten bad fast). 2. spins around 6 times for and hour and a half goes back read more

A complete waste if time and money that left a horrible taste in our mouths. We booked our Sunset Cruise several days before our date to sail and anticipated a nice romantic sunset cruise on a four-master under sail. Instead, we were ripped off, experienibg only the sham of raising the sails but never actually going under sail as a loud clanky diesel propelled us around a single island and started trekking back to the dock. They didn't even pretend to get under sail as they lofted the entire trip. The crew was rude and grunting with annoyance if anyone happened to stand in their way; while the captain seemed to act like we disturbed his dinner on shore. The crew was totally devoid of people skills; and had no interaction with their guests except to raise the sails requiring some assistance - and when asking for tips at the end of the sail. Walking around to explore a bit I started to go below deck only to be met by a stench of restrooms that should have had the board of health shutting down it's operation. Horrible, horrible, horrible. Do yourself a favor and book the guided bus tour of Acadia instead. The whole Bar harbor / Acadia experience was amazing - but for one mistake - taking a sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd. read more

Crew was not friendly! Beer stand was set up towards the bow which put people in line face to face with us for almost the whole cruise. Only one guy serving beer and drinks in cans. It was the worst cruise i've been on. The sights are great, but I would not recommend this cruise. For heaven sake serve refreshments below deck like all the other cruises. read more

It's not often that I'm disappointed with a boat ride. This was certainly one of the silliest excuses for a sailing trip I have ever seen. Fill the boat up with 150 people motor away from the dock raise the sales and drift for a bit. Don't bother trying to catch the wind. Then start the engine drive in a big circle, catch the perfect sunset and lower the sales and return to dock. All for 35.00 a head. The only thing we admired on this trip was the business model used to generate nice profits for the owner. Crew couldn't have been more bored or less engaged. Find something better to spend your money and time on read more

We did the sunset cruise and loved it went with friends had drinks on board and brought some blueberry pie for dessert on ship as we had just finished dinner-- relaxing and enjoyable and worth to me as our first trip to Maine the $55 per person about 1.5 hr trip got sone nice sunset pics and met some really nice folks onboard -- there was a guitar player also read more

Let me start by saying I have been sailing for 55 years. Big boats, small dinghies, and in between. This is a first class sailing experience - period! The crew was friendly, informative and the Park Ranger, Micky, was awesome. We saw Bald Eagles and lots of other sea birds and mammals. What fun! Some of the criticisms are ridiculous. One person complained about the weather! Really, you are in Maine! It gets foggy here, sorry! Grumpy crew, no! Kids have to sit in their seats? Yes, or end up overboard when a loose line wraps around them! For a two hour sail this is great fun with your family or friends. It is conveniently located right on the waterfront in Bar Harbor. You can book online or at a ticket kiosk on the dock. The ship is a 4 mast steel hulled schooner which is about 20 years old. She shows her age but it made me happy to see her in use three times a day! The most popular trip is their sunset cruise. Bundle up as it gets cold on the water. Also bring binoculars if you have them. read more

fantastic sunset cruise. A must if your in the area. Great music. Friendly staff. Helped hoist the sail.

The Margaret Todd is a great time! The sunset boat ride is beautiful and peaceful with live music. My family and I have gone for the boat ride a few times on different vacations to Bar Harbor and it never disappoints. It provides a unique view of Bar Harbor and Acadia and it's lovely to watch the sunset from the ocean. It gets a little chillier than the land temperature and it's usually windy so I'd recommend a coat. read more

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My wife and I and 4 friends just completed a sunset cruise on the Margaret Todd. I have never been so insulted and embarrassed as I was by the captain of this boat. Prior to departing, the 6 of us were having a normal happy conversation. Apparently, the captain was about to give his safety briefing and was very disturbed by 6 of his paying customers enjoying themselves. He walked over to us and asked if we had ever heard the safety briefing previously to which we answered no. He then sternly scolded us that we need to be quiet and that if we don't then we will be forced to disembark! Not only were we unaware of his desire to start his safety briefing, but also shocked by his rude unprofessional demeanor. If he simply asked if he could have our attention we would have gladly complied without the need for his threats. All 6 of us are professionals and we were all horribly embarrassed by this rude unhappy man. This was done in front of other passengers. We stayed for the cruise but could not enjoy it at all after this experience. I would highly recommend avoiding this company who would hire such a horrible employee. read more

if you're interested to see an old working ship, this is quite the experience. An old fishing vessel has been refitted as a tourist boat. The skipper is OK and crew a treat to watch. They try to let some passengers help hoist the sails. The sunset sail can be very nice. There is generally live music from a local artisan. Note: Feel free to bring a light wrap, something to drink and snacks. read more