New England Road Trip Day 7: Guided Sea Kayaking in Acadia National Park

Kayaking in the Mount Desert Narrows of Acadia National Park is a popular activity for both locals and visitors (but the tourists usually go for the guided outings). There are 2 companies to choose from:

• National Park Sea Kayak Tours– 4 hour tour for $55 per person
• Coastal Kayaking Tours– 4 hour tour for $61 per person, or 2.5 hour tour for $49 per person

As mentioned, sea kayaking is a popular activity and National Park Sea Kayak Tours was all sold out. Thankfully Coastal Kayaking Tours still had some spots we could nab.

We were also lucky to have a very clear day and calm waters despite the overnight storms the night before. After donning waterproof kayak spray skirts and life vests we walked down to the Bar Island path where our kayaks were waiting for us. The water was so still and glass-like, and we glided past so many colorful buoys marking the location of lobster traps on the ocean floor beneath the surface. We even saw porpoises arcing up to the surface in the distance. But the highlight moment was when a baby seal popped up to say hello, about 3 feet away from Michael! He was curious and almost tried to board a neighboring kayak. Per our guide, baby seals are often inquisitive enough to interact with kayakers but adults are more cautious and tend to stay away. Our kayak path took us around some of the various islands that pepper Bar Harbor: Bar Island, Sheep Porcupine, Burnt Porcupine, and Bald Porcupine. Kayaking offered a different perspective of Acadia’s hotspots- our guide pointed out the mountain housing The Precipice Trail we’d hiked up, and took us kayaking directly over the Bar Island foot path and tide pools we had explored the day before, now covered by 10 feet of water with the rising tide.

The Travelin Lobster

Hours of kayaking made us very ready for lunch. Can you guess what was planned for our next meal? Yep, that’s right– lobster. The Travelin Lobster is a family (and lobsterman) owned and operated lobster shack on the outskirts of Bar Harbor. This was hands-down one of the best meals of our trip. We chose the lobster dinner which came with a 1.25lb lobster, corn, and a bucket of mussels for $19. The lobster was by far the most succulent but freshly firm lobster meat we’d tasted so far, and even the corn and mussels boiled simply in seawater were scrumptious. We also ordered a crab roll which I enjoyed so much more than any lobster roll of the trip. The mountain of crabmeat was perfectly seasoned, perfectly textured (springy and juicy as only fresh crab can be), and honestly a delight to eat. A slice of homemade blueberry pie and blueberry ice cream topped off the meal.  Of all the lobster consumed on this New England Road Trip (and there was a lot), Travelin Lobster remains my #1.

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

This evening was another rainy one, but at least the rain made for a short line at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, known for their innovative flavor combinations. We tried the butterscotch miso flavor and the cinnamon cardamom flavor. Both unique flavors were done well but a tad sweet for my liking. Not a bad way to round out another great day at Acadia!