Buggin ME Boat Tours
Rating
Family of 4
USD 140-200
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
5 and up
About
Buggin ME Boat Tours gives families a front-row seat to one of Maine's most beloved traditions — lobstering. Operating out of Bar Harbor, these tours take passengers aboard a working lobster boat to experience the authentic rhythms of life on the water along the Maine coast. For kids who have ever eaten a lobster roll and wondered where it came from, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes adventure.
The highlight for most families is watching the crew haul lobster traps from the ocean floor. Kids get to see live lobsters up close, learn about the sustainable practices Maine lobstermen follow, and understand the ecosystem that makes these waters so productive. Guides explain the biology of the lobster, the regulations that protect the fishery, and the fascinating culture of Maine's lobstering communities.
Beyond the lobstering demonstrations, the tour offers beautiful views of Bar Harbor, the Porcupine Islands, and Frenchman Bay. Wildlife sightings — seals, seabirds, and the occasional whale — are a regular bonus.
Buggin ME Boat Tours is a unique experience that combines education, adventure, and genuine Maine culture in a way that no other family activity in Bar Harbor quite matches. It's the kind of trip that kids bring up for years afterward — the day they held a real Maine lobster on a real Maine fishing boat.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning departures for calmer water and active wildlife
Wait Times
Minimal
Nearby Food
Bar Harbor waterfront lobster restaurants are perfect post-tour for celebrating with a lobster roll
Why Kids Love It
The novelty of learning about Maine lobstering firsthand — hauling traps, seeing live lobsters, and understanding where their favorite seafood comes from
Pro Tips from Parents
- Ask about lobstering demonstration tours — watching a trap haul is unforgettable for kids
- Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear — the boat deck gets wet
- Bring a change of shirt for younger kids who may get splashed
What to Bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Extra layer
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 140-200
Tips to Save
- Check for children's pricing tiers; some tours offer discounts for booking multiple seats
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Monday
- 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday
- 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday
- 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday
- 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM