Buggin ME Boat Tours — photo 1 of 5

Buggin ME Boat Tours

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Rating

5.0(46)

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

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

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

Contact

Dock Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, USA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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