Between Islands: Beal & Bunker's short hop from Great Cranberry to Northeast Harbor

SOUTHWEST HARBOR FERRY FIELD GUIDE

Between Islands: Beal & Bunker's short hop from Great Cranberry to Northeast Harbor

A year‑round ferry linking the Cranberry Isles and Northeast Harbor — this guide explains timing, stops (including occasional Islesford runs), and what to expect on the crossing.

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Between Islands: Beal & Bunker's short hop from Great Cranberry to Northeast Harbor.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Southwest Harbor
Operator
Beal & Bunker
Category
Ferry
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Beal & Bunker’s ferry run between the Cranberry Isles and Northeast Harbor threads the granite, spruce‑rimmed archipelago of Maine, offering reliable, year‑round transport and expansive ocean views. Whether used for commuting or a day visit to island villages, the service presents a straightforward way to move between shore and isles while taking in the coastal landscape.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Quick crossings with island stops

Typical crossings are short but scenic, linking Great Cranberry and Northeast Harbor; some scheduled runs include additional island stops that extend the trip.

THE VIEW

Open‑water panoramas

Passengers can expect broad ocean views and a close sense of the islands’ natural setting during the short voyage.

THE SEASON

Year‑round service

The ferry operates throughout the year, providing dependable access between the mainland and the Cranberry Isles regardless of season.

What the day feels like

What the crossing feels like

The run is an efficient, maritime passage: brief stretches of ferry deck, the sea broadening to either side, and the islands rising as close, wooded silhouettes. Service is designed for practical transport as much as for the scenery — short, dependable hops that connect island life with the mainland.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this crossing suits

1
All agesThe service is appropriate for travelers of all ages.
2
FamiliesFamilies can use the ferry for short, practical transfers between islands and harbor; the service is listed as suitable for all ages.
3
Commuters & Errand‑runnersThe ferry functions as year‑round transport for island residents and visitors; it is designated for all ages.
4
Casual sightseersVisitors looking for a short scenic crossing will find the ferry usable by people of any age.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Tickets & fares

Fares shown reflect one‑way transportation.

What’s included

Fares cover one‑way transport on the scheduled run.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ferry crossing?

Typical crossings take about 15 minutes; some runs — for example, a summer 1pm run that calls at Islesford first — can take up to 45 minutes.

Does this ferry operate year‑round?

Yes. The service provides year‑round transportation between Northeast Harbor and the Cranberry Isles.

Are fares one‑way or roundtrip?

Fares reflect one‑way transportation.

Will the ferry stop at Islesford?

Some runs include Islesford as a stop — for example, certain summer departures — and those calls will increase total trip time.

Where is the service based?

The service operates in the Southwest Harbor / Cranberry Isles region connecting Great Cranberry and Northeast Harbor.

Is the ferry suitable for children and older passengers?

The service is indicated as suitable for all ages.