BAR HARBOR KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
West Side Tour: Paddle the Quiet Waters West of Mount Desert Island
A five-hour guided sea-kayak outing that visits Blue Hill Bay, Somes Sound, or the Cranberry Islands to find secluded shorelines and sweeping coastal views.
West Side Tour: Paddle the Quiet Waters West of Mount Desert Island.
Paddle through Blue Hill Bay, Somes Sound, or the Cranberry Islands on a five-hour tour that seeks out secluded, breathtaking scenery on the western side of Mount Desert Island. This extended outing (the 5-hour duration includes transportation time) offers an alternative to the operator’s Frenchman Bay/Porcupine Islands route, trading popular archipelagos for quieter coves, fjord vistas and hidden gems away from the crowds.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Blue Hill Bay’s Quiet Coastlines
One option on the West Side Tour is an exploration of Blue Hill Bay, where the route favors secluded shorelines and expansive views of the western side of Mount Desert Island, giving paddlers a sense of remoteness compared with busier bays.
Somes Sound — Maine’s Coastal Fjord
Occasionally the tour ventures into Somes Sound, notable as the only fjord on the U.S. East Coast; its steep-sided inlet creates a different, dramatic paddling environment from open-bay coastal stretches.
Cranberry Islands’ Secluded Bays
At times the itinerary heads south to the Cranberry Islands, where smaller island coves and quieter shorelines create intimate paddling opportunities for those seeking landscapes overlooked by larger excursions.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
Expect an extended half-day on the water that balances open-bay stretches with sheltered coves. The trip is designed to move beyond the island’s busiest corridors, trading crowds for quieter channels, tight island passages or the folded walls of a fjord depending on the day and chosen destination.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a 5-hour tour; this total includes transportation time.
The provided source does not list specific gear or a what-to-bring checklist; contact the operator directly to confirm equipment and recommendations.
Spaces fill up fast; if you are pregnant or have health concerns call 207-288-9605 to discuss booking and suitability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the West Side Tour?
The tour is five hours in total; that duration includes transportation time.
Where does the tour paddle?
Depending on the departure, paddling may be in Blue Hill Bay, Somes Sound (the only fjord on the East Coast), or the Cranberry Islands off the south end of Mount Desert Island.
What is the minimum age or height to participate?
Participants must be ages 12 and up and at least 48 inches tall.
What should I do if I'm pregnant or have health concerns?
If you are pregnant or have health concerns, call 207-288-9605 to book so the operator can advise on suitability.
Do departures always follow the same route?
No; the operator may select Blue Hill Bay, Somes Sound, or the Cranberry Islands on different days, choosing sites that provide the best experience and conditions.
Do spaces fill up quickly?
Yes—spaces fill up fast.