SOUTHWEST HARBOR SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Island Loops and Panoramic Ridges: The Cranberry Cove Ferry from Southwest Harbor
A daily passenger ferry connecting Southwest Harbor with the Cranberry Isles—ideal for day trips to hike, bike, picnic or tour the islands with flexible, walk-on service.
Island Loops and Panoramic Ridges: The Cranberry Cove Ferry from Southwest Harbor.
The Cranberry Cove Ferry threads a daily loop from Southwest Harbor to the Cranberry Isles, offering panoramic views of the mountains of Acadia National Park and easy access to Islesford (Little Cranberry) and Great Cranberry. Riders can hop off to hike, bike, picnic or visit island museums at no extra fare; the service is pet friendly and welcomes bicycles (excluding electric bikes).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Panoramic Ridges and Coastal Vistas
From the ferry you get uninterrupted views of Acadia’s mountain ridgelines and classic Maine coastline—an easy way to access island scenery without a long hike.
A Loop That Opens Islands
All trips run a loop between Southwest Harbor, Islesford (Little Cranberry) and Great Cranberry, letting you explore each island for no additional fare.
Walk-On Convenience and Pet-Friendly Service
The service operates as a daily passenger ferry that accepts bikes and pets, provides one-way and round-trip fares, and offers family pricing—making it a flexible option for short island excursions.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Boarding in Southwest Harbor, the ferry settles into a gentle coastal run that alternates wide-open ocean sightlines with the intimate harbors of the Cranberry Isles; the loop calls at Islesford and Great Cranberry so you can step ashore to hike, bike, picnic or visit island museums before returning on the same vessel if you choose.
THE VIEW
Panoramic Ridges and Coastal Vistas
From the ferry you get uninterrupted views of Acadia’s mountain ridgelines and classic Maine coastline—an easy way to access island scenery without a long hike.
THE ROUTE
A Loop That Opens Islands
All trips run a loop between Southwest Harbor, Islesford (Little Cranberry) and Great Cranberry, letting you explore each island for no additional fare.
THE PRACTICALS
Walk-On Convenience and Pet-Friendly Service
The service operates as a daily passenger ferry that accepts bikes and pets, provides one-way and round-trip fares, and offers family pricing—making it a flexible option for short island excursions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should plan around restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack layers for coastal wind and sun, a camera for Acadia views, a picnic if you plan to eat ashore, and standard day-hike supplies for short island walks.
Conventional bicycles are accepted for a fee; electric bikes are not allowed—bring locks and basic repair supplies for on-island riding.
Bring what you need for hiking, biking or picnicking; islands host trails, picnic spots and small museums or restaurants for daytime visits.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a reservation?
No reservation is required; ferry tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served space-available basis.
Where does the ferry depart?
The Cranberry Cove Ferry departs from Beal's Lobster Pier at 182 Clark Point Rd in Southwest Harbor and makes a stop at the Manset Dock before heading to the Cranberry Isles.
Can I take a bicycle on board?
Yes—bikes are welcomed for an additional fee, but electric bikes are not permitted.
Are pets allowed on the ferry?
Yes; the service is pet friendly.
Can I visit multiple islands on a single ticket?
Yes—all trips do a loop between Southwest Harbor, Islesford (Little Cranberry) and Great Cranberry, and you can explore each island for no extra fare.
What are the fare options?
Fares include one-way and round-trip options with adult and child pricing; infants (0–1) ride free but a ticket is required. (Specific fare amounts are provided by the operator.)