There are several companies that will take you on whale watches and other natural cruises around Mt Desert Island. They range from an hour to several. The whale watches leave from Bar Harbor at different times of the day. Other scenic cruises leave from Northeast or Southwest Harbor.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company Whale watches at 9, 12 and 4:30 in July and August leaving from Bar Harbor. The 9 AM takes you to near the Puffin breeding area. .

Acadian Whale Watcher Leaves out of Bar Harbor at various times from the BlueNose Ferry Terminal. Excellent viewing on this vessel.

Sea Princess Cruises  Leaving from Northeast Harbor. See seals, eagles osprey and other wildlife on a guided cruises around Somes Sound

Windjammer Cruise Go around the harbor on a wind driven schooner. Day or sunset cruises on the Margaret Todd.

Rachel B Jackson Schooner sailing out into the harbor

Other cruises ( from the Southwest Harbor Chamber of commerce site)

Island Cruises - The R..L. Gott, a 40-foot lobster passenger boat departs from Little Island Marine in Bass Harbor twice daily (11:00a and 3:00p) on cruises to the Islands of Blue Hill Bay. Captain Kim Strauss narrates the cruise, pointing out abundant wildlife, relating the history of the settlement of these islands, and hauling lobster traps and explaining the fishing industry. Reservations 244-5785.

Take your own gear locally on the island or go out on a boat with a professional fisherman or lobsterman.

Deep Sea fishing 4 hour fishing trips for the whole family on a 50 foot vessel. limited to 35 people per trip- they supply everything you need.

Masako Queen leaves from Beal's Wharf in nearby Southwest Harbor. Pull up a lobster trap and get a lobster to bring back to the cottage.

Sea Kayaking Learn how to go out in the ocean in a kayak. Get right up close with the seals. This is a unique experience.

Aquaterra adventures Downtown Bar Harbor- lessons and practice area before you hit the seas.

Canoe and Kayak on a quiet pond near the cottage

National Park Canoe/Kayak Rental on Long Pond

Rent a bike and travel all around the island.  Acadia Bike,   Bar Harbor Bike , Southwest Cycle ( nearby) 207-244-5856

Cycling on Mount Desert Island offers both the seasoned cyclist and the beginning biker a variety of choices and experiences. The western side of MDI has a network of unpaved roads commonly known as the Western Mountain Fire Roads. Located off the Seal Cove Road, these roads allow bicycling to Seal Cove Pond as well as the public boat launch located on the Cape Road in Seal Cove. From Seawall Campground, one can cycle the Hi Ho Fire Trail to view the bird life in the Bass Harbor Marsh. This trail may be of particular interest to those looking for a short, easy ride. Also in the vicinity of Southwest Harbor, cyclists can ride the Seawall Loop. (Thanks to SWHarbor CofC)

The ocean is VERY cold. Back Beach is a half walk ( or ride).

You might try Echo Lake - 10 minutes from the cottage. Sand beach- lots of kids- lifeguard, changing rooms and bathrooms. No floatation devices allowed. Ducks come here too.

Cafe Drydock- Downtown Southwest Harbor- Pleasant friendly atmosphere, good food emphasizing seafood and steak

Red Sky- 14 Clark Point Road, SW Harbor- 244-3034- creative cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere- upscale menu and pricing. All natural and local ingredients

Sips- Clark Point Road intimate restaurant in SW Harbor that has full, excellent menu. Great breakfast - also is a coffee shop during days 

McKays Public House- Great place for dinner in downtown Bar Harbor. Casual setup but premium food.

Jordan's Restaurant -Bar Harbor- Great for breakfast- Great Blueberry pancakes.

Town Hill Bistro- Excellent inventive menu ( not for kids). Definitely need reservations as it is quite small.

Cafe Bluefish  122 Cottage Street Bar Harbor  288-3696   Year-round, continental seafood and vegetarian, wine and beer.

XYZ interesting Mexican food from Xalapa, Yucatan and Zacatecas - not your typical burritos

Other activities

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse- 10 minutes from the cottage- a landmark. (Wikipedia info)

Arcady Music series- visiting artists summer classical music concerts

Seal Cove Auto Museum- A short drive from the cottage to see a rare collection of antique autos

Swan's Island Ferry- leaving from nearby Bass Harbor

Great Maine Lumberjack Show- A great event for all ages in Trenton. As seen on ESPN.

Mainely A Cappella- Sadly it closed in 2012