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 sceninc cruises leave from Norhteast 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 cruies around Somes Sound

Windjammer Cruise Go aound 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. limietd 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 .7 mile walk ( or ride). You might try Echo Lake less than 10 minutes from the cottage.

Bella Mare- Manset ( SW Harbor). This is one of the best Italian restaurants you will find anywhere!!! Don't miss and say hi to chef/owner Luigi

Seafood Ketch- Great restaurant- dine outside overlooking Bass Harbor. Call for reservations.

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

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

Tan Turtle- Northeast Harbor- If you can't find something you like on this amazing menu, there is something wrong. Small place and long waits at busiest times- try to call ahead. 

Presto's Italian Restaurant- Southwest Harbor- nice basic Italian family restaurant new downtown SW Harbor

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

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

Burning Tree Restaurant (Otter Creek) Maine Highway 3    288-9331 Fresh seafood, chicken and vegetarian meals, home made pastries, full bar and wine list. Dinners Wednesday-Monday, June to mid-October.

          Fresh fish retail ( if you want to cook in or grill on our deck)

Pectic Seafood In Trenton. Worth the trip. Fresh seafood, lobster and crabmeat and a wonderful assortment of chowders and entrees to warm up at the house. Great turkey pies and smoked salmon that can't be missed. Stop on your way on to the island- on your right  as you leave Ellsworth

Other activities

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

The Cat- catamaran to Nova Scotia in under 3 hours

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.

EL Higgins Antique Wicker- A very short walk from the cottage- Maine's largest antique wicker dealer. Items from as far back as the 1860's

Mainely A Cappella- a unique music "store" on Seal Cove Road- The largest selection of Acappella CDs around. Website allows previews, downloads and purchase too. The people who work there know this music and some are performers in their "other time".