30-60 MinutesFee applies
Tidepooling at Bar Island
Acadia National Park
Access the shore from downtown Bar Harbor for a unique tidepooling experience on a natural land bridge.
This relatively flat land bridge offers an interesting view of marine life. Explore barnacle- and seaweed-covered rocks. Poke around along the edge of the sea. Sturdier shoes that can get a little wet are recommended over flip flops. Look for periwinkle snails, rice-sized snail eggs, colorful sea stars, and large Jonah Crabs. Bar Island is accessible by walking down Bridge Street from West Street in downtown Bar Harbor. The "bar" is a natural .5 mile stretch of sandy gravel land that becomes exposed as the tide goes out and connects the town to Acadia’s Bar Island. It is only exposed 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after low tide. Distance: Varies, .5 miles from town to Bar Island across land bridge Terrain: Sandy, gravel, with some larger rocks and uneven footing
Tags
Wildlife WatchingCoasts, Islands and AtollsOceansAcadia National ParktidepoolingtidepoolsTide Poolbar islandBar HarborEast Sidemount desert islandmarine wildlife
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Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Fees
Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Tidepooling at Bar Island and along the land bridge is not accessible. The trail is sand and gravel with uneven footing throughout.
Pets
Yes — Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Reservations
No — Although this activity is free, a park entrance pass is required for all areas of the park from May 1 through October 31.
Location
Bar Island