The CAT: Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia
The most dramatic Maine ferry crossing runs between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Operated by Bay Ferries, The CAT is a high-speed catamaran covering the distance in approximately 3.5 hours.
2026 season: May 14 through October 14
Bar Harbor departure: 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Yarmouth departure: 9:30 AM Atlantic Time
Terminal: 121 Eden Street, Bar Harbor
2026 fares (one-way):
- Adult peak summer — approximately $121 plus $15 port/security fee
- Adult spring/fall — approximately $90 plus $15 port/security fee
- Children 6 and under — free passenger fare
- Vehicles — additional fee on top of passenger fares
Reservations are strongly recommended — summer weekend sailings sell out well in advance. One thing people miss: the ferry puts you in Yarmouth, in southwestern Nova Scotia. If your destination is Halifax or Cape Breton, you still have a 3-6 hour drive ahead.
Casco Bay Lines: Portland to the Islands
Casco Bay Lines serves six islands year-round from the terminal at Commercial and Franklin Streets in downtown Portland: Peaks Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, Cliff Island, Little Diamond Island, and Great Diamond Island.
Adult round-trip fares: $14.00 summer / $7.20 off-season
Seniors, children, disabled: half fare
Bikes: $7.00 round-trip
Peaks Island service runs up to 16 departures daily. The Mail Boat run visits five islands on a three-hour circuit three times a day — one of the best value scenic experiences in New England at regular ferry prices.
Vinalhaven and North Haven: Rockland
Maine State Ferry Service operates year-round ferries from Rockland to Vinalhaven (75 minutes) and North Haven (70 minutes). Fares run approximately $10-12 per adult one-way. Vehicles permitted but reservations strongly recommended in summer. Terminal is on Main Street in Rockland.
Islesboro: Lincolnville Beach
A short 20-minute crossing from Lincolnville Beach to Islesboro, operated by Maine State Ferry Service. Multiple daily departures. Vehicles permitted. Islesboro is a year-round residential island with a small summer community.
Swans Island and Frenchboro: Bass Harbor
Maine State Ferry Service runs to Swans Island (40 minutes) and Frenchboro on Long Island from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Both are small, quiet communities — arrive with everything you need as services are limited.
Isle au Haut: Stonington
A passenger ferry runs from Stonington to Isle au Haut, home to a remote section of Acadia National Park accessible only by boat. Crossing takes about 45 minutes. Seasonal service May through October. Park camping reservations fill months in advance.
Monhegan Island: Multiple Departure Points
Monhegan Island, 12 miles offshore, is served by three operators:
- Hardy Boat Cruises from New Harbor
- Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde
- Balmy Days Cruises from Boothbay Harbor
Crossings take 60-90 minutes. No cars on Monhegan. Port Clyde is the most popular departure point. Reservations essential in summer.
Matinicus Island: Rockland
Maine’s most remote year-round community, roughly 23 miles offshore. Maine State Ferry Service runs infrequently — typically once or twice a month — primarily for residents. Not a casual day trip destination.
Planning Tips
- Reserve The CAT and summer island ferries well in advance — popular sailings sell out
- Weather can cancel crossings with short notice — don’t build same-day connections without buffer time
- The Casco Bay Mail Boat run is one of Maine’s great underrated experiences at regular fare
- Maine State Ferry Service schedules and fares: maine.gov/mdot/msfs
- The CAT reservations: ferries.ca/thecat