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 (the season has ended; check Bay Ferries for 2027 dates)Departure times: vary by date, so check the Bay Ferries schedule
Terminal: 121 Eden Street, Bar Harbor Fares: these vary by season and travel date, so confirm current prices with Bay Ferries.
- Adult fares are higher in peak summer than in spring and fall, and a port/security fee is added
- Vehicles — additional fee on top of passenger fares
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 fare: $16 in the peak summer season (mid-April through mid-October), up from $14 in June 2026; off-season fares are lowerSeniors and children: reduced fares, so check Casco Bay Lines
Bikes: carried for an added fee Peaks Island has frequent departures every day. The Mail Boat run makes a scenic circuit past several of the islands — 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 have risen in recent years, so check the Maine State Ferry Service fare page. 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. Schedules change by season and service to the park section is limited, so check with the operator before you plan. Park camping reservations fill early.Monhegan Island: Multiple Departure Points
Monhegan Island, about 10 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
Matinicus Island: Rockland
Maine’s most remote year-round community, roughly 23 miles offshore. Maine State Ferry Service runs a limited schedule (40 scheduled trips in 2026), with a crossing of about 1 hour 45 minutes, and reservations go through the Rockland terminal. 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
Our details come from Bay Ferries, the Maine State Ferry Service, Casco Bay Lines and the Monhegan operators, checked in October 2026. Schedules and fares change every season, so confirm with the operator before you travel.