Best Places to Kayak Near Bar Harbor, ME

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Bar Harbor, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby14 Lakes9 Bays2 Inlets
← All paddling in Maine

Top Picks Near Bar Harbor

a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks1

Bass Harbor

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner11 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Patten Bay

Open-water sea kayaking access on the bay

BayBeginner15 mi away
A large body of water with a small island in the distance3

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

A top-rated bay launch on the bay

BayBeginner19 mi away
A view of a rocky shore with a lighthouse in the distance

Frenchman Bay

Maine · 2.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A view of a rocky shore with a lighthouse in the distance

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine Beach)

Maine · 5.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Long Pond

Maine · 6.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Frenchman Bay (Lamoine State Park)

Maine · 6.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Bunker Cove

Maine · 7.5 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Southwest Harbor

Maine · 7.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Bartlett Narrows

Maine · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm blue water with a forested shoreline and buildings.

Seal Cove

Maine · 10.2 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Floating dock on a misty lake at sunrise

Jones Pond

Maine · 10.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and rocks

Bass Harbor

Maine · 10.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A body of water surrounded by lush green trees

Union River

Maine · 14.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat traveling on the water at sunset

Blue Hill Bay

Maine · 15.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Patten Bay

Maine · 15.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

McHeard Brook

Maine · 15.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small plane is traveling across the water

Donnell Pond

Maine · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Mackerel Cove

Maine · 15.9 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Leonard Lake

Maine · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small plane is traveling across the water

Georges Pond

Maine · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white and blue boat on dock during daytime

Mount Desert Narrows

Maine · 17.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

First Pond

Maine · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Lower Patten Pond

Maine · 17.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water under cloudy sky during daytime

Graham Lake

Maine · 17.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Graham Lake

Maine · 18.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Pigeon Hill Bay

Maine · 18.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Tunk Lake

Maine · 18.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water with a small island in the distance

Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti)

Maine · 18.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A boat floating on top of a lake next to a forest

Spring River Lake

Maine · 18.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Sun setting over a calm lake with mountains.

Long Pond

Maine · 19.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Dramatic clouds over a dark, reflective landscape

Scammon Marsh

Maine · 21.3 mi

EstuaryKayakingKayak FishingBeginner
A river surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky

Narraguagus River

Maine · 21.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Bar Harbor.

Hulls Cove, ME3 miSalsbury Cove, ME4 miSeal Harbor, ME5 miNortheast Harbor, ME6 miMount Desert, ME7 miSouthwest Harbor, ME8 miIslesford, ME8 miWinter Harbor, ME8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Bar Harbor, ME?

Top picks near Bar Harbor include Bass Harbor, Patten Bay, Burnt Coat Harbor (Bonatti). In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, bays, inlets.

What types of paddling can I do near Bar Harbor?

Near Bar Harbor you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Bar Harbor?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Bar Harbor are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.