Dive-In Theater Boat Cruise of Bar Harbor

A very entertaining...and informative experience. Diver Ed (and Captain Evil) made sure that everyone on board had a great time and participated. Lots of Fun!

Diver Ed is like a combination of Crush (the sea turtle character from Disney's "Finding Nemo") and John Belushi. With Crush's charm and enthusiasm for life and the sea, and Belushi's look and affinity for the gross things in life, Diver Ed provides an experience that is entertaining from start to finish for the entire family. The best part about Diver Ed, is that it never feels like he is putting on a schlocky show. You are simply viewing this happy-go-lucky lunatic in his natural environment - underwater and entertaining and educataing people. The trip is funny, educational, and different each time, with absolutely amazing live footage of underwater sea life. Diver Ed brings live sea creatures on board and places these in touch tanks so kids (and adults!) get a chance to touch, hold, and kiss(!) them. The little ones love touch tank time, and may get a little wet from a squirting sea cucumber or have their hair styled by a crab! Diver Ed clearly plays to the kids, but adults have just as much fun. My 12 year-old son enjoyed the trip and was excited to do it again next summer, and my 9 year-old daughter can't wait to go back - she ended the trip with a big bear hug for Diver Ed. We'll definitely be back again!

My kids 12 and 11 had a blast. Ed, and his wife put on an amazing show. Well worth the time and money. Don't miss!

My family and I (4kids and 4 adults) went on this tour. We felt welcome from the get-go!. From the life jacket demo on the Newfoundland dogs, to "Captain Evil", and Diver Ed. All things were explained in a detailed, yet entertaining way. Diver Ed went to collect sea life samples, then we got to see him collect the samples. Diver Ed and Captain Evil give a running commentary.. The people on the boat get to see and touch all the sea life. My 5 year old was not thrilled about being so close to a live lobtster. With Diver Ed's entertaining way, we did persuaded him to touch the lobster (the next day - he got braver and actually touched things at a real tide pool). Captain Evil, explained to the adult members of our party about how old Lobster can get, what kind of research is being done on lobsters to help humans (ie how can they see so far down in the Ocean). The staff is extremely knowledgeable and very willing to share their love of the Sea. I highly recommend this tour for all ages.

Diver Ed was wonderful with my children. The trip was "hands on". Children discovered sea life and had fun exploring the different creatures that Ed pulled up from the Ocean Bottom. He was delightful and made us all laugh and feel welcome. I would recommend this rather than a whale watch. Much more fun and I will go again when I return.

He is fantastic with children!

"I never witnessed anything like it before!" raved our 10-year-old. Diver Ed's tour was action-packed, well-narrated and just right for the sensibility of (our) boys--lots of chances to get up close to squishy, slimy, "scary" sea creatures. We were amazed that in the midst of this, real learning took place (even for the parents)! Very well-organized, definitely worth the price of admission. A very unique and fun memory from our vacation in Maine.

We took our 8-year-old on the boat tour and he really seemed to enjoy it. Diver Ed and his wife are very personable and enjoy what they do. The boat ride is pleasant and stays a short distance off shore so you don't need to worry about sea sickness. It's great to see Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mt. from a different perspective. Diver Ed brought up a nice array of animals (lobsters, crabs, sea stars, sand dollars, sea cucumbers) from the ocean bottom and he does a great job filming underwater while his wife explains what you are seeing on the screen. Diver Ed uses the kind of humor kids really enjoy which keeps their focus and he keeps them involved throughout the excursion. The one thing I would do next time is make sure to board the boat first to get the seats up front. Even though we arrived early at the meeting spot we ended up toward the back of the group on the walk down to the boat and ended up seated in the back. This made it harder for us to see (especially when parents are letting their kids stand and kneel on the seats in front of you) and it annoyed me a bit when there were a couple of late arrivals that held us all up and they got to squeeze into some of the front row seats where most of the action is. If you do get stuck toward the back try to sit near the aisle for better viewing. When the animals are brought aboard all of the kids are allowed to come up front to touch and hold the animals which I was glad for. Also some of the animals are carried around to the passengers in their seats and you are allowed to touch or hold them. When my son was up front he thought it was hilarious when the oyster Diver Ed was holding spit on him and he got to kiss a sea cucumber. Diver Ed also likes to squirt the sea cucumbers all over the kids and wipe the slime in their hair-he really enjoys gross humor so be aware if your child is squeamish :) The tour is supposed to last 2 hours but ours lasted close to 2 and a half (then you have the walk back to the car) so make sure you allow extra time if you're planning something afterwards. Unless you want to use the boat's port-o-potty, use the restroom in the museum. The door to the port-o-potty is in front of the first row of seats and Diver Ed said you need to reach between your legs to pull the flusher (a couple of mom's looked a little uncomfortable being in front of everyone trying to hold the door and make sure their child knew how to flush). It's a good idea to bring a snack for the kids and also bring a jacket.

Diver Ed makes learning fun.

Very entertaining for young and old alike. Diver Ed is incredibly knowledgeable and presents all his "finds" in a very entertaining way. My kids loved this the most!