Dive-in Theater with Acadia National Park Ranger

What can I say more than we came to MDI and Acadia looking for fun and adventure and we found it on the Starfish Enterprise. My wife, my daughter (age 9), my son (age 7) and I boarded the Diver Ed cruise for the Tuesday 1:30 ranger led tour. I was told in advance that this would be a very education based tour and not "as silly" as the other dive trips. I wanted my children (and myself) to learn while we were on MDI and this trip did not disappoint. The crew went out of their way to point out sea life and wildlife on the way to the dive area. We even circled back to see some porpoises. When we got to the dive area (Egg Rock) there were plenty of seals around us and then the real fun began. Diver Ed described his drysuit and told us about how he would be going down with camera, lights and Mini Ed. All the action from 'down below' would be displayed on an enormous flat screen tv panel on deck. Diver Ed went down and showed us plenty of sealife and great humor with Mini Ed. After taking a few specimens Diver Ed came back on board and then the Park Ranger with us described each animal in detail. We all had a chance to touch and examine all the creatures. Once we were all satiated Diver Ed returned the creatures to the sea and we returned to port. This was 3 hours of family fun with a lot of education to boot. I highly recommend this tour, especially if you have younger children.

Loved most aspects of the tour - the national park ranger was very informative, the normal crew was very enthusiastic and fun, and we saw plenty of wildlife. The dive with the HD camera was amazing. The only drawback to the cruise was that you sit for almost the entire cruise and there is a top to the boat to keep people shaded (can make it hard to see sometimes). The shade was helpful most of the time, but we got stuck in the sun during Diver Ed's dive and critter show-and-tell (at least 1 1/2 hrs), and it was a very hot day.

We enjoyed the program immensely. Diver Ed provides an entertaining, informative, and innovative activity for all ages. Our National Park Service ranger Eleanor was also well informed and extremely knowledgeable. This program should be on everyone's " must do" list at Acadia and Bar Harbor.

The Diver did a great job making it fun,interesting and entertaining. The Ranger was very knowledgable and made an excellent presentation

Diver Ed and his wife, Captain Evil, were great! And so was Park Ranger Tony. They gave us a very informative cruise that was fun and funny too. We got to see the creatures under water in their native habitat via Diver Ed's camera, then they brought the specimens up for us to see and hold close up. I would highly recommend it!

Great trip with our 18 month old and almost 5 year old! Saw porpoises, seals, eagle, and lot's of sealfe to touch. Diver Ed and Mini Ed where a hoot for all ages!

My wife, 13 year old daugher and I were laughing so hard. It was a fantastic experience.

The entire family loved Diver Ed and his crew. We learned from the Park Ranger many facts about wildlife at Acadia and about underwater sea life. Diver Ed also kept us entertained while in the boat and under the water. Everyone loved handing all the sea creatures he brought up from the ocean floor. A great day-Thanks Diver Ed and Captain Evil!

The Ranger was very knowledgeable, as was Captain Evil (the sweetest evil captain ever). Diver Ed and Mini Ed were so funny! The dogs are beautiful. We went out on a clear Bar Harbor day, only to cruise into fog. But, don't let the weather stop you. The action and adventure comes from the ocean/bay floor!

We've been on many boat rides during the 20 years we've been coming to Maine and this is by far the best! We saw so much wildlife! Eagles, Seals, Sea Cucumbers! It was just the most fun and fast three hours we have ever spent on the water. Diver Ed is GREAT with kids and he and Edna put on a great show that's both educational and really, really entertaining. I thought I know the Maine coast, but no! I have so much to learn. My husband wants to go back to school at the College of the Atlantic after that trip! Don't miss the Dorr Museum of Natural History on the College of the Atlantic Campus. A small museum but so much great stuff! Worth a visit!