Diver Ed

We have three children (2 four year old boys and a 6 year old daughter). This trip was the highlight of our vacation for them - and a big highlight for us, too. Diver Ed and his wife are fabulous with kids, and the experience is one you can not create for yourselves. My children held starfish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, lobsters and crabs. They loved seeing the live video camera of Diver Ed on the ocean floor, and learned a lot about the marine life in Maine. We will definately go back!

In a word, this trip was AWESOME! Diver Ed and Captain Evil are great with the kids (and the adults). Whether cracking jokes from 65 feet under the sea or explaining the creatures he brings back up with him, Ed is the consumate professional. Captain Evil is the sweetest lady you'll ever meet. This is the ultimate playdate for a kid! Highly entertaining and educational as well. Hands on learning at it's slippery, slimy best! If you go to Bar Harbor with kids, DO THIS - Period!!! (P.S. Don't forget to kiss the lobster!)

This is now out fourth time for my family on the Diver Ed. cruise. My children, ages 7 and 11, have enjoyed Diver Ed since they were very small. Ed is extremely good with children and plays with them alot during the boat program. Ed's high definition underwater camera gives an AMAZING picture of the ocean floor. Diver Ed makes learning about ocean creatures and underwater sea life fun and interesting for the children. Diver Ed is an invaluable asset to the Bar Harbor community and this boat tour is a MUST for anyone traveling in the area with children. I believe Diver Ed also changes his tour during the fall season to be more directed toward the adult tourist. This is truly an excellent experience and has proven to be worthwhile each time we have gone. Advanced reservations for this program during the summer season are highly recommended. Jim and Robyn Simon Berwyn, Pennsylvania

Fantastic! Diver Ed, Captain Evil, Mini-Ed, and the pups are not to be missed. It was a perfect blend of education, comedy, and natural wonders. It was one of the high points of our trip to Bar Harbor.

We all had a great time on this unique and educational excursion. Ed is entertaining and had the kids involved and laughing the whole time. A great family activity!

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater was a blast for our entire family! Ed and his crew were friendly and entertaining with a fun sense of humor. His sense of adventure was contagious, and we all learned new things about diving and the ocean life he brought up for us to see on the boat. We were able to hold starfish, sea-cucumbers, lobsters, sand dollars, and more. Watching him on the screen and hearing his commentary while he was exploring the abundant underwater sea life was fascinating, knowing he was right underneath us! It was one of the most memorable parts of our vacation. Highly recommended, especially for families with kids!

I would highly recommend the "Dive In Theater Boat Cruise of Bar Harbor" to anyone, adult or child, but especially for families looking for quality experiences and school groups. Diver Ed and Captain Evil and staff are true professionals who seem to have a deep concern for safety and security, but know how to teach groups in an absolutely fun, educational, and participatory way. When we get to immerse ourselves in an experiential manner and walk away actually remembering facts and details, it is a truly educational and memorable experience. The Dive In Theatre also teaches kindness, love, and a deep concern for our watery environments. My only recommendation is perhaps the person who gives the initial commentary while the boat is working it's way to the diving spot, be more professional, perhaps a trained tour guide. Our gentleman was fun, but did not introduce himself, made some comments that were judgemental about wealthy families on MDI, held personal conversations with children while still on microphone, so not everyone was privvy to what was being said. Other than that (which is pretty minimal), it was a truly memorable experience.

I have lived in Bar Harbor for awhile, but only when some family came to visit did I go on this trip. It was amazing. I would recommend to anyone, but if you have kids, especially in the 4 - 12 age range, they shouldn't miss it. As a teacher, I was amazed and how much everyone laughed, while at the same time a very wild character gave them real marine biology and local content. My sister-in-law almost passed out, she was laughing so much. The underwater pictures were amazing, the narrative great, and the trip went by without a hitch. However, remember that it is Maine and with any breeze it can get cool, so really dress warmly, you can always take off layers. Having a love for dogs is helpful (2 big newfies slowly roam around the boat collecting head rubs for much of the ride). We were out for a bit longer than the scheduled two hours, so I wouldn't make any immediate reservations for after the trip, perhaps stop by the College of the Atlantic natural history museum on the way out, or if you are early.

What a great trip. Both Diver Ed and Captain Evil were wonderful!!! Fun for the whole family. It's funny and educational. What a hoot!!!! A trip worth taking.

It was very entertaining for our three year old boy. He enjoyed the diver, the video, and especially the touch tank. As an adult, it was fine, but, the program is directed towards the kids. I was surprised to hear some adults on the trip complain that the boat was anchored for most of the trip (when the diver was collecting specimens and when the kids were playing with the animals). It seemed obvious to me that the boat would be anchored and it really wasn't bad at all. In summary, we'll be back next year-kids and adults to see Diver Ed and Captain Evil.

We were camping in Acadia and went on a trip with Diver Ed and Captain Evil. The whole trip was perfect in every way. Diver Ed and Captain Evil and knowledgeable, energetic, and caring. They are skilled at handling children (and adults) with a gentle hand but keeping the right balance of chaos and order. The camera they use to show what is going on under th sea is spectacular. We loved every minute of the trip and plan to return next year and send as many people as we can on this wonderful adventure.

WE HAD SEEN THE SHOW LAST YEAR WITH OUR 9 YEAR OLD SON. WHEN WE MADE OUR TRIP THIS YEAR, THIS SHOW WAS ON THE TOP OF THE LIST TO DO AGAIN. I CAN'T COUNT THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WE TOLD ABOUT THE SHOW, NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THE REAL JIST OF IT. WE TOTALLY ENJOYED IT AND WE ALL WILL LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR WHEN WE COULD SEE IT AGAIN. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

We found the Diver Ed boat cruise very entertaining while still being very educational. The kids and grown-ups had a blast.

Grew up in western Maine (bethel). Really enjoyed your Operation. entertaining, educational and Just long enough. My 4.5 year old loved it. Keep it up, we will be back and will/have recommend it to others. Brian Haegele.

We had done the tour last summer and was completely amazed! Our son, who was 3 at the time remembered everything that Diver Ed taught during the sea adventure. We went with our nephew who was 2 years old. Both boys held a lobster... amongst other cool sea animals. Diver Ed's educational tour is invaluable and unforgettable. This summer, our niece (5 y.o.) joined us b/c she is deathly afraid of touching or seeing animals... let alone, a slimy sea creature. By the end of the tour, she was kissing a blood sea star. We highly recommend this activity. The tickets are reasonably priced for what you get in return... children who have a new sense of adventure and love for the sea. Don't worry, the adults have a great time watching the kids giggle and seeing Diver Ed in underwater superhero action! - The Emmers, Morristown, NJ 08.26.2008