Kids will enjoy it, but there's really nothing you see here (in a tour that currently costs $250 for a family of 4) that you can't see in the touch tanks at the Dorr Museum at the College of the Atlantic, which has a $5 per person suggested donation. And if you're an animal lover you may be bothered by the manhandling of the sea creatures, especially the fragile sea cucumbers. Guests are encouraged to kiss them and at one point Diver Ed puts one in his mouth. Yes, all the critters are dumped back in the ocean at the end of the trip but whether they survived the encounter seems very questionable to me. read more

The family has now been twice and we looked forward to returning and found ourselves even more entertained and educated than we remembered! The kids ages 4 and 5 were so excited to return as well, and squealed with delight at the experience. From meeting the beautiful, gentle, friendly big Newfoundlands upon boarding to watching the camera trained on Diver Ed and the bottom of the ocean to touching the creatures he brought up and returned to the sea we were treated to being with people who are passionate and detailed about what they do. So inspiring! read more

This was a unique, hilarious, educational experience that my 6 & 8 year olds LOVED. Did I get a lobster placed on my head? Yes, yes I did. Did Diver Ed put a sea cucumber's butt in his mouth? Yes, yes he did. Book this experience for your kids and you won't regret it!! read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Diver Ed with his suit filled with air. - Boat Charters Near Me

See all

Unbelievably good time! My kids (7&10) had the best time but I think I enjoyed it even more than them. I lost count amount of times I laughed at the jokes and just watching Diver Ed and his antics. Take your kids. Don't think, just book. They don't do online reservations but they will get right back to you when you call! We have traveled from Louisiana to Maine and experienced a ton of adventure on our road trip, this ranks as our #1 activity this whole trip! read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Boat Charters Near Me

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater is by far my family's favorite activity near Bar Harbor. We went for our second time yesterday and Diver Ed did not disappoint. They go far above and beyond to make sure everyone on the boat gets to see the sea creatures that are brought up from the ocean floor. The inclusivity for all of the kids is so great. My son doesn't like to be in the big groups and even he got to see some really cool sea creatures. They brought it right to where he was sitting and really made his day. I honestly can't say enough good things about this. We will be back every time we're in town! read more

See all

So much fun! Kids and adults all loved it. Diver Ed is hilarious. My daughter loved holding the sea stars. Highly recommend!

If you're looking for a kid-friendly, boating experience for a kid around 4 to 10, this is the trip you need to book! Reserved a spot for myself, 5-year old, and my mom on this trip. Tried to book for Monday but they were all booked up, so moved up the trip to Sunday at 9:30am. They ask you to be by the Dorr's Museum around 9:15 for checkin. We arrived a bit early so they allowed us to walk around the museum for about half an hour and use the lavatory. Although small, my son loved it and it filled the 30 minute wait time rather than just sit around until we got on the boat. You're greeted by Captain Ed who is the centerpiece of the experience. It truly is theatre as him and the crews sells it very well for the kids, they are absolutely exceptional with kids and knows all the gross out tricks (aka potty jokes) that pushes the right buttons to make them laugh and have a good time. We went on a rather calm day so the boat ride was pleasant, we then anchor close to one of the many islands as he prepares to jump in and catch sea creatures for the kids to touch. They do a good job of having the kids particpate here and there, but the main attraction is the different creatures that Ed has caught, literally an entire bag of starfish, lobster, crabs, sea slugs, you name it. He has a grand old time passing things around and getting the kids wet. Everyone then gets a chance to play with the creatures, they place rubberbands on the lobsters. This was an amazing experience for my 5-year old who was smiling from ear to ear and hopping all around from excitement. I've been on some other sea excursions but this has been by far the best experience for kids so far. Would highly recommend! read more

See all

This was the best tour for kids. I have seen anywhere. My cheeks hurt. I was laughing so hard. Diver Ed and captain evil put on a great show. Even our 10ager was loving it. Our whale watch trip had gotten fogged out. This was great, even better than the whale watch. And we were out of the weather. i've been to plenty of aquariums and touch tanks and never seen sea life up this close. This trip is fantastic. read more

See all

I've never seen anything like this anywhere. My 9yo looooved being able to touch the animals and see them up close. Diver Ed is so entertaining and he and his wife have the funniest banter/ comments. It just made me wish they were in my family. Such a brilliant idea and execution. Fun for the whole family. read more

Diver Ed combines your chaotic uncle and high school biology teacher. My twins enjoyed the show, and I also found it entertaining. I enjoyed the show and would suggest friends with kids looking for something to do in the area. read more

Such an incredible tour for kids. My kids were 4 and 6 and Ed and his wife were amazing! He let the kids push him off the boat, sit up in the front with him, blow up his dry suit; he was incredible. I wholeheartedly give this your 5+ stars!! read more

A must event for your stay in Bar Harbor with kids. This man and his crew are super friendly and knowledgeable about the Maine aquatic ecosystem. They make learning about under the sea fun for all ages especially the children. The boat is very comfortable and the Maine coast beautiful. Diver Ed and Captain Evil are great teachers and performers. They kept the kids engaged and made the whole boat feel like family. I am so pleased we had this memorable experience. Bravo! Please tip them generously. read more

Overpriced? Maybe. Outstanding fun? Definitely. My two kids had a blast (7 and 4). It pushed the limits of time a bit for the four year old, so I wouldn't recommend younger. (There was a crying baby so don't get any ideas that it's for the tiny tiny ones.) Lots of fun touching sea animals and lots of great kid aged jokes. The video feed on his dive was really neat. read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Sea cucumber. Yum. - Boat Charters Near Me

Great activity, especially if you have little ones. Diver Ed and crew are very lively, and frankly Ed made me laugh out loud several times by the things that he said. The kids get to see and touch real sea creatures, doesn't get much better than that. My toddler loved this experience, especially the lobsters and clams. read more

See all

We went out on Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater this morning on the 9:30 AM 2 hour cruise. Parking was easy and we were met by Edna, aka 'Captain Evil' who escorted us down the pier where we boarded their brand new boat, the 'Starfish Enterprise'. Upon boarding the boat we were promptly greeted and sniffed by two very large friendly Newfoundland dogs, Leviathan and Halo. It should be noted that for reasons that mostly still escape us our 6 year old son had gotten into a rotten mood from the short trip from parking lot to the boat. We were warmly greeted regardless and Ed didn't semed to phased by having a kid rolling is eyes, whining, and complaining about having to be there at all. Our friends who had joined us on the cruise had their 5 year old son with them and he asked Ed how he got back to the surface when he was done. Ed, without missing a beat said 'Oh I just fart in my suit and it fills up wiht gas and I float to the surface'. Our grumpy 6 year old cracked his first smile then but quickly tried to hide it. However Ed's constant personable banter and jokes kept coming at every turn and seemed to wear his grumpy resistance, until upon hearing that he could help push Ed into the water for his dive, any pretense of being too grumpy to participate for the entire cruise was dropped and he was now 'all in'. Before diving Ed introduced us to Mini-Ed #101, a playmobile figure diver who accompanies Ed on his dives to help provide some scale to the video images we'll be seeing and to also provide some up close personal interaction with the creatures he'd be encountering. We were informed there were indeed 100 previous 'Mini-Ed's' who, through these repeated direct interactions with sea creatures had suffered injuries requiring their retirement. Ed donned his dry diving suit & diving gear and proceded to the back of the boat where all kids who were interested were able to help push him backwards into the water. Once he dove underneath he turned on the video camera system he had with him and we all watched on the big screen what he saw and found. As Ed roved the ocean bottom in search of lifeforms Captain Evil narrated what we were seeing and explained in detail about all we got to see in great detail on the video screen including plankton, kelp, sand dollars, barnacles, green crabs, rock crabs, welks, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, a flounder, starfish (now officially referred to as 'Sea Stars' since they aren't technically a fish), a lobster and more. As we had been warned, Mini-Ed had some close encounters with the crabs, including a short 'battle' where the crab, wih Mini-Ed in it's claws performed what could best be described as professional wrestling moves slamming Mini-Ed against the front of camera etc. All the creatures that were caught were put in a small mesh bag. After about a 20 minute dive Ed returned to the surface with the bag. The bag full of creatures was then brought on board and placed in some clear plastic boxes with salt water as any kids interested were invited to sit up front. Ed then took different creatures out and showed up close to the kids in the front, often encouraging them to kiss, touch and ask questions about different creatures. Ed explained everything with a great combination of science fact and perfectly kid-level anthropomorphized humor, for example explaining how starfish eat their prey by extending their stomach in their prey by grabbing one of the kids in the front row as the role of the clam as he played the hungry starfish grabbing them tightly and then pulling them close to eat. The kids near the front got a close, sometimes wet, interaction as creatures were lifted to their surprised faces still dripping, wiggling and in the case of the Sea Cucumber squirting in all directions as Ed explained about them. Once done with the narration the plastic boxes were moved closer and everyone was encouraged to play in the touch tanks. Both Mini-Ed #101 and #100 joined us for this interaction. Ed kept lifting up sea cucumbers who promptly drained water on nearby kids and invited people to kiss it. He also put the, now rubber banded, lobster on surprised kids heads and (after asking permission) even helped give our son a mohawk while moonsnail slime, natures 'gel' I guess. Just before we left a local lobster boat (the Outcast) pulled up a trap nearby which contained a 'Lump Fish' so they swang over and passed this on so we could see it and learn about this too. We had a great time, the kids loved it, even our grumpy 6 year old left with a big smile on his face. The new boat is great and Ed & Edna we're loads of fun to watch, listen to and interact with. This isn't some pre-packaged touristy nature cruise, this is a really smart and funny duo doing what they love to do, sharing what they know and spreading an infectious love of science, curiousity and love of nature and our undersea world. Anyone visiting the Bar Harbor area with kids should check this out. read more

See all

A must go if you have kids. Actually, there is a Ranger lead tour that's probably good for adults as well. Captain Ed and his wife are great. He's engaging, funny, and the trip is very educational, even for the adults. He dives 70+ feet, had a camera where you are watching on a 80" screen and he is taking to you. He then comes up and talks about what he brought up. There is no need to go on the LuLu lobster boat AND Diver Ed's and Ed's is the better choice after we went on lulu first. Captain Ed- one suggestion is don't spend so much time talking about the costs of equipment, what broke, how often, etc... Thanks for a great trip! My entire family loved it Enjoy! read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Ed explaining to the kids on what he found in the water - Boat Charters Near Me

This was such a fantastic trip and experience for us. We learned so much. Everyone involved is so enthusiastic about their job and wanting to get kids involved. Parents were a little pushy trying to jockey for their kids to "get a good experience". Kudos to the entire team!!! Bring bug spray bc the flies were biting at the end of August!!!! There is a short 10 minute walk down to the pier. Thru the Atlantic u campus. All downhill to get there but a hike uphill on the way back. Some paved but mostly pebble. Just wanted to mention in case you need walking assistance. Might be a bit difficult for those in walkers or wheelchairs. Yes, there's a bathroom onboard :-) read more

This was one of the definite highlights of our Acadia trip with the kids. This was both very entertaining and educational for the kids and he adults in our party. Diver Ed and Capt. Evil kept us entertained the entire trip -which was very organized and well worth the $. It didn't hurt that we got to go on an absolutely beautiful day! We learned about scuba-diving, different crabs, lobsters, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, sea stars and even seals. After surfacing from his dives, the kids all got to handle and check out the sea creatures, while nicely supervised and entertained by Diver Ed. A nice treat for the kids was also their dog, Nori the Newfy... an enormous, but lovable Newfoundland 2 year-old dog. The parking at the college of the Atlantic was free and very convenient to the dock. Not to mention, there's also a great little nature museum in-site. Don't miss me this one if you're nearby during the summer! read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Boat Charters Near Me

There is nothing more fun for kids and families than a trip with Diver Ed, Mini Ed and Captain Evil. Ed's enthusiasm will have everyone laughing and learning. Well worth the money and great on a day when the weather isn't good for hiking- just dress warmly!! read more

See all

OMG! We just came back from our trip and we can't wait to be back again!! Children and adults have fun! From the dogs, Ed and his crew and all the awesome views and the sea creatures, it makes a must do in Maine!! read more

If you are in the Bar Harbor area and you are looking for something to do with kids (and adults), Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater is a must. We took this tour thinking it was going to be an interesting tour where someone dives down and collects sea creatures and teaches those on board about some interesting facts. Well, all of that does occur, but this tour is so much more than just that. Ed and Edna truly love what they do and they provide a total entertainment experience for everyone on the boat- especially the kids. It is so great to find someone who has such a passion for what they do, combined with the flair and skill to present it in a way that is funny, captivating way. Their antics keep all the kids and the adults in constant laughter, but also allows for a great learning experience. I don't give a lot of five star reviews, but this is certainly deserves all 5. We would absolutely do this the next time we are back in the area. read more

Diver Ed obviously loves his job and the kids love him. It was educational and fun- I think I laughed more than the kids! The only downside is that it's a little pricey (although I think justifiably so), and they charge a ticket even for babies- but that turned out to be ok because it was a too loud, long, and crowded for babies. Perfect for young kids and their families, though. We highly recommend this excursion if you're in Bar Harbor. read more

One of the top highlights of our trip! Diver Ed works well with the kids on the tour and gives a great experience for everyone. They have a camera for under water viewing of sea creatures in their natural habitat that is shown on screen on boat while Captain Evil explains what we get to see. Several sea creatures are caught and brought on board for the group to touch after Diver Ed gives a presentation about each one and he makes it very entertaining and educational. My 4-year daughter was captivated by each sea animal and had big smiles "and screams" throughout the presentation. The hands on experience takes the tour over the top. The Newfoundland dogs were a hit to and from the dive spot also. We weren't even off the boat and my daughter said she wanted to do it again. Top notch experience! Highly recommended! read more

Diver Ed! Highly recommend for kids. Not much else to say. Underwater camera tech is really hard and the idea that he goes down. Gets stuff. Cleans it up. And then the kids can touch it. Super cool. read more

Fantastic time! Ed is a great teacher and the kids don't even realize it is happening because it is so much fun!

Totally designed for kids! Our 12 year old loved it even though he was older than the average kid. I highly recommend this! Fun! read more

Very entertaining for kids, and just enough innuendos/jokes to keep the adults laughing too! read more

See all

This is a naturalist boating experience geared towards children. But don't mistake that it means no knowledge or neat things happen, it's just wrapped in a boisterous, yes everyone needs to touch this stuff experience. Just remember a sea star can also be a hat read more

This was one of the best things that we did on our trip to Maine. We had such a good time. It's worth every penny. Very entertaining and a nice day out on the water. Definitely do this if you're in the area over the summer. Fun for all ages. read more

Great for the family and affordable too. If you like relaxing at sea, this something you should do. Diver Ed isn't only funny, he makes this extremely educational. All around a cool experience. read more

This was, hands down, the best thing we did on our vacation! Ed and his crew are energetic, funny and engaging. The show is fun for kids and adults alike. Don't miss out on this fun and educational outing! Highly recommend read more

See all

The reviews are true! Diver Ed, with the help of Captain Evil, Mini Ed, Otter, and Nori, kept a boat full of kids and adults entertained with silly stories, sea cucumber butt jokes, and lots of opportunities to touch sea life. This was the perfect trip to do on a foggy Saturday morning; we didn't care that the views of the coast were gone, because we were focused on what was under the water then on the ship. An excellent and educational adventure! read more

Diver Ed and crew were great. Kept my 8 and 4 year old entertained throughout the entire experience, from showing how to use a life preserver on Nori the Newfy, to putting a sea cucumber in his mouth. Both fun and educational!! read more

See all

A must do. Fun for everyone. Diver Ed and Captain Evil are true characters and make for an awesome time for any age. read more

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater - Boat Charters Near Me

Diver Ed and crew were fantastic!! From the beginning, Diver Ed greeted everyone and once we were seated, Grubby made sure everyone on the boat had a name tag. This was so important later so that the kids could be addressed by name for demonstrations and interactions. He integrated their Newfoundland pup, Nori into the show and kept the kids engaged as he taught them about his diving gear. Children are invited to push Diver Ed overboard, and as he is diving for sea creatures, he is in touch with the boat via an intercom type system so the kids can hear what he is doing. Captain Evil tells stories of diving adventures and sea animals while Diver Ed is diving. Once he fills his sack with a number of sea creatures, he takes a video camera below and we see a live stream of the ocean floor so the kids can see the creatures in their natural habitat. Once Diver Ed resurfaces, children are invited to sit in the front to see and touch all of the sea creatures that were brought up from the sea floor. As Diver Ed tells about the creatures, he involves kids in the show and gets them roaring with laughter. The boat provides covered seating so that little ones are not in the direct sun which was especially nice for our 1 year old. Our group consisted of 8 people ages 1, 6, 9, 11, 41, 45, 66, and 68, and everyone loved it!! If you have a chance, we all highly recommend Diver Ed, Captain Evil, Grubby and Nori for a fun and very educational trip out on the water! read more

We vacation in Acadia National Park every summer and have been on Diver Ed's boat 3x. Each time was new and more wonderful than the last. Diver Ed has such intimate knowledge of the island and waters and a true love for the creatures inhabiting it. I love being in the presence of people who are doing what they were truly destined to do. His humor and wit are contagious. It doesn't matter if you have a sunny day or pouring rain- you are going to have a great time! We have every one of our friends who visit us go to the Dive In Theater and you should too. There is no better way to get to know the underwater world and creatures inhabiting Frenchman's Bay! read more

This was a definitely a highlight of our trip to MDI this weekend. Perfect activity to bring your kids on and also see some really beautiful views of the water. Friendly & knowledgeable staff, and the admission price is worth it for the experience you get in return. Need to come back next summer! read more

I don't really know what's left to say about the amazing Diver Ed and his Dive-In Theater. We visited for our nephew's 7th birthday, and the show was everything Yelp claimed. Once the boat left from College of the Atlantic and reached its destination, Ed dove down twice: once with just a mike, so he could talk to his wife, "Captain Evil", and collect specimens. The second time, Ed dove with an underwater camera, Nat-Geo style, and taught the spectators while showing video on a large-screen TV. Mini-Ed, his playmobile friend, encountered lobster claws, sea-cucumber inhalation, and other adventures on the ocean floor. After the dive ended, Ed peeled off the wetsuit and taught the class about each of his finds. At the end, kids could touch, hold, and play with his finds before they were returned to the ocean. Ed's humor, personality, and enthusiasm through the show were outstanding, and the crew's knowledge of their specimins was spot on- according to my brother-in-law, a marine biology professor. To boot, Ed gave our nephew a shirt for his birthday. It was a highlight for our trip to Bar Harbor, something we will always remember. read more

Excellent. Engaging. Entertaining. Educational. Perfect for kids. The use of the Video camera that allows to see the ocean floor some 70 feet down was really amazing. Book it! read more

Have to agree with everyone else. This tour is worth every penny for anyone - but especially families with kids. The whole crew from Ed and his wife to their Newfoundland Dog are show people who love the sea. The show must go on as they say - and it did - through at least 4 equipment malfunctions during our tour, with Ed diving and surfacing at least three times. They never lost the audience or threw in the towel. The kids ate it up - and learned a thing or two in the process. read more