From what I can tell, rates on Mt. Desert Island are lower than in any other part of Maine. That's probably because there is competition here for your business. I don't see a need to go shopping around for prices. All tour operators usually charge about the same rates. They might compete for your business if you have a large group (not a regular sized family).
A tour operator may not charge you for water shoes if you need them, or the company might reduce the price by a few dollars if you do not use a charge card. Each can save you a few dollars.
Just about every company has early and late season rates. The reduced rates tend to be the same from business to business. $5.00 off normal rates is common during June and September.
Following are the rates for the bulk of the common tours as I know them. Of course, they may be subject to change, but they are probably set for the 2004 season.
| Harbor Tour (2 1/2 hours) |
|
| Sunset Tour (2 1/2 hours) |
|
| Half Day Tour (4 hours) |
|
| Full Day Tour (7 hours) |
|
These rates are subject to change. I'll try to keep up with them for you. I don't think you'll find them to be significantly different than they appear in the table.
Some tour operators provide
two, three, and five day tours.
They may also provide some specialty tours which differ from those
listed.
Be sure to inquire about the company's cancellation policy. You want to know what happens if the weather is bad, or if you change your mind about taking the tour.
Most companies are reasonable about cancellations, but not about people who just do not show for the tours.