OUR CAPTAINS & BOATS

About Our Captains

Tour captain Eli Strauss grew up in Bass Harbor, and knows the area and most everyone in it. Eli’s father, Kim Strauss started Island Cruises in 1992 out of love and respect for the natural beauty and rich history of the harbor precious to him since childhood. Eli continued the tradition after years in the Navy and Merchant Marine, when he and his young family settled and decided to continue the family business in the place they grew up. Many of our returning long-time customers are overjoyed to find that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to Island Cruises!

Joining us for a private charter? Captains Sarge, Matt, and Hutch know just where to find elusive fish, where to catch the wind on the sailboat and all the best sights including lighthouses and wildlife.

Learn more about our cruises, and reserve your spot today!

MAKE A RESERVATION

ABOUT THE R.L. GOTT

The R.L. Gott, named after the man who taught Captain Kim to run a boat, is a 40-foot “lobster” style vessel, with a “Downeast” hull. She was built in 2000 specifically for Island Cruises, and has never seen commercial fishing or any other duty. Made for comfort, her seating accommodates only 49 passengers, a modest crew for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Her size is also ideal for steering in close to wildlife and other points of interest, a feature missing in larger tour boats. Covered and outdoor seating are both available, with unrestricted views from anywhere on the boat.

ABOUT THE FIFINELLA

The Fifinella is our 6-passenger power boat. This Parker 2320 is a 23′ hull with a 300 horsepower outboard motor. Enclosed cabin, electronics and fishing equipment, prepared to take you on your next adventure. Bring refreshments and Captain Sarge or Matt can take you fishing, sightseeing, or to the island destination of your choice.

ABOUT THE MONTEREY

The Monterey is a 6-passenger power boat. This Parker 2520 is a 25′ hull with a 300 horsepower outboard motor. Enclosed cabin, electronics and fishing equipment, prepared to take you on your next adventure. Bring refreshments and Captain Sarge or Matt can take you fishing, sightseeing, or to the island destination of your choice.

ABOUT THE MOTU ITI

Enjoy one of the finest sailing destinations on Planet Earth aboard our beautiful 36’ sailboat, Motu Iti (“Little Island” in Rapa Nui). When you charter Motu Iti, the boat and our experienced, knowledgeable charter Captain are yours for the duration. Whether it’s sightseeing and wildlife, or learning to sail for the first time, we make sure you have the best trip possible, tailored to your interests. This is a rare and unforgettable Maine experience.

Great Private Tour

"Once again, Trip Advisor comes through for me. Visiting from Mississippi with a family from New Mexico and a 14yo boy with cancer who had been granted a moose hunt by Catch a Dream Foundation. I booked the private charter wildlife tour for an extra activity. Captain Matt was outstanding, personable, and informative. We saw bald Eagles, two species of seals, cormorants, black guillemot, caspian terns, starfisl, seagulls, lighthouses, early explorer granite mining areas, and we fished and cought mackerel, pollock, and cod. All of this within a 2-hour tour. Clean vessel with updated equipment that includes an in closed cabin. We scored big on this find."

– RickyFlynt | TripAdvisor

Family Friendly Fishing

"Took a four hour cruise for deep sea fishing, but on the way we saw a multitude of other wildlife, including ocean sun fish, puffin, seals, and a couple of gorgeous lighthouses. We had two children (ages 9 and 12) and they loved it. The fishing was awesome (they kept reeling them in)! Captain Sare was great- he was very laid back and totally flexible to customize our trip and was great with the kids. Great time out on the water and it provided for a meal (assorted fish dinner)."

– TK62756 | TripAdvisor