national park tours bar harbor

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The Best Way to See One of the World's Most Beautiful Islands!

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Acadia National Park Tours

Looking to immerse yourself in the beauty and splendor of one of the world’s most beautiful areas?  Trust our Acadia National Park Tours experts! Nature lovers, history buffs, photographers, or anyone wanting to get oriented with Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park will appreciate the knowledge and experience of our tour guides. Sit back, relax, and let us share with you the human and natural history of this exceptional locale. Whether you are here for the day, or an extended period, there is no better way to start your visit!

All tours depart from Testa’s Restaurant, 53 Main Street in downtown Bar Harbor.

No Park Pass required.

What our guests are saying

We took the Acadia National Park tour on a Cruise stop in Bar Harbor. I am thankful that we had reservations because it was sold out by reservation only! That says a lot for a tour. The bus driver (Santos) was very knowledgeable and we had a wonderful time. The views are spectacular from Cadillac Mountain and Santos gave us a ton of information about the area. I recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Bar Harbor.

Stories were wonderful. It was a great way to start our visit to Acadia and Bar Harbor

The tour was great!! A lot of history information was giving, we would have known all that if not for the tour. The tour guide was great!! Santo did an excellent job and made it fun!!

Rita Wallace

Tour leader had a ton of information and his presentation was fantastic --very knowledgeable -history and environment. We loved it and had a great time.

Curtis Schmid

This was a great tour! Our guide, Heather, was so knowledgeable and entertaining. I learned a lot in just a short amount of time. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Kim Woodbury

The Guide is knowledgeable, the price is right and the scenery is pretty, the pacing is correct, perfect 3hr tour, what more do you want. Ideal for shore excursion when you don't have that much time.

Debbie Blum

A phenomenal tour experience especially with our guide Heather. Thanks for this memorable experience

Donna M Diaz

Size of tour was perfect. The transportation was very comfortable. Our tour guide was a local, environmentalist, former national park employee who was enthusiastic about the park and extremely knowledgeable. Loved the history she shared with us.

Cheryl & Nile Luedtke

We really enjoyed the tour. The Park was magnificent and Mike was an incredible guide! His knowledge of the park and its history was amazing.

Jack Morgan

What a wonderful tour this was. We were happy that we booked this tour instead of cruise line tour. Great information about the area, the park, and what a fun ride. Beautiful vista views from the top of the park.

Yvonne Forbes

Leach From the time we called to make our reservation we were treated as family. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and quite funny. The tour was amazing!

This was a great tour! We learned a lot and got to see as many park highlights as possible in the short time we had. We went to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the Nature Center and wildflower garden, and Thunder Hole. It's such an amazing place and I can't wait to go back.

Jennifer Stachnik

Our tour guide Roger was excellent! He was extremely informative and entertaining! We would recommend these tours to everyone!

Morgan Reimers

This was a very comfortable tour with an excellent guide. We got to see the countryside, make some short (but just long enough) stops and even visit with some locals. The bus leaves from the center of town which is very convenient and it was fun to walk around Bar Harbor. And the price was worth every penny.

O9472VRjohns

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the bus stopped enough times to get the great fall leaves shots we were after. If you get back on the bus in good time, you'll have more time to see the sites down the road. If not, some of the spots will be cut short. Our times were adequate. The price for the tour was very reasonable and the driver was great.

Since we traveled a long distance to spend a week in the area, we wanted a guided tour to help us get the lay of the land to help us maximize our time. This tour certainly filled the bill. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining, mingling local stories with history, interspersed with some terrible jokes that kept us groaning and laughing. I highly recommend it.

My husband and I were delighted to stumble upon this bus tour in Bar Harbor, that took us all the way to the top of Mt. Cadillac. Bus driver/tour guide Heather painted a colorful picture of life in Bar Harbor through her stories, jokes, and in-depth knowledge of the area, its history, and environment. And she gave us a discount coupon to Testa’s, where I had a tasty lobster roll (with garlic butter)!

Amazing tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The Female tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the island and the park. She made it a 10 Star tour!

This tour covers the entire National Park Tour Loop including Cadillac Mountain. The tour guide was very good. There was plenty of time at the stops. Be sure to reserve your tour online as it often sells out, especially when there are cruise ships in port. When we got our tickets the ticket agent gave us a coupon for Testa's Restaurant and we had an excellent lunch there. This tour is a very good value.

ChuckBrooks

We enjoyed this tour on our first full day and glad we did. We learned many things about the park we wouldn’t have found out otherwise. Our guide was funny and tailored the trip to our group. You will see the highlights of the park and get some great ideas on where you want to return to explore later. We thought it was worth the money.

Greengirl87

Get the Story Behind the Scenery.

Operating from mid-May through the end of October, our fully narrated sightseeing excursion features three stops within Acadia National Park.

OTHER SERVICES

We offer private group tours of Acadia National Park! Contact us for availability and pricing.

Want to learn more? Here are the most common questions from our guests.

Four generations of Acadia expertise

Our tours began in 1955, but our experience with Acadia National Park goes back much farther than that. Learn more about the origins of this family owned and operated company.

acadianationalparktours

Looking forward to seeing you in May 2024!

• Most Popular!

Acadia National Park Tour

Quick Details

Checkmark 2.5  Hour Tour

• Availability: May through October

Checkmark 4 Hour Tour

• Availability: Mid June through October

Enjoy Acadia National Park’s Stunning Views

Explore this unique area, from stunning terrain and diverse wildlife to the beauty of Acadia National Park! Adults and children alike enjoy learning about Acadia National Park’s unique history and seeing its diverse geology, flora, and fauna in person.

Available in 2.5-hour or 4-hour options

The 2.5 hour tour includes three 15-minute stops provided parking is available, for walks and photos.  The scheduled stops are Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain.

The 4 hour tour includes four 30-minute stops provided parking is available, for walks and photos. The scheduled stops are Cadillac Mountain, Sieur de” Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.  

All itineraries/routes may change due to weather, construction, and congestion both inside and outside of Acadia National Park

Tour Highlights

• View the historic mansions of the rich and famous on the way in and out of Acadia National Park.
• Learn about the area’s rich history, from its discovery in 1604 to the great fire of 1947.
• Enjoy spectacular scenery, including Paradise Hill, Frenchman Bay, and the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
• Experience the biggest attractions of Acadia National Park, including Cadillac Mountain, the Jordan Pond area, Thunder Hole on Ocean Drive, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliffs.

Oli’s red and green trolleys offer a memorable, relaxing way to experience Acadia National Park. Our tours fill up fast, though, so book online today!

Related Mount Desert Island Tours

• Hour Glass 30 minutes

Downtown Bar Harbor Tour

Explore this unique area, from the quaint village to the downtown district of Bar Harbor, on a scenic trolley tour.

THE 10 BEST Acadia National Park Tours & Excursions

Acadia national park tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

2. 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch

3. 3 Hour Private Tour: Explore all the top spots of Acadia!

4. Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours)

5. 4 Hour Private Tour: Explore Acadia Nat'l Park, Fjord & Mansions

6. Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (2.5Hr)

7. Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour

8. Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

9. Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

10. Acadia Full Day Private Tour and Hike

11. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park

12. Acadia National Park and More Private Day Trip from Portland

13. Bar Harbor Bash Scavenger Hunt

14. Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Maine Tours

15. Cadillac Mountain Half Day Private Tour

16. Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

17. 3 Hour Fiord, Mansions, Rocky Coastline

18. Cadillac Mountain Private Sunrise and Half Day Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

2-Hour Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine with Licensed Captain

Self-Guided Ebike Tours of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

Bar Harbor Walking Tour

25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

Bar Harbor Hoppy Hour A Beer and Food Adventure

Windjammer Classic Day Sail from Camden, Maine

Full Day Paddleboard Rental in Acadia National Park

Bangor Blitz Scavenger Hunt

Half Day Self-Guided Paddle

Chauffeured ride to any Maine destination

Self-guided Electric Bike Adventure in Acadia National Park

Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
• 3 Hour Private Tour: Explore all the top spots of Acadia!
• Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
• 4 Hour Private Tour: Explore Acadia Nat'l Park, Fjord & Mansions
• Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour

SAIL ACADIA

Sailing charters & lobster tours at acadia national park.

• Most Popular Tour

Mount Desert Island Sailing Tour

Sail Acadia National Park aboard a traditional Friendship Sloop – Maine’s original lobster boat! Built in Friendship, Maine in the late 1800’s, these handsome traditional sailboats were used by coastal fishermen to haul lobster traps by hand under sail. Take part in Maine’s maritime heritage and enjoy sailing smooth waters, abundant wildlife and spectacular coastline of Acadia National Park.

• Info Up to 6 passengers
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 2 - 3 Hours
• Great for Families!

Lobster & Nature Tour

Enjoy a nature cruise aboard the Elizabeth T, a real Maine lobster boat! Haul lobster traps, visit Somes Sound, and see a seal colony on a perfect size boat for sightseeing, island picnics, and lobster fishing demonstrations.

• Info Shared Tours are up to 16 passengers; Private Charters are up to 21 passengers
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Sail Acadia National Park

Escape the crowds of Bar Harbor and explore the spectacular coastline of Acadia National Park.

Sail aboard a classic Friendship sloop or a real Maine lobster boat for a private or shared tour of Maine’s most beautiful coastline along Mount Desert Island.

Sailing and lobster boat cruises depart several times each day from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor, just 15 – 20 minutes from Bar Harbor.

At Sail Acadia we maintain and operate our locally built wooden boats with a great respect for Maine’s maritime heritage. We believe in smaller groups and personalized attention for an authentic boating experience in Acadia. Our captains and crew will share their local knowledge and give you their best tour of Mount Desert Island.

Five-Star Sailing & Boat Tours ★★★★★

We were blown away by the service at Sail Acadia. We did a mid-morning private tour for 7 of us. We were able to bring our own mimosas :) Our captain and first mate were knowledgeable, inviting, friendly and easy going. They were very welcoming to our pup! They had blankets and cups on board. Definitely recommend!

We thoroughly enjoyed our sunset cruise with Mike and Kelly. Mike told some great stories of the area, we took wine and dinner to have on the boat, and we enjoyed seeing guillemots and porpoises in the bay. The wind was very light that evening so we had to motor a bit, but it was such a treat to be out on the water on a 120 year old wooden sail boat. We loved it!

We booked a 3 hour sunset sail and it was so much fun. It wasn't the windiest day, but being on the water on a beautiful summer night watching the sun go down can't be beat. We saw plenty of porpoises and other sea wildlife throughout the ride. Bonus points: the tour is BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine with us and the crew provided cheese, crackers and snacks. Thanks for having us!

An awesome experience we can't recommend more highly. Not only was it a fantastic sailing experience, the crew were informative about the area, history, wildlife and the things we were seeing along the way. The crew was great, the boat charming and historic. The best afternoon we have had in Maine for as long as we can remember!

Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor—Acadia National Park Tour Review

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An Acadia National Park tour is a great way to view this beautiful and diverse habitat, and Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor, is the one to beat.

Acadia National Park is one of the most stunningly beautiful areas in the United States. Located mid-way along the Maine coast near the town of Bar Harbor, it protects the diverse and rugged natural beauty of this area.

There are a lot of different tour companies offering trips to Acadia National Park and the nearby areas. This post will focus on Oli’s Trolley and their 2.5-hour tour of Acadia National Park.

Would I recommend Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor, and Acadia tour? Read on to find out!

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra. Please read the  disclosures  to learn more.

My 2.5 Hour Oli’s Trolley Bar Harbor Tour Review

Our tour with Oli’s Trolley was exceptional. The guide was really good—he was knowledgeable, engaging, and provided clear direction when we got to the stops.

He also answered any questions that we had and was clearly passionate about the park. He really enjoyed telling stories about the park, its history, and the important people who impacted this area and the landscape.

The only downside with the tour is that time is extremely limited. You only get 15 minutes at each location. It’s just enough time to walk over to the area (each was within a minute or two walk), snap a few pictures, wander a little, and head back.

If you need to use the bathroom, then depending on the time of year, you might entirely miss the stop. We did use the bathroom at Jordan Pond, but due to the line, we never got to see the pond. (Thankfully, we got to see it a couple of days earlier!)

Though this is a great way to see the top attractions in the park quickly, it might be worth taking the 4-hour tour to have a little extra time at the stops.

Additionally, if anyone on the bus takes their time getting back, everyone gets held up. (Note: this isn’t the case at Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond, as people can take the bus.

However, there is no public transportation that goes up Cadillac Mountain, so he has to wait for everyone. We lost nearly 15 minutes as some people came back late.)

Even still, this was a great tour to take to see the top attractions in Acadia National Park, and I’d recommend this Acadia National Park tour and tour company.

Oli’s Trolley Bar Harbor Tours

There are three tours available with Oli’s Trolley:

• The 2.5-hour Acadia National Park tour mentioned in this article visits Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond, with 15-minute stops at each. This tour currently costs $53. It’s available from late April through the end of October at 10 a.m.
• The four-hour Acadia National Park tour includes longer 30-minute stops at the same places the 2.5-hour tour visits: Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. It also includes a stop at the Sieur de Monts Spring Area. This tour currently costs $78. It’s available from July through the end of October at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is not provided.
• The Downtown Bar Harbor Tour lasts for 30 minutes and costs $20 for adults. It’s offered daily at 11:15 a.m. On this tour, you’ll explore the town of Bar Harbor, seeing historic sites, mansions, shops, restaurants, and other points of interest in the downtown area. It’s a great grounding tour to help you plan your exploration of the area. You’ll also learn about the history of the village from 1796 to current.

Oli’s Trolley also offers private tours, corporate events, and even weddings. Contact them to learn more.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a preserve that contains a number of different island areas in the mid-coast section of Maine. It encompasses nearly half of Mount Desert Island, which is the main part of the park and the best known. Overall, the park includes nearly 50,000 acres.

It also includes portions of 16 smaller outlying islands, the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, and some of the Isle au Haut.

The park protects Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic Coast. It also includes rocky headlands carved by glaciers and a diverse island landscape filled with a high level of biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Much of the roads and the historic carriage road system were founded and financed by JD Rockefeller Jr. It was originally named the Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and later renamed the Lafayette National Park in 1919. It was then named Acadia National Park in 1929.

This park area offers a lot of different activities from spring through autumn, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and more. There are guided tours and guided boat tours as well.

More than 4 million visitors a year enjoy Acadia National Park. It’s a wonderland in the northeast that is well worth visiting.

Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours—My Detailed Experience

Oli’s Trolley offers narrated Bar Harbor, Maine, tours of Mount Desert Island. This is where Bar Harbor and the largest section of Acadia National Park are both located. They offer two options for Acadia National Park tours and one for Bar Harbor.

They offer a comfortable and relaxing way to see the top sights in Acadia National Park. And their trollies are distinctive-looking, reminiscent of an old-fashioned trolley car. You can’t miss them among the many tour buses!

Booking & Checking-In Process

You have the option to book online or in person at their shop on the water in Bar Harbor. Booking the tour was easy—just go to their website, select the tour, and make your payment online with a secure transaction.

If you pay online, you do need to show your receipt in their shop at the Oli’s Trolley Gift Shop in Harbor Place Building at 1 West Street or at 55 West Street , where Oli’s Trolley Station is. Here, you’ll get a ticket to show the driver.

Otherwise, you can pay in person to collect it at either location. The location is right on the water at Frenchman Bay, and it’s a great area to look out to watch the boats.

The location isn’t far from where the cruise boats come in, so it’s easy for cruisers to find. This does mean that it may be extra crowded when a ship is in the dock.

Meeting Location

It’s only a minute or two walk to get to the meeting location at 55 West Street , also right on the water. You’ll see the trolley buses and a small crowd most likely, so it’s easy to find.

Tips and Suggestions for Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours

• You’re recommended to check in 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
• Restrooms are available at both check-in locations. They are also available at the stops, but keep in mind your time will be limited.
• Pets are not allowed (except for service dogs).
• You may bring food and (non-alcoholic) drinks.
• Children are welcome, but parents are expected to keep an eye on them at all times.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket.
• If you do decide to cancel, 24 hours of notice are required with your booking number.

Oli’s Trolley does recommend taking the Island Shuttle bus when possible, as parking in Bar Harbor can be challenging, especially during peak season (from June to September). If you decide to drive, they provide some parking suggestions nearby .

We went in October and found parking easily. Street parking in the center of town is paid for by coins or by downloading the parking app ParkMobile . It’s easy to use, and you just select the amount of time you want to park.

The trollies seat around 48 people. They have a configuration with two seats on each side and around 10-12 rows. The seats are benches that aren’t super comfortable, but they are ok enough for the short rides.

This is a narrated tour, so your guide will walk you through the rich history of the area as you drive. He/she will also tell you all about the different locations you’ll see and what to expect.

Our guide was fantastic and was clearly passionate about the job, the history, and the park. He was knowledgeable, patient with questions, and encouraged them.

Tour Details

The 2.5-hour Acadia National Park tour is great if you want to learn more about the park and maximize your time. On this tour, you visit three locations in the park: Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond.

You may start your tour at Jordan Pond or at Cadillac Mountain. The park service only allows one of each tour company’s buses up the mountain at a time, so the order may vary.

During your drive to the first destination, the guide shares the history of Acadia National Park. First, you get to see the historic mansions of the wealthy former residents of Bar Harbor.

The history dates back to its discovery in 1604, though Native Americans lived there over ten thousand years prior. As you ride, the guide points out different spectacular scenery like Frenchman Bay and Paradise Hill.

From there, you’ll stop at the three sites with time for short walks and pictures. The driver also points out the Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs.

Cadillac Mountain

The top highlight of Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, is a must-see. The most popular time to visit is at sunrise, when you can see the incredible views of this area from above. However, it’s amazing at any time.

There is a reservation fee for vehicles. However, it’s part of the tour. You’ll stop for 15 minutes (or 30 on the 4-hour tour) to check out these amazing views.

Head down some of the side paths to get closer to the edge to really enjoy what this area has to offer. It’s breathtaking at any time of day.

Thunder Hole on Ocean Road

This may be one of the most interesting spots in Acadia National Park. You’ll head down the path on Ocean Road to one of the smaller paths toward the rocky cliffs and the ocean.

The water carved out a narrow area between the rocks in the cliff. When the water washes up, the crashing noise sounds like thunder. It’s pretty incredible to hear.

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is one of the most picturesque areas in Acadia National Park and is also a must-see. There is a lovely, easy walk around the pond that takes around an hour, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views.

You only have fifteen minutes here (30 for the 4-hour tour), so make the most of it. Go directly to the pond and walk on the rocky outcrops for gorgeous views.

Jordan Pond House is known for its popover with blueberry jam. Unfortunately, they don’t offer it to go. Plan to come back, make a reservation the day or two before, and walk around the lake. The popover is a lovely treat after your walk.

Why You Should Consider Oli’s Trolley, Bar Harbor Tours

There are a lot of great tour guides in this area, so why should you Consider Oli’s Trolley? Here are some of the reasons.

• This is a family-run business, so you’re supporting a local small business.
• They have been operating in Acadia National Park for 27 years.
• They have an environmental pledge , striving to reduce their environmental impact. They do this by reducing waste, increasing operating efficiency, and educating their tour guests. Some examples are using paperless technology and installing energy-efficient products. They also participate in Bar Harbor’s waste stream management to reduce and reverse detrimental global environmental practices.
• One of the most popular Bar Harbor tours available.

We had a fantastic experience with Oli’s Trolley, and I’m thrilled to recommend them. Check them out if you’re in the area!

You have a lot of options for where to spend your tourist dollars. I personally love supporting small businesses that have stood the test of time and demonstrate similar ethics that I choose to support.

If you join one of Oli’s Trolley tours, let me know!

You Might Also Like

• Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park & What to Do
• Top Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine
• 10 Top Hotels Near Acadia National Park

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Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

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Tours - Land, Sea & Air

There are many types of Bar Harbor and Acadia tours available on both land and sea. This is a great way to become familiar with the region. Let an expert guide you to the high points as well as give some insider facts. If you already have an idea what you want to see, there are some custom options available as well.

Tours   Custom   Private   Bus   Boat

Home   Towns   Activities   Index

Island Cruises - “Best Island Tour in New England”

12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653 (207) 244-5785  or  [email protected] Open : June 1 - Mid Oct.

Coastal Kayaking Tours

48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 (207) 288-9605  or  [email protected]

Downeast Windjammer Cruises

207-288-4585 or 207-546-2927 Cranberry Cove Ferry: 207-244-5882 Open : Varies

Bar Harbor/Winter Harbor Ferry - Four passenger service trips daily. Visit Schoodic Point, the “other side” of Acadia National Park.

Cranberry Cove Ferry - Four to six trips daily providing passenger service between Southwest Harbor/Manset and the Cranberry Isles. Buy tickets onboard.

Join us for a private intimate charter for a truly memorable sail aboard one of the last original working Maine Lobster sloops • Perfect for your family, a group of six or a perfect romantic getaway for two!

Acadian Boat Tours

Summer Sailing Location: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor (207) 801-2300  or  [email protected]

Tour Acadia

P.O. Box 426, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (207) 460-4431  or  [email protected]

Scenic Flights of Acadia

On Route 3 at the Bar Harbor Airport 112 Caruso Dr., Trenton, ME 04605 (207) 667-6527  or  [email protected] Open : 7 Days/wk - Year-Round!

North Country Rivers

Gadabout Gaddis Airport Bingham, Maine 04920 1-800-348-8871

At Your Service Private Tours

Will pick you up at your downtown location! (207) 288-9222 • Email

Oli's Trolley

55 West Street, Bar Harbor (207) 288-9899  or  [email protected]

National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental

145 Pretty Marsh Road, Mount Desert, Maine (207) 244-5854  or  [email protected]

Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle - NEW!

Bar Harbor Pick-up/Drop-off Point: 317 Main Street (207) 669-2476  or  [email protected]

Northeast Whitewater - Rafting & Moose Tours

155 Greenville Rd, Shirley, ME 04485; PO Box 1623, Greenville, ME 04441 Call 207-695-0151  or  [email protected]

2orGuide Audio Tours of Acadia

Plays on most phones, tablets and computers

Boats, Cruises & Sailing:

119 Eden St., Bar Harbor 207-801-2300

Take a 2 hour, fully narrated cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. Nature Cruises leave daily in search of eagles, porpoises, seals, and other interesting marine mammals and birds. We also feature views of timeless mansions and Egg Rock lighthouse.

Downeast Sailing Adventures

Eagle Lake Rd., Bar Harbor 207-288-2216

Experience Maine on Acadia’s Quiet Side as we sail among the Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Acadia National Park, unspoiled by cruise ships and resort hotels. Sit back and relax as we sail past lighthouses, lobstermen, and cliffside mansions that make this world-class cruising area unique.

Margaret Todd: 207-288-4585 Cranberry Ferry: 207-244-5882

Join us aboard the Margaret S. Todd, the only 4-masted schooner working in New England. Three, 1.5 to 2 hour trips daily, sailing among the islands of Frenchman Bay. We also have the Bar Harbor/Winter Harbor Ferry and the Cranberry Cove Ferry providing passenger service between Southwest Harbor/Manset and the Cranberry Isles.

Diver Ed Underwater VideoTours

146 Gilbert Farm Rd., Bar Harbor 207-288-3483

Experience Maine's only underwater sightseeing trip direct from the bottom of the sea! You remain dry on the boat as divers go down with a video camera which you watch on a screen. Then, divers bring their catch directly to you on the boat to answer questions.

Island Cruises

12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor 207-244-5785 Open : June 1 - Mid Oct.

Our narrated nature cruises will help you discover the abundant wildlife and history of Maine's offshore islands. See seals, eagles, porpoise; haul lobster traps; learn about fishing along the Maine coast, yesterday and today.

Lulu Lobster Boat Ride

55 West St., Bar Harbor 207-963-2341

Offers 2 hour tours leaving from the Harborside Hotel and Marina in Bar Harbor, Maine - top tour and named “Best Lobster Boat Cruise” in New England. Includes an informative and entertaining demonstration of how the Maine Lobster is harvested as well as seal watching.

Sea Princess Cruises

20 Sea St., Northeast Harbor 207-276-5352

Offers two - four unique narrated scenic tours (depending on season) of Mount Desert Island, departing from the Northeast Harbor Town Marina in beautiful and protected Somes Sound.

Main Activities Page

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Buses & Tours:

Island explorer shuttle bus.

Numerous Locations 207-667-5796

Free transit by clean propane-powered vehicles supported by the National Park Service, area towns, the US DOT, Maine DOT, local businesses, and Friends of Acadia. Eight bus routes link inns, hotels, campgrounds and destinations within Acadia National Park .

Oli's Trolly

1 West St., Bar Harbor 207-288-9899

This is a great way to see the sites of Acadia National Park when you want to leave the driving to someone else. There are 1 and 2 1/2 hour tours available depending upon the season so check with the web site.

Bar Harbor 207-460-4431

We offer tours for individuals and small groups of up to 12 people with a variety of vehicles and will design customized tours to meet your needs. Just give us a call to discuss and we will create the right program.

Mount Desert Island Map

Location of Sights For Reference

This Mount Desert island map shows you where the towns and many sights within Acadia National Park are located so that you can determine what tours are best for you.

Bar Harbor 207-288-9605  or  [email protected]

Bass Harbor 207-244-5785  or  [email protected]

Various Locations 1-800-348-8871

Northeast Whitewater

155 Greenville Road, Shirley, ME 04485; P.O. Box 1623, Greenville, ME 04441 1-207-695-0151

Bar Harbor Area 207-288-9222

Personalized private tours and quality car service with pick-ups right from your ship or hotel. Tours are from 3 to 6 hours with narrations of Acadia National Park and MDI highlights. We can stop and stay as long as you like at each location. All major credit cards accepted • 5 star-rated on TripAdvisor.

48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor 207-288-9605

MDI's premier outfitter and premier choice for sea kayaking featuring small groups (up to 6 boats per tour) and personalized service. Tours are on both east and west sides of the island with a great record of seeing harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife.

National Park Sea Kayak

39 Cottage St., Bar Harbor 1-800-347-0940

Specializing in Sea Kayak Tours of the Acadia National Park coastline and uninhabited islands. Let our Registered Maine Guide help you discover local marine wildlife close to the shore.

36 Main St., Bingham 1-800-348-8871

Guided Rafting (Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers), ATV Tours and Moose Safaris offered daily (Apr-Oct). Guided trips run daily, all equipment provided, no experience necessary. Call today to book your Maine Outdoor Adventure with North Country Rivers.

Moosehead Lake Area 207-695-0151

Northeast Whitewater is the closest rafting and moose tour company to Acadia and the Bar Harbor region. We provide personalized half and full day trips in whitewater rafting, moose tours, kayaking, canoeing and waterfall hikes in North Central Maine.

We offer tours for small groups, anywhere from 1-12 people, with a variety of vehicles to meet any need. In addition to our regular menu of tours, we're always happy to design something especially for you, depending on how long you want to tour and what you want to see.

This Mount Desert island map shows you where the towns and many sights within Acadia National Park are located relative to each other so that you can determine what tours are best for you.

Tours - Custom:

Personalized private tours with pick-ups right from your ship or hotel. Tours are from 3 to 6 hours with narrations of Acadia National Park and MDI highlights. We can stop and stay as long as you like at each location. All major credit cards accepted • 5 star-rated on TripAdvisor.

JERICHO - Private Boat Charters

1 Clifton Dock Road, Northeast Harbor 207-370-2880

We are available for day and evening charters around Mount Desert Island for up to 12 guests. Charter one of the most recognizable boats on the Maine coast, perfect for scenic picnic cruises, special occasions, or exploring offshore islands. Contact us to craft your perfect day!

Bar Harbor 207-288-9222  or  Email

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ALL TRIPS DEPART FROM 119 EDEN ST-THE ATLANTIC OCEANSIDE HOTEL- 5 MIN DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN BAR HARBOR

Acadian Boat Tours

Now hiring click here to see our openings and apply., breathtaking coastal maine cruises.

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Public Boat Cruises

Private family charters.

Why Choose Acadian Boat Tours?

• FREE Onsite Parking
• Sightseeing/Nature Cruises
• Lighthouse and National Park Tours
• Family-Friendly Fishing Trips
• Puffin Trips
• Somes Sound Fjord Tour
• Our trips depart daily from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel at 119 Eden St. (located 1 & ½ miles – a 5 minute drive, from downtown, Bar Harbor)

Our Acadian Boats

Come aboard the Acadian, Eden Star, Islander, Rambler and the Jennifer Ann. Our boats are clean and family-oriented and the Acadian & Eden Star are pet-friendly! The larger boats offer a snack bar and indoor heated cabin. All boats offer clean restrooms. Our boats are USCG Safety Inspected yearly.

About Our Boat Tours in Bar Harbor, Maine

Located at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, 119 Eden St. in Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadian Boat Tours offers Sightseeing/ Nature cruises ,  Puffins/Lighthouses & Seabird Tours ,  Tours of the Somes Sound Fjord, Lighthouse and National Park trips, Family Friendly Fishing trips as well as private family charters  aboard our vessels.  Explore the rich wildlife population and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, the islands of Frenchman Bay, and the shoreline of Bar Harbor.

We also feature views of lighthouses, the vintage homes of Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Seal Harbor, and the quaint village of Southwest Harbor. Cruise with us through Frenchman Bay or Somes Sound into the only fjord on the East Coast. Take in the historical lighthouses of our area! We have  naturalists  who will keep you informed about the wildlife we are seeing and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

We have four boats , the  Acadian , the Islander the Eden Star AND our six-passenger private charter boat — the  Rambler . Our Bar Harbor cruises are clean and family-oriented and the Acadian & Eden Star  are pet-friendly!  The boats offer a small snack bar, restrooms, and the large boats also have a heated, indoor cabin. However, please bring a warm jacket or sweater with you on all of our cruises, as temperatures on the water are cooler than they are on shore.

We provide great trips for the entire family or group. Reservations are always recommended. Dates and times vary by trip chosen. Please see our  trip schedule for details. We have plenty of free parking on site for guests while on one of our Acadian nature cruises.

2,245+ 5-star Reviews of our Bar Harbor Cruises!

Great adventure, saw seals, lighthouses and listened to interesting facts on the area. Bit hard to hear at times, just need to find the right place to sit. Beautiful scenery. Would highly recommend and would love to go back and do the puffin trip in the right season!

I have always had a fear of going on the ocean. Facing my fears to experience everything I have always wanted to do. What an amazing experience! Educational & Fun! We saw whales, seal, bald eagles and amazing scenery.

Such a beautiful and scenic boat ride. Even though it was October in Maine, the sun was shining and it couldn't have been a prettier day. We saw a lighthouse, lots of seals, and even a couple bald eagles. Definitely glad we did the boat tour!

Everything is very organized, they take you out at the bay, you hear very cool stories about each island, about lobster fishing and about the animals that leave in the area. We got to see seals, bald eagle and a lot of others!

Really outstanding tour of Bar Harbor and Frenchman’s Bay! Boat was nice and clean and comfortable and Captain Phil guided it skillfully. The tour narrator, Abbie, was outstanding and pointed out all the landmarks and wildlife. We were able to see seals, dolphins and other wildlife. Highly recommend this boat tour!

It all starts with a visit...

Visitors from around the world come to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, for its amazing scenery. They return again and again to enjoy the abundance of experiences that can be found here.

From boutique hotels, personal and cozy B&Bs, to woodland camping with Acadia National Park right outside your tent flap, every lodging option is unique. Whatever your style, you’ll find it here in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.

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See & Do

Would you rather kick back and take in the wonder of Mount Desert Island or get your adrenaline pumping on an outdoor adventure? We recommend both and Bar Harbor is the place to make it all happen.

Acadia National Park

Family Friendly

Land Activities

Water Activities

Eat & drink.

Bar Harbor has some of Maine and New England’s best restaurants, each offering its own one-of-a-kind experience. The freshest seafood. Home-grown produce. Craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Locally roasted coffee. It’s all here for the taking.

Restaurants

Coffee, Breakfast, & Bakeries

Ice Cream & Sweets

Take home one-of-a-kind treasures from charming, locally-owned stores in downtown Bar Harbor. Or find that perfect, handcrafted Maine item in one of our neighboring villages. Just be sure you have enough room to bring everything home with you.

Take a video tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

At Your Service Private Tours

Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park & Mount Desert Island Tours in Maine

At Your Service Tours and Event Transportation

The best private van tours to discover acadia, 4 hour: acadia, cadillac summit & somes sound.

See all of the highlights of our 3 hour tour with the addition of a drive along the only fjord on the eastern seaboard, Somes Sound. Let our local guides show you the summer colonies of the rich and infamous.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Featured Tours

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

3 Hour: Highlights of Acadia with Cadillac Summit

A private van tour by a local guide designed for your group of the top highlights of Acadia National Park, including Summit of Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, overlook of Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Sieur de Mont Springs, and the bubbles on Jordan Pond.

• Hour Glass 6 Hours

6 Hour: Ultimate Acadia & Mount Desert Island Tour

This tour includes all of the stops on the 3 and 4 hour tour with the addition of a lunch stop at a working Lobster Pound Restaurant and having more time and flexibility to explore trails and historic sites, adding a visit to Acadia’s Sea Wall.

We are advanced reservation only and 48 hours is highly recommended.

Local Guides, Amazing Tours

Welcome to Bar Harbor, Maine, home of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Operating since 1999, we are the largest  private bus touring and event transportation company. 

Our goal is to provide you with the best island experience available by providing distinct and personalized tours targeted to your specific needs.

Whether you want a private tour of Acadia National Park or a professional, uniformed transportation service for your wedding we are the company to call.  We handle all the details from park permits to reservations.

Book online today and let us make your day special!

Let Us Show You the Beauty of Acadia National Park, Maine!

Our guests have rated us the #1 Private Tour company in Acadia National Park!

Thanks Sue! We had such a great time touring the area with you. You were fun, personable and knowledgable about the area. The van was in great shape. We felt safe and comfortable. We had a great time. She also recommended some good spots. Great service!

We were two couples that got off the ship, Grant was our driver and as we traveled we were given so much information about Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. With a private service we could stop for as long as we wanted to enjoy all the sights. Would highly recommend this company.

Our family of 7 (ages 10-79) took the half day tour with Paul on our recent trip to Bar Harbor on a cruise ship. He was able to take us to some fantastic locations (loved Bubble pond) and told us all about the history of the area. He is very enthusiastic about his hometown and we enjoyed the tour very much! I got some awesome photos and Paul gave us a great recommendation for a pizza lunch that my kids were craving!

We easily connected with our tour guide, Bill, upon disembarkation from our cruise ship's tender boat. My three sisters and I decided to book a private tour. Bill was very knowledgeable about the area and took us to places we would never have seen on our own or on a big tour bus. He took us all through Acadia NP and told us many stories of the area both past and present and made sure we were comfortable at all times.

We were a party of 6 and took their 3 hour Acadia National Park Tour after coming into Bar Harbor on the cruise ship. MJ, our driver was great and taylored our tour to the sights we wanted to see. Much more personalized option than taking an excursion tour bus filled with people. Would highly recommend this instead as you won't regret it. A+++ Thanks for showing us beautiful Acadia!!!!

MJ was extremely Knowledgeable and Entertaining! She was so accommodating and it was awesome because you knew she enjoyed her job and her home and wanted us to know as much as we could about Bar Harbor. This is one of our Most favorite vacations ever! The colors were like nothing we have ever seen, So Beautiful! I would recommend At Your Service Private Tours without any hesitation.

Met this group at the wharf on cruise ship visit. Mary P gave us great info as she drove us to Cadillac mountain including history and information on her family who had lived there many years. Clear view from the top made for a great trip. Dropped of in town with some tips on where to visit.

Grant did an unbelievable job, a wealth of knowledge and a total asset to At Your Service Private Tours. Our original guide did not show up and Grant graciously offered to take our group of 4. The Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain to Sandy Beach were phenomenal and Grant was a gem!!!!

We toured Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park with your company. Linda, our driver and tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable. Don't waste your time by getting on a big tour bus. The van was perfect for our excursion. We highly recommend your company. Linda was awesome! Andy & Kelli

We (6 of us off a cruise ship) had a wonderful time with Bill touring Acadia National Park with Bill. A true Mainer, he had many colorful stories about the residents of Bar Harbor. His daughter baked us blueberry muffins for a morning snack! Acadia was beautiful in the fall, and we were able to stop at the highlight points. We then had delicious lobster rolls at Beal’s. We highly recommend this tour.

MJ was by far the best tour guide we have ever used! She picked up immediately what we were interested in seeing, kept track of time, provided unique stops away from crowds, and took us to a perfect place for lunch! One of our group members has limited mobility and she was very aware and helpful. 6 stars!!!

Our private tour was amazing. We went to the top of Cadillac Mountain (the view was magnificent!) and saw so many lovely places all over the Bar Harbor area. We even stopped at a bakery for the yummiest donuts and coffee! Thank you for our fantastic trip - can't wait to get our pictures back.

A group of six of us (three couples) were in Bar Harbor as part of a Holland America ship cruise. We signed up independently for a five hour tour and Bill was our tour guide. We saw all of the highlights of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park that we'd read about before-hand and Bill was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the area and very willing to share his knowledge.

We took a Fall Foliage cruise of New England and Canada and by far this private tour I book outside the ship tours was the best. Jeff was very personable and had alot of history of the island. Top group comments were "we loved the beaver lesson" and "mice with ears!"

Our  Tours

The paddle level system.

An Easy Way To Choose Your Adventure. 

Level 2:  A Relaxing Introduction to Sea Kayaking  with  No Beach Stop. Great for All Ages and Skill Levels!

Level 3:  Worth the Effort!! 3+ hour Duration  Will Require Some Stamina but probably not the hardest thing you've done. Should be comfortable in a Kayak.  Not Intended for Those Under 13 years old.

Level 4:   Maximum  Adventure!! Only available on Full Day Private Tours. 4+ Hour 

The Dirigo tour 

The tour that leads them all! Staff Choice

3.5 hours of leading the way in iconic Frenchmen's Bay!  Keep your eye out for Porpoises, Seals, Eagles, and other harbor wildlife! This  tour will include a beach landing to explore the coast where you can, learn about Unique geology, explore tidal pools, or bask in the  ocean views! Don't forget your camera and bring plenty of snacks! 

Sunset Tours 

"A Beautiful Way to End the Day in Acadia."

The 2-hour Sunset Tour is a perfect way to squeeze as much out of a day of exploring Acadia National Park. Enjoy Golden Hour from the front-row seat of Frenchmen's Bay.  A  typical tour travels 2-4 miles.

  $100

The too easy tour.

"Want it all, while wanting to relax... Too Easy."

An easy 2.5-Hour introduction to Sea Kayaking is a great addition to your Acadia Adventure. All the fun of the Dirigo Tour but at a much more relaxed pace. A typical tour travels 2-4 miles. Keep an eye out for relaxed wildlife. 

  $125

"A Paddle like No Other."  

Acadia After Dark

Sea kayak tour in the dark, is this for real? Yes, it is! Night Kayaking is an experience like no other! Down East Maine is known for its great stargazing! See the Milky Way, Shooting Stars, and maybe even a late-night seal!                       

Private Tour Options 

Want an Adventure that is Truly Your Own? 

This fully customizable tour is perfect for guests that are seeking a truly one-of-a-kind Acadia Adventure! We will work with you on designing the best trip for your party. Follow the link to learn more about all the options that Acadia Sea Kayaking Adventures can do for your trip! 

Call us for Booking

Paddle your level.