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Experience Acadia: Private 3-hr tour with local guide.

6 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Bar Harbor, USA
Book online or call us

from $675 per group (up to 6)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Step out on the famous granite coastline, feel the crash of waves and breath the salt air along Acadia's Ocean Drive.
Looking down toward Bar Harbor from the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. Sometimes the fog gives the Porcupine Islands misty hats.
Many islands visible from Cadillac Mountain's west face.
Boardwalk on the Jessup Path near the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
The light here is as memorable as the mountains and sea. Acadia has some of the best hiking trails in the world.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

I believe, a local guide should provide an experience which brings you closer to Acadia than you would feel had you explored on your own. Acadia is brimming with a quiet, insistent magic. They named it for a paradise. They saved it at their own cost, so we could feel the effect of the light and hear the leaves singing. I will give more than a checklist of places or repeated stories. I'll share my home. Show you the Music of it. I hope the delight I take in this area will be contagious.

-My tours are all private to your group. The vans are comfortable and clean.
-You will have complete freedom as we explore, to adjust which stops we make, and how long we enjoy each location.

What's Included

  • Snacks I only share the kind of snacks I would offer to my best friends.
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Stress over missing anything amazing.
See 4 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

-Expect your guide to call you 10 - 15 minutes prior to your tour start time to confirm your exact location and arrange a smooth pickup. -We will arrive in a Chrysler minivan, clearly marked with Acadia Driving Tours signage. -If you arrive in Bar Harbor via cruise ship, and land early, feel free to explore the town until your guide calls to direct you to an easy landmark to meet and begin our tour. -Please ensure the phone number you enter at booking will ring to someone in your tour group, not an office or home number.

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Bar Harbor (pass by)

We will briefly tour Bar Harbor, making sure to see some of the "cottages" left from the Gilded Age summer residents who made such a lasting impact on this island. Much of old Millionaire's Row burned when fire swept the island in 1947, but the fire stopped before destroying the town. Many of today's most picturesque inns and hotels, once served as vacation homes for high society families from further down the coast.
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Park Loop Road (pass by)

Acadia National Park is really just a few minutes' drive from the center of Bar Harbor. Let me show you some of the reasons they once called this area, Eden.
Read more

Eagle Lake Acadia National Park

There are many long, deep lakes across Mount Desert Island. Eagle Lake, which we will see as we head toward Cadillac Mountain, is one of the most picturesque.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Cadillac Mountain

The highest point on the island. The first place a new dawn touches the United States for much of the year. Cadillac Mountain provides sweeping views of nearly the entire outline of MDI. We can see Bar Harbor and the cruise ships in Frenchman Bay from one side, and a beautiful view of the open ocean and many of the small islands that dot the coastline between here and Portland. After taking some time to explore the summit, I'll point out a few of the landmarks we are about to investigate from closer up as we continue our journey around the Park Loop roads.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Wild Gardens of Acadia

One of the oldest sections of the park, the first area to change color the past few years in autumn, and a beautiful place to begin a hike up Dorr Mountain, or to take a leisurely stroll along the lovely Jessup Path boardwalk. We won't have time to see everything here -not if we want to fully enjoy the rocky coastline around the next bend- but I will pick a few of the best parts and be sure to tell you about things you should come back for later.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Sand Beach (pass by)

I will point out the trailhead for the famous (and harrowing) Precipice and Beehive trails. Then, show you one of the only sandy beaches for miles. From here, groups eager to get a few steps in, can walk along the gorgeous Ocean Path, stepping out whenever you like onto the great slabs of granite which slope down into the restless waves. If you choose to walk, I will let you enjoy some time by the ocean without me, while I find a place to pull over further down the road near Thunder Hole, then meet you along the path to point out some of my favorite places.
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Ocean Path

Grand, sweeping views of the ocean, and the chance to walk along one of Acadia's most beautiful coastal trails. You will have the option to walk part of the Ocean Path, or to drive and stop a few times for photos at the best overlooks. This is often one of the busier parts of Acadia National Park, but I know the hidden pathways where we can see the best views and enjoy the ocean without tripping over tourists.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Thunder Hole

A unique rock formation where the waves can crash with a thunderous boom when the conditions are right. Even at times when the thunder is lacking, this area, lined with harbor roses, asters, and other small, lovely things which peek out from among the harsh granite, is such a breathtaking example of all that is best about Maine's dramatic coastline.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Otter Cliff (pass by)

The Ocean Path runs from Sand Beach, past Thunder Hole, and all the way to Otter Cliffs and beyond. The entire way boasts some of the most amazing coastline, and lovely sections of pine forest with incredible moss and lichen. Otter Cliff is one of my favorite places to return to in the evenings. Especially to watch a moon rise from the ocean. We will pass the castle-like section of roadway, enjoy the view that so often fools travelers into thinking they've seen a whale, and hear how it surprised the very first visitors who crossed the Atlantic to explore this island.
Read more

Little Hunters Beach (pass by)

Winter storms have damaged the path leading down to the beach. I will still do my best to show what I can of this cove where the rocks add their own music to each crashing wave.
Read more

Jordan Pond (pass by)

27 miles of park roads barely begin to reveal all the magic of Acadia. Jordan Pond is one of the most magical places along our route. Sometimes, our highlights tours spend all our time enjoying the mountain and ocean views, so we have little time to do more than glimpse the promise of the quiet beauty of this famous area. The crowds know Jordan Pond is a place they should see. I will tease you with a glimpse of it, but I'll also share my secrets for when you can return and find the calm path around this pristine lake nearly empty. Many of the best loved hiking trails or carriage paths can be accessed from here too. Not to mention the tasty puff of history the Jordan Pond House provides with their fresh popovers.
Read more

Acadia National Park (pass by)

Depending upon the weather conditions, and partially on how quickly you want to move between locations, I will adjust our route to showcase the areas that will be most beautiful that day, and which I believe your group will find most impactful. There are many areas this list does not mention, which I love to showcase whenever I can. A tour with a local guide should be an experience you wouldn't find by exploring alone. I get to live here. My advice before you visit is this. Enjoy fully whatever you are able to see while you visit. Take the longer tour and spend more time here if possible. If not, think less of seeing everything (checking stops from a list) and more about fully seeing the highlights and experiencing this place in all the unique light and magic of waves and wind that moved a generation to form the only national park to be made up entirely of gifted land individuals deemed too special to keep to themselves. Acadia is a place set aside for you to feel what so moved them.
Read more
Show 11 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Folding wheelchairs or mobility equipment that fits in a minivan, are welcome.
  • How much you walk, or how often you leave the van, are up to you. Acadia's roads were purpose built to showcase the views without having to leave your car.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Experience Acadia: Private 3-hr tour with local guide.?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-485251P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
6 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Experience Acadia: Private 3-hr tour with local guide.?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks. I only share the kind of snacks I would offer to my best friends.
  • Bottled water.
  • Private transportation.
  • Cadillac Mountain entrance pass.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • National Park Passes.
The following is NOT included:
  • Stress over missing anything amazing.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Experience Acadia: Private 3-hr tour with local guide. is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Experience Acadia: Private 3-hr tour with local guide. will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksI only share the kind of snacks I would offer to my best friends.
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
  • Cadillac Mountain entrance pass
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • National Park Passes
  • Stress over missing anything amazing.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Folding wheelchairs or mobility equipment that fits in a minivan, are welcome.
  • How much you walk, or how often you leave the van, are up to you. Acadia's roads were purpose built to showcase the views without having to leave your car.
  • Children are welcome. You must bring your own car seats. I enjoy sharing tours with children; you know their limits best: they will change your tour experience.

Report Product Issue

Activity name