Best Tours in Acadia National Park (Top Experiences for First-Time Visitors)
Experience the Best Tours and Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park offers everything from scenic boat cruises and narrated bus tours to guided hikes and ranger-led programs, and choosing the right tour can completely shape your experience in the park. We’ve visited Acadia National Park and have personally explored it by boat, on foot, and by car, which has given us a really clear sense of what’s actually worth doing — and what you can skip.
In this guide, we’re ranking the best tours in Acadia National Park based on real experience, scenery, ease, and overall value. Whether you’re visiting Acadia for the first time, traveling with kids, short on time, or simply want the most iconic Acadia views with minimal planning, these are the tours we’d recommend again without hesitation. This list includes guided tours, ranger-led programs, and must-do Acadia experiences that visitors commonly search for when planning their trip.
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This list highlights a variety of top-rated experiences—including private excursions, family-friendly outings, and adventurous outdoor tours—so no matter your style of travel, you'll find the best tours in Acadia to suit your trip. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Acadia National Park, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up the very best tours in Bar Harbor that make the most of your time here—whether you’ve got three hours or a full day to explore. These are the best tours in Acadia and some of the best things to do in Acadia overall.
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My Favorite Choice For The Best Thing To Do In Acadia National Park:
Best Tours in Acadia National Park (Quick Picks)
Best overall tour: -6Hour Highlights of Mount Desert Island with Authentic Lobster Pound Lunch
Best for families: Private Bike Tour in Acadia National Park
Best boat tour: Windjammer Sailing Trip from Bar Harbor
Best unique tour: Aqua Safari Kayak Tour from Southwest Harbor
6 Hour Highlights of Mount Desert Island with Authentic Lobster Pound Lunch
⭐ 5.0 (300+ reviews) ⏱ Duration: 6 hours
What is it
This small-group tour is a Bar Harbor fan favorite and one of the absolute best tours in Acadia.
Why It’s Great
You’ll cover serious ground in just five hours while enjoying a curated itinerary that hits all the iconic sites on Mount Desert Island. Stops include Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and more—each paired with fun commentary and historical context from a knowledgeable local guide. And let’s not forget the cherry on top: lunch at a local lobster pound, where you can indulge in Maine’s freshest catch. It’s immersive, delicious, and totally stress-free.
Why You Should Choose This Tour:
You get to explore the best of Acadia National Park, including Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, without having to do any of the planning.
The lobster pound lunch is a true New England experience and makes this tour feel extra special.
Great for anyone wondering what to do in Acadia when time is limited—you’ll hit all the must-see spots.
A well-balanced mix of sightseeing, food, and local storytelling makes this one of the best things to do in Acadia.
Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and foodies looking for a laid-back but enriching day.
What Past Guests Have Said-
“This tour was fantastic. We were able to see the highlights of Acadia Park along with other areas of Mount Desert Island that we may not have seen. Pete, our guide, was so knowledgeable. He was able to answer all of our questions and gave us tips about other things to do in the area. He also was able to give us more information on some of the activities that we already had done.
Read more about - 6 Hour Private Tour: Acadia National Park, Fjord & Lobster Lunch - ”
2. Best Full Day Private Tour
⭐ 5.0 (50+ reviews) ⏱ Duration: 7 hours
If you’re craving a more personalized deep dive into the best things to do in Acadia, this full-day private tour is an ideal fit. It’s just you, your group, and a guide who knows the park inside and out.
What You’ll Do
You’ll explore all the major landmarks with your tour guide like Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sand Beach, but with the flexibility to customize your day. Whether you want to hike, take it slow, or see hidden local spots, your guide will craft a day that suits your interests and pace.
Why You Should Choose This Tour:
The personalized nature of this tour means you can design your perfect Acadia experience.
Great for families, photographers, or anyone who wants to go off-script and skip the tourist crowds.
One of the best tours in Acadia for those who want to understand the park’s natural and cultural history in depth.
Flexible pace and private transportation make it a stress-free option.
A great choice for repeat visitors looking to go beyond the basics and explore more of what to do in Acadia.
What Past Guests Have Said-
“What an incredible adventure! We absolutely fell in love with Acadia. Ash is an exceptional guide with an impressive knowledge of the area—and so much more. She truly made the experience unforgettable. Her patience and kindness with our two boys (10 & 12) were remarkable, and she inspired them to be curious and adventurous. Lunch was fantastic, with every detail thoughtfully prepared. We didn’t want the day to end! Her recommendations for restaurants and other trails were spot-on and made the rest of our trip even more enjoyable. We highly recommend this tour!!”
If you’re looking for a unique and active way to explore the best things to do in Acadia, this private bike tour is a must.
What You’ll Do
The Carriage Roads of Acadia offer a one-of-a-kind biking experience, winding through peaceful forested paths and across historic stone bridges. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., these roads are closed to motor vehicles, making them perfect for a leisurely but immersive ride. Your guide will tailor the experience to your fitness level and interests, ensuring a memorable adventure.
Why You Should Choose This Tour:
The Carriage Roads are one of Acadia’s most iconic features—exploring them by bike is both fun and scenic.
Your private guide will give you a deeper understanding of the park’s history, wildlife, and hidden gems.
An excellent choice for travelers looking for active things to do in Acadia.
Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or families with older kids.
You’ll get amazing photos and a sense of accomplishment, all while avoiding crowds.
“Great tour of the carriage roads on bikes. Our family did regular bikes instead of e-bikes cause our girls were 9 & 8. All equipment was provided for. Ash was our tour guide and she did a great job not only showing us around but also going in to details about the animals we came across in addition to pointing out wild blueberry patches and discussing the history of the park.”
Best Unique Tour
Aqua Safari Kayak Tour from Southwest Harbor
⭐ 5.0 (40+ reviews) ⏱ Duration: 3 hours
There’s something magical about experiencing Acadia from the water, and this kayak safari lets you do just that.
What You’ll Do
Departing from the quiet side of Mount Desert Island in Southwest Harbor, this small-group tour offers a serene and wildlife-rich adventure. You’ll paddle past rugged coastline, secluded coves, and possibly spot seals, sea stars, and even porpoises. It’s peaceful, invigorating, and offers a different angle of what to do in Acadia.
Why You Should Choose This Tour:
A great mix of adventure, wildlife, and tranquility.
Departing from Southwest Harbor means fewer crowds and more natural beauty.
Perfect for nature lovers, paddling enthusiasts, and families with older kids.
One of the best tours in Acadia for seeing the coast up close.
Offers a fresh perspective on the park and ranks high among the most memorable things to do in Acadia.
What Others Have Said About This Tour
“Our guide Sam, as well as all of the other staff (including Olivia, who helped over the phone) were excellent. Really great equipment provided, and our guide taught us and showed us a lot. Loved paddling through the seal rookery! Wonderful experience that began in the fog and ended with sun. The beach stop, aside from being a great way to see rocks and shells, was a well-timed rest before the end paddle.”
If you're dreaming of salty breezes, peaceful waters, and scenic coastline views, the Windjammer Sailing Trip from Bar Harbor is exactly what you need.
What You’ll Do
Step aboard an authentic schooner and set sail along Frenchman Bay, with views of the Porcupine Islands, Acadia's rocky cliffs, and—if you're lucky—seals, eagles, or even porpoises gliding by. This relaxing two-hour tour offers a timeless maritime experience that's deeply tied to Maine’s seafaring history. While we haven’t personally taken the boat cruise, every local we spoke to recommended it as the best way to see Acadia from the water.
Why You Should Choose This Tour:
A peaceful and photogenic way to experience the coast of Acadia from the water.
Learn about the region’s maritime traditions while enjoying fresh ocean air.
Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants a laid-back excursion.
One of the best things to do in Acadia if you want scenic views without hiking boots.
A magical and relaxing contrast to the more land-based park tours.
What Others Have Said About This Tour
“We enjoyed the be peaceful, quietness of guiding along the water with no engines. Just wind and seagulls. We saw lots of marine life, as well. I’m glad we did it. It was one of the highlights of our trip.”
Read More Reviews Here
FAQs About Tours & Things to Do in Acadia
What is the best way to see Acadia National Park?
In our experience, the best way to see Acadia National Park is a mix of a guided tour plus self-exploring afterward. Acadia has so much packed into a relatively small area — rugged coastline, mountain views, historic carriage roads, and iconic stops like Cadillac Mountain — that it can feel overwhelming at first.
We found that doing a tour early in our trip helped us get the lay of the land quickly. A good guide points out things you’d never notice on your own, shares local history, and helps you prioritize what’s actually worth your time (which is huge when traveling with kids). After that, we loved going back on our own to revisit favorite spots at a slower pace.
If it’s your first time visiting Acadia, I honestly think a tour is the most efficient way to experience the park without missing the highlights.
Are guided tours worth it in Acadia?
Yes — guided tours in Acadia are absolutely worth it, especially if you’re short on time or visiting for the first time.
We debated skipping a tour and just driving ourselves, but I’m so glad we didn’t. Acadia isn’t just about pretty views — there’s a lot of history, geology, and local insight that you’d never get without someone explaining it along the way. Plus, not having to worry about parking, routes, or what stop comes next made the entire day feel way more relaxed.
From our perspective, tours took the stress out of planning and helped us see more in less time — which is always a win when you’re traveling as a family.
Can you do Acadia tours with kids?
Absolutely — Acadia tours can be very kid-friendly, and we’ve found that they’re often easier than trying to navigate everything on your own with little ones.
When we toured Acadia with kids, the biggest benefit was that they could sit back, look around, ask questions, and actually enjoy the scenery instead of constantly hopping in and out of the car. Many tours allow kids and are flexible enough to accommodate bathroom breaks, snacks, and shorter attention spans.
If your kids are elementary-age or older, they’ll likely love learning fun facts about the park. Even younger kids tend to enjoy boat tours or narrated drives where they can just take it all in.
How long does a typical Acadia tour last?
Most Acadia National Park tours last between 2 to 3 hours, though some boat tours and extended experiences can run longer.
We found that this length was perfect — long enough to see the highlights and learn a ton, but not so long that kids (or adults) started to melt down. Tours usually cover several major viewpoints and give you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed.
If you’re traveling with kids or planning a full day in the park, a half-day tour is a great balance that still leaves time for lunch, exploring, or relaxing afterward.
What’s the best time of year for tours in Acadia?
In my opinion, late spring through early fall is the best time of year for Acadia tours, with summer and early fall being especially popular.
We loved visiting during the warmer months when everything was open, the weather was comfortable, and boat tours were running regularly. Fall is also incredible if you’re hoping to catch the foliage — just keep in mind that it’s one of the busiest times of year.
Spring can be quieter and beautiful, but some tours operate on a limited schedule. If you’re traveling with kids and want the most options and flexibility, summer is usually the easiest season to plan around.
Final Thoughts: Best Tours in Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor is the gateway to one of America’s most beloved national parks, and these tours are the perfect way to experience it. From full-day private adventures to quick scenic highlights, this guide covers the best tours in Acadia and some of the best things to do in Acadia overall. Whether you're a foodie, hiker, paddler, or scenic cruiser, there's something here for every kind of traveler. For the ultimate experience, start with the 5-Hour Highlights of Mount Desert Island tour—it’s a fan favorite that truly captures the heart of Acadia.
Need help choosing or planning your trip? Drop your questions in the comments or reach out—I’m happy to help you find the perfect way to experience Acadia National Park.