Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
You can explore most of Acadia independently, but adding a guided experience is a great way to see a different side of the park. From scenic boat cruises to kayaking and historic carriage rides, these are some of the best activities to consider. Compared to many other National Parks, Acadia has more tour options surrounding the experience and below I have suggestions and ideas on how to make the most of the best tours in Acadia National Park.
Planning a trip to Acadia?
Our National Parks are full of epic hikes, sweeping vistas, and amazing ecosystems. If you like our parks, you'll love our National Parks Journal Newsletter or you can explore exactly how we plan a National Parks Trip.
Want downloadable itinerary, video guides and more? Join the Club.
Take a Scenic Boat Cruise
Best for: Families, photographers, and visitors who want to see Acadia from the water.
A boat tour offers a completely different perspective of Mount Desert Island, with views of the rocky coastline, offshore islands, lighthouses, and sometimes seals or seabirds. This is my top recommendation (as well as the biking tours)
Look for nature cruises, lighthouse tours, or sunset cruises departing from Bar Harbor.
When to go: Summer through early fall, depending on the operator.
- Acadian Boat Tours: Offers narrated sightseeing and nature cruises along Acadia’s coastline, including opportunities to see seals, seabirds, lighthouses, and seasonal puffin colonies.
- Bar Harbor Whale Watch: Best for wildlife lovers, with offshore whale-watching excursions as well as shorter cruises featuring puffins, seals, lighthouses, and Acadia’s dramatic coastline.
- Sail Acadia: Offers small-group sailing trips aboard traditional Maine wooden boats, along with lobster boat tours and sunset cruises departing from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor.
2. Go Sea Kayaking (and Paddleboarding)
Best for: Active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Paddling along Acadia’s coastline is one of the most memorable ways to experience the park. Guided tours offer opportunities to explore sheltered coves, rocky shorelines, and island scenery.
Choose a guided trip suited to your experience level. Coastal waters can be cold, and conditions can change quickly.
When to go: Generally late spring through early fall.
- Private Kayaking Tour on Jordan Pond: this tour is on the pricey side but works if you have a small group
- Acadia Stand Up and Ebike – a great place to get Paddelboards
- Acadia Sea Kayaking Adventures
3. Explore the Carriage Roads by Bike
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone looking for an active adventure without technical hiking.
Acadia’s historic carriage roads wind through forests, around lakes, and across beautiful stone bridges. The roads are closed to regular motor vehicles, making them ideal for cycling.
Rent a bicycle locally or bring your own. Routes vary in distance and difficulty, and some have significant hills.
- Explore Acadia’s Carriage Roads
- Self-Guided Ebike Tours of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
- Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
4. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Best for: History lovers, families, and visitors looking for a relaxing experience.
A carriage ride is a wonderful way to explore Acadia’s historic road system while learning about its history and scenery.
Tours operate seasonally from Wildwood Stables. Advance reservations are recommended.
5. Join a Ranger-Led Program
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and travelers interested in learning more about the park.
Acadia offers seasonal ranger programs covering topics such as wildlife, geology, ecology, and park history. Depending on the season, options may include guided walks, talks, and evening programs.
6. Take a Guided Hiking Tour
Best for: First-time visitors or hikers who prefer exploring with a knowledgeable guide.
Acadia has everything from gentle coastal trails to challenging granite summit hikes. A guided hike can help you discover less crowded routes and learn more about the park’s natural history.
Choose a tour based on your hiking experience and comfort with steep or exposed terrain.
7. Enjoy a Wildlife-Watching Excursion
Best for: Nature lovers and families.
Wildlife and nature cruises around Mount Desert Island may offer opportunities to see harbor seals, seabirds, and other marine wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed.
For birdwatchers, Acadia is also an excellent destination for spotting coastal birds and, in suitable areas and seasons, peregrine falcons.
This is the tour I recommend the most:
Acadian Boat Tours Puffin & Seabird Cruises — Seasonal excursions focused on puffins, seabirds, and Maine’s coastal wildlife.
A Few other Ideas
Which Experience Should You Choose?
| If you love… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Ocean scenery | Scenic boat cruise |
| Active adventure | Guided kayaking |
| Biking | Carriage roads |
| History | Horse-drawn carriage ride |
| Learning about nature | Ranger-led program |
| Hiking | Guided hike |
| Wildlife | Nature cruise |
Booking Tips for the Best Tours in Acadia
- Reserve popular summer tours in advance – basically as soon as you plan your trip.
- Confirm departure locations and arrival times.
- Check cancellation policies for weather-dependent activities. Maine is well know for changing weather!
- Bring layers for boat tours, even on warm days.
- Allow enough time to travel between Bar Harbor and other parts of Mount Desert Island.
My suggestion: If you have two days in Acadia, consider adding one water-based experience. You’ll already see the mountains and coastline from land, but seeing the island from the water adds something completely different to your trip.
