The 10 Best Tours in Mount Desert Island, DownEast and Acadia Maine

February 5, 2022 Viva Honore

Mount Desert (pronounced “dessert”) Island is the largest isle in Maine and the second largest on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Though it boasts a small residential community, Mount Desert claims more than two million visitors each year; all of whom are enamored with its quaint feel, stunning beaches, and access to saltwater and freshwater lakes. Popular water activities include kayaking, fishing, and canoeing, though many prefer to take in amazing sunrises and scenic vistas while exploring one of the island’s 25 trails.
Restaurants in Mount Desert Island

1. Somes Sound Fjord Cruise

Sea Princess Cruises, 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA Sea Princess Cruises
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Sea Princess offers a variety of professionally narrated trips daily out of Northeast Harbor. We cruise in calm and protected waters to ensure a comfortable trip for everyone. Cruise the Acadia area and discover the natural beauty of the National Park, with views of lighthouses, Somes Sound Fjord, mountains, cliffs, and more!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Restroom on board

Exclusions:

Reviewed By temco

Great. Narrations , very informative . Comfortable seating, nicely spaced due to current coved concerns

2. A Walk Through Time in Bar Harbor - Celebrating 200+ Years!

Abbe Museum, 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Maine Foodie Tours
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This 90 minute walking tour will begin in front of the Abbe Museum on Mount Desert Street. Your local, experienced guide will share highlights and secrets from the Gilded Age, stories of rum running, and tales of the town folk who influenced the development of Bar Harbor as you wend your way throughout the village. You'll stroll along the Shore Path, walk through the burial ground and visit the civil war monument. The tour will end in front of LaRochelle Mansion where the Bar Harbor Historical Society resides.

Inclusions: Guided tour of Bar Harbor, You'll end the tour with a sweet treat!

Exclusions: Gratuity to your tour guide

Reviewed By rkblanch

We loved the food and Timothy was an excellent, knowledgeable guide with the perfect mix of food and historical information! What a great way to see the Old Port area and try some awesome food!

3. A Walk Through Time in Bar Harbor - Celebrating 200+ Years!

Abbe Museum, 26 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Maine Foodie Tours
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This 2 hour walking tour will begin in front of the Abbe Museum on Mount Desert Street. Your local, experienced guide will share highlights and secrets from the Gilded Age, stories of rum running, and tales of the town folk who influenced the development of Bar Harbor as you wend your way throughout the village. You'll stroll along the Shore Path, walk through the burial ground and visit the civil war monument. The tour will end in front of LaRochelle Mansion where the Bar Harbor Historical Society resides.

Inclusions: Guided history tour of Bar Harbor , You'll end the tour with a sweet treat!

Exclusions: The gratuity to your tour guide

Reviewed By Greg S

We were on a cruise and wanted a food tour, which wasn’t offered by the cruise line. We always check TripAdvisor for reviews and found this one highly recommended. The reviews were right on. The first food offering was lobster roll and blueberry coffee cake . The lobster roll was the best we’d ever had and we’ve had many in different states. The cake was also yummy. We then had good chicken wings at a bar and grill, and then a panini at a soup and sandwich shop. We received a little bag of popcorn with two flavors, which was good but we were quite full by that point. The olive oil store was our last stop and may be more interesting to those who haven’t already been to several as we have. Very informative commentary there though. The gentleman who was our guide(sorry forgot his name) was very nice and friendly. We will do the tour again if back in Bar Harbor.

4. Acadia National Park MORNING Cruise

Sea Princess Cruises, 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA Sea Princess Cruises
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
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Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 16 reviews

The Sea Princess offers a variety of professionally narrated trips daily out of Northeast Harbor. We cruise in calm and protected waters to ensure a comfortable trip for everyone. Cruise the Acadia area and discover the natural beauty of the National Park, with views of lighthouses, basking harbor seals, mountains, cliffs, and more!

Inclusions: Restroom on board, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Debbie R

The day we went was so foggy you could barely see anything. The Park Ranger saved the day tho...he was very friendly and informative. Even tho the visibility was horrendous the captain of the boat really did try to get us as close to shore as possible, so we could see something. It may have been better if the weather was nicer. I just wasn't impressed on this terrible day that's why I gave it 3 stars. The captain and the Park Ranger did save the day tho. Getting off on the island was unremarkable as it was late in the season and the only place to eat was closed and there is really nothing to do there but walk around.

5. 3 Hour: ACADIA NATIONAL PARK TOUR Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach & Thunder Hole

Hulls Cove Visitor Center, 25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA At Your Service Tours
Excellent
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Good
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4.9 based on 26 reviews

Amazing Local Guides, Amazing Tours Welcome to Bar Harbor, Maine, home of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Operating since 1999, we are Bar Harbor’s and Mount Desert Island’s largest car service and private van touring company. Our goal is to provide you with the best tour experience available by providing distinct and personalized services targeted to your specific needs. Our tours are private. We do not put groups together. Our minivans seat 5 comfortably. We can book to 6 but know that 3 will be sharing the back seat. We will customize the tour to your time and tastes. *Note: All tour descriptions are what can be typically completed in the stated time frame. Because we allow clients to spend the time they want at each location some stops listed may be excluded if extra time is taken by the client at a site of interest. We do not take clients onto Sand Beach or into Jordan Pond House because of crowds but show overviews of both.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks

Exclusions:

Reviewed By christophert2015

My sister and I booked The Ultimate Island Tour and could not have been happier with our experience!!! Our tour guide Bill T was amazing and being a native of Mt Desert Island offers a wonderful insight and commentary to the tour...such a great guide and so much fun to spend the day with him. We will definitely be recommending to friends and family...great way to start our weekend get away!!!

6. Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour

164 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Maine Foodie Tours
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
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4.9 based on 75 reviews

- An amazing array of tastes will be accompanied by a generous serving of local history, fun facts and lore – making your visit to Bar Harbor a unique and exciting adventure! - As you sample the fare at the various stops, our tour guides and proprietors will reveal the history behind their industry and what goes into making their specialties. This is a fairly short walk around the Village Green and the beautiful harbor with plenty of food for lunch.

Inclusions: Lunch, VIP Package

Exclusions: Gratuity to the tour guide

Reviewed By 806AnneC

THIS WAS A WONDERFUL TOUR. It was filled with info provided by our guide Sue. She gave us more time than was allotted to finish the tour and we loved every minute.The tour was so informative and so much fun ! The tour is a must if you wish to understand how Bar Harbor came to be a destination.

7. Acadia National Park AFTERNOON Cruise

Sea Princess Cruises, 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA Sea Princess Cruises
Excellent
83%
Good
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Satisfactory
6%
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4.8 based on 19 reviews

The Sea Princess offers a variety of professionally narrated trips daily out of Northeast Harbor. We cruise in calm and protected waters to ensure a comfortable trip for everyone. Cruise the Acadia area and discover the natural beauty of the National Park, with views of lighthouses, basking harbor seals, mountains, cliffs, and more!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Restroom on board

Exclusions:

Reviewed By temco

Great. Narrations , very informative . Comfortable seating, nicely spaced due to current coved concerns

8. Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (Classic - 2.5 Hours)

53 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Acadia National Park Tours
Excellent
80%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.7 based on 466 reviews

Our fully narrated bus tour will satisfy even the most info-hungry tour-goer! Featuring three stops within Acadia National Park, guests will learn about the history of Bar Harbor and Acadia, the geology, the wildlife, and much more, all while taking in the stunning ocean and mountain views. Tour stops include the summit of Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the eastern seaboard), Thunder Hole (an oceanside stop), and Sieur De Monts Spring (Wild Gardens of Acadia). 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. Just sit back, relax, and let us guide you through 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! Experience the wonder and beauty of Acadia National Park from mid-May through October. Book your tour today!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By alfredp997

Excellent tour. They give you enough time at each stop, provide interesting history and details along the way and at each stop. Couldn't ask for more.

9. Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour

164 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Maine Foodie Tours
Excellent
75%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
25%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.1 based on 8 reviews

- An amazing array of tastes will be accompanied by a generous serving of local history, fun facts and lore – making your visit to Bar Harbor a unique and exciting adventure! - As you sample the fare at the various stops, our tour guides and proprietors will reveal the history behind their industry and what goes into making their specialties. This is a fairly short walk around the Village Green and the beautiful harbor with plenty of food for lunch.

Inclusions: Lunch, VIP Gift, Guided walking tour of Bar Harbor

Exclusions: Gratuity to the tour guide

Reviewed By rkblanch

We loved the food and Timothy was an excellent, knowledgeable guide with the perfect mix of food and historical information! What a great way to see the Old Port area and try some awesome food!

10. 2-Hour Tall Ship Cruise from Bar Harbor

1 Newport Dr, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA Tall Ship Cruise Bar Harbour
Excellent
63%
Good
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Satisfactory
16%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 20 reviews

If visiting on a cruise or staying in a hotel, this 2-hour cruise of Frenchman Bay with its stunning views of Acadia National Park is a tall ship cruise that will live long in your memory.

Inclusions: 2 Hour round trip cruise

Exclusions: Food and Drinks

Reviewed By M9915XAjessicas

If you want a general harbor cruise, this is good, but if you're looking for a romantic quiet evening watching the sunset from a sailboat that is not what you will get. The crew was pleasant and the live music was nice when the musician played nearby. Unfortunately was not as advertised as a romantic sunset sail with maximum 15 people on board. There were closer to 50 people, so there was no room to move around or even spread out in your seat, and it was very loud. Also, boarding for this is 30 minutes prior to the departure time, with no mention of that on this site, the confirmation emails, or the tickets. We were set to arrive 15 minutes prior for a 5pm departure, and at 4:40pm they were calling us asking where we were and saying we would forfeit our tickets and miss the cruise if we didn't arrive shortly. Disappointed with this for the price. Trip Advisor needs to update the description to match the experience, and should update the time to 4:30pm since they expect you there to board at that time.

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