Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth booking?
Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is a 2-hour experience in Bar Harbor, United States, from $15 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Take a scenic trip across Acadia Mount Desert. Enjoy coastal and Rocky Shoreline views and learn about the Maliseet, Wabanaki, and Glooskap. Explore Charlotte Rhoades Park's lush vegetation, glacial relics, and George Do
What you get
About this experience
Take a scenic trip across Acadia Mount Desert. Enjoy coastal and Rocky Shoreline views and learn about the Maliseet, Wabanaki, and Glooskap. Explore Charlotte Rhoades Park's lush vegetation, glacial relics, and George Dorr and the Rusticators' tales. Taste Acadian food, see marine life, and relax at Little Long Pond. Celebrate Bass Harbor's rich heritage. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
Pretty Marsh Picnic Area
Coming up soon is the Pretty Marsh Picnic Area, featuring towering trees and a stairway that descends right to the shore. If it's near a low tide, this is a perfect place for tide-pooling. Tide pools are those little pockets of sea water left behind on rocky shorelines when the tide recedes. The best time to discover these miniature ocean ecosystems is during low tide. Note: The tour is over 57 miles long, with more than 48 audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Pass by without stopping
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
This is one of the three light stations managed by Acadia, but it’s the most photographed along the main coast. And who doesn't love a lighthouse? This one dates back to 1858! Unfortunately, neither the tower or keeper's house are open to the public. But hey, there might be a good reason for that. One of the more recent keepers, Robert Burchell, moved in with his family in 2004. He said most of the tourists were pretty cool and respectful, but some were too curious and tried to open the door to his house!
10 minutes here
Bass Harbor
This traditional fishing village used to be known as McKinley. How’d it get that name? When the federal government wanted to establish a post office nearby, they asked the villagers what it should be called. Allegedly, the villagers replied, “You can name it after the president for all we care!” So they named it after William McKinley! As it turns out, their descendants weren’t particularly fond of this name, so they petitioned to change it to Bass Harbor in 1966.
10 minutes here
Ship Harbor Nature Trail
The Ship Harbor Trailhead is coming up. This easy 1-mile hike should take about half an hour. It follows the shore of a narrow cove and offers great views, but some say it’s haunted! The story goes that in 1741, 200 people sailed from Ireland to Philadelphia, fleeing persecution from England. A storm wrecked the ship on this coast. Everyone escaped to shore, but they were stranded. No aid arrived and many perished. Some swam to the mainland for help, but were never heard from again! Finally, Native people found the survivors and carried word to the English settlements. Rescue arrived at last. Or did it?
10 minutes here
The Wonderland Trailhead is coming up soon. It’s an easy 1.5-mile hike that takes you right to the water’s edge. It should take less than an hour to complete. This is also a super popular spot for birdwatching and exploring tide pools!
10 minutes here
Acadia’s natural seawall is coming up soon on our right. Nature did some pretty fine work when creating this seawall! Ocean storms built it over time. When waves break, they carry rocks from the bottom of the beach all the way to the shore. Over and over. As the tides ebb and flow, the heavier stones stack at the top, while the lighter stones settle at the bottom. The result is a natural wall like this one!
10 minutes here
The park gets its name from Charlotte Rhoades, a former resident of Southwest Harbor back in the mid 1900s. In 1970, her family generously gave the property to the town with one request: They wanted it to be a peaceful park for children and their families. The town delivered on their promise!
10 minutes here
Echo Lake and Beach are coming up soon. The lake is the most popular freshwater swimming hole on the island! Trails that climb both Beech Cliff and Beach Mountain also start from here, offering some pretty marvelous views on a sunny day. The Beech Cliff trail is a fairly strenuous 2-mile hike that will take about two hours to complete. Although this trail doesn’t go all the way to the top of Beech Mountain, it has a series of ladders that will lead you through some really cool cliff formations.
10 minutes here
Little Long Pond
We’re almost at the Little Long Pond Trail. The 2-mile trail is an easy hike that should take less than an hour to complete. The trail loop takes you through the woods on old carriage roads and past a field beside Little Long Pond.
10 minutes here
Seal Harbor Beach is just ahead. It’s a large sand and pebble beach that’s typically less crowded than Sand Beach. There’s a diving platform if you’re in the mood for a splash. It’s also a really good spot to search for sea glass washed onto the shore!
10 minutes here
Seal Harbor
The town of Seal Harbor is coming up soon. The area around it has long been a haven for the rich and famous. Some of these little roads veering off to the right lead to an enclave of wealthy summer homes, including Skyland, the Cottage that Henry Ford built in 1925 for his son. Do you know who owns it now? Martha Stewart! Since 1997.
10 minutes here
Otter Creek
We're approaching Otter Creek, a small village just south of Bar Harbor. In a way, this village is an island unto itself. How? Well, it’s completely surrounded by Acadia National Park! But how did that happen?
10 minutes here
The lake coming up on our left is called the Tarn. The name comes from an Old Norse word “tjorn” meaning “small mountain lake.” It formed when the weight of a glacier simply depressed the ground beneath it. After a few too many dry summers in a row, the Tarn has become less of a pond and more of a marsh.
10 minutes here
In 1929, the Jackson Laboratory began operating as one of the world’s first centers for the study of cancer genetics. George Dorr donated the 13 acres of land that the campus was built on. Is there anything this guy didn’t do?
10 minutes here
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is just ahead. But did you know it wasn’t always Bar Harbor? Back in 1796, it was known as the Town of Eden. The name only changed in 1918! It’s the largest community on the island and has been a hotspot for summer vacationers for over two centuries, and that’s not liable to change anytime soon!
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bar Harbor
Start at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot, 25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the visitor center. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour will end at 1 West St, beside Boardwalk.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check current road closures and park conditions before your visit.
- An entrance fee or valid park pass may be required. Check current entry requirements before your visit.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended if you are visiting the Bar Harbor area!
I really enjoyed using this self-guided audio tour and I would certainly recommend it if you are visiting Mount Desert Island. What's great about it is that when you are approaching an attraction you are provided a really good overview so have time to decide if you want to stop. The highlighted stops I made were the Ship Harbor Trail, the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and Echo Lake that the tour rightly identified as "Must See" locations. I will note that there is a seperate tour available for inside Acadia National Park if you are interested. I will also add that Action Tour Guide has these self-guided driving tours for other National Parks and places of interest and I would certainly buy those in the future.
Response from the operator: Jurgen, great to hear you enjoyed the Grand Canyon South & East Rim audio tour. I'm glad the directions felt clear, the setup was straightforward, and the guide helped you reach all the must-see viewpoints. If you're interested, my 30+ National Parks Bundle includes self-guided tours of the Grand Canyon, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Joshua Tree, and more. Happy travels!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Place Will Return
Beautiful Place. Most underrated National Park. We will definately return. Also very dog friend area. Food choices plentiful and amazing
Response from the operator: I’m glad you enjoyed my audio tour, appreciated the beauty of the park, and found it both dog-friendly and full of great food options—sounds like a fantastic trip, and I would love to be part of your next visit too. If you’re planning more park adventures, I’d love for you to try my 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle, which includes Acadia, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Zion, Bryce, and many more. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Visit Again!
We enjoyed our visit but as expected some of the attractions were not accessible during our visit so we will visit later this year.
Response from the operator: Hi there, I’m glad you enjoyed my Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Some spots can be tricky depending on the season, but it’s great to hear you’re planning a return visit. My tour is valid for a year after booking, so you can use it again when everything is open. If you want more ways to explore Maine, check out my other self-guided tours, including Portland, Acadia Ocean Path, and Bar Harbor. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
It was ok
Didn’t really tell us much, it told how the island was formed and about the plants. We are here in February, didn’t see many plants just snow.
Response from the operator: Hi Donna, Unfortunately, the snow kept you from fully experiencing my Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. My stories are crafted with insights from local guides, and I’d love to hear what more you were hoping to learn—I’ll consider adding more details in future updates. If you missed anything due to the snow, you can revisit and use the tour in another season, as it’s valid for a year after booking. Let me know if you need any assistance!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bar Harbor.
How much does Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bar Harbor usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bar Harbor is not rushed.
Is Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bar Harbor, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bar Harbor can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bar Harbor and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bar Harbor within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bar Harbor?
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Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park access: Park Loop and Cadillac Mountain tours, carriage road bike rides, lobster boat trips, puffin cruises and sea kayaking. Cadillac sunrise reservations are the detail most listings miss. On Outty we rank every Bar Harbor experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours), Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
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June to October, with autumn colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bar Harbor?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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