Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour worth booking?
Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour is a 16-hour experience in Bar Harbor, United States, from $16 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (3)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $16 per person
Experience the stunning beauty of Acadia National Park with our immersive audio tour! Explore rocky coastlines, lush forests, and serene lakes while our guides share captivating stories and interesting facts about the pa
What you get
About this experience
Experience the stunning beauty of Acadia National Park with our immersive audio tour! Explore rocky coastlines, lush forests, and serene lakes while our guides share captivating stories and interesting facts about the park's history, wildlife, and unique geology. Discover the charm of iconic spots like Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventurers, our audio tour lets you explore at your own pace, making your visit both educational and enjoyable. Simply download, plug in your headphones, and set off on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Acadia National Park! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*
What's included
Included
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Not included
- Meals and refreshment - optional
- Horse-drawn carriage rides - optional (price varies)
What you'll see and do
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Acadia National Park & The Hulls Cove Visitor Center, where you purchase park tickets and get maps.
30 minutes here
Frenchman Bay
Your first overlook after entering the park, high above the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean.
5 minutes here
Sieur de Monts Spring
An exhibit center for park nature and science, plus Wild Gardens and trails like Jesup Path, on the site of Acadia's origin.
30 minutes here
Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
Another view from afar showing you how high up you still are above Bar Harbor and the ocean, before you get closer to sea level.
5 minutes here
A larger, still elevated overlook area with a vista of the sea
10 minutes here
Great Head Trail
This is a popular, two mile round-trip, moderate loop hike high above the ocean and Sand Beach.
60 minutes here
Sand Beach
From the Sand Beach parking lot, head down to the sandy beachfront, or walk up to the Ocean Path and walk parallel to the road and coastline all the way to Otter Point. It's 2.2 miles, or 4.4 miles round trip.
60 minutes here
Thunder Hole
This is a small inlet, naturally carved out of the rocks, where the waves roll in. At the end of the inlet, down low, is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water are forced out like a clap of thunder, with splashes as high as 40 feet to accompany the thunderous roar.
60 minutes here
Otter Cliff
These cliffs rise a hundred feet above the coast and are a popular rock-climbing spot over the ocean.
5 minutes here
This is the very southern tip of the peninsula, and the other end of the Ocean Path that began back at Sand Beach. The view from here is one of the most spectacular sights along the North Atlatic seaboard.
5 minutes here
This is where the road curves around the inlet known as Otter Cove, featuring a one-of-a-kind stone bridge. The inlet leads to a creek on the other side. This cove is a great place for tidepooling!
30 minutes here
A giant barn holds stables for enormous, strong horses that pull carriages up and down some of the historic carriage roads of Acadia, just as they've done since the days of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who began building them in 1913.
Pass by without stopping
Jordan Pond
This pond is more like a lake. It covers 187 acres with an iconic view of the Bubbles mountains. Jordan Pond House is a historic house...and home to an iconic tradition at Acadia...the baking of hot, piping popover rolls that remain one of the most popular reasons that folks flock to Acadia!
30 minutes here
Bubble Rock is a gigantic boulder hanging off the side of South Bubble Mountain. To get to it, hike the Bubbles Divide Trail. This is a short, easy-to-moderate hike, only about a mile long, with a total elevation gain of 608 feet. Plus some boulder scrambling at the end if you want to get really close to the rock. Hike the Bubbles Divide Trail to South Bubble, following signs to Bubble Rock.Just keep left the whole way up the trail.
60 minutes here
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain rises 1,528 feet above sea level. That makes is the highest mountain in Acadia and on Mount Desert Island. It's also the highest point along the entire east coast of the United States. And you can drive up to the summit for breathtaking views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
60 minutes here
Somesville Museum and Gardens
This is one of the most photographed bridges in all of Maine, with a graceful arch reflected by the waters of Somes Creek, framed by nature for a picturesque and charming view. It's nicknamed the Monet Bridge after the French artist, because it's as pretty as one of his paintings. There's also a small museum on site in case you want to peruse the history of Mount Desert Island.
30 minutes here
Echo Lake Beach
With a sandy beach on its south shore, Echo Lake is a gorgeous little lake on the western side of Mount desert Island just south of Somesville, and part of Acadia. It makes for a nice swimming hole in summer, and voices tend to echo off the surrounding mountainous granite rocks.
30 minutes here
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Built of brick in 1858 on a stone foundation, this lighthouse stands 56 feet above the high water mark. It's the most famous lighthouse in Acadia. It's the only lighthouse on Mount Desert Island, and one of the most recognized and photographed in the United States.
45 minutes here
Ship Harbor Nature Trail
This is an easy 1.3 mile figure-eight loop along the forest floor off Seawall Road near the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, with stunning coastline views.
60 minutes here
Wonderland Trail
This is an easy 1.4 mile round trip hike to the ocean along Seawall Road near Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
60 minutes here
Seawall Picnic Area
This is a picnic area with a parking lot where you can stop and take in an up-close view of the ocean.
30 minutes here
Charlotte Rhoades Garden and Butterfly Park
This butterfly garden at Charlotte Rhoades Park gives visitors a chance to learn more about butterfly habitats and spot some up close.
45 minutes here
This is historic homestead is an example of a typical Maine mountain farm. It was first settled by John Carroll and his family in 1825, and has been preserved after being donated to Acadia.
30 minutes here
Seal Harbor
On the optional Northeast Harbor leg. There's also a beautiful village green here, along with a small sandy beach.
15 minutes here
Thuya Gardens
An optional stop on the Northeast Harbor leg to explore some beautiful landscaped gardens.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bar Harbor
Just before the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, as they’re getting ready to reach the main park entrance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Just before the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, as they’re getting ready to reach the main park entrance.
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
- Shaka Guide Apps
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Optional Starting Points: • Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot • Rt. 3 Trenton straight to Somesville
- Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
- The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
- Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
- Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
- Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
- May through October - advanced reservations are required to visit Cadillac Mountain.
- If you plan on dining at Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park we highly recommend reservations.
- You can take a horse-drawn carriage rides at Acadia National Park – we recommend making reservations in advance.
- Only swim if there’s a lifeguard on duty - the Atlantic Ocean can be very rough.
- Be mindful of rocky cliffs!
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best money we spent in Acadia
Follow the directions and download before you get in the park. It was so fun to use. The author was witty and informative. We learned so many little facts - so with it. And the app download was the key!
Response from the operator: Aloha Kathleen, We're so glad you enjoyed the witty stories and fun facts along the drive. Huge mahalo as well for reminding everyone to download before heading into the park—that offline setup makes all the difference! We can't wait to tag along on your next adventure! 🤙 With warm aloha, Shaka Guide Team 🌺
via Viator
Too difficult
Obtain a map of the Acadia national Park first. Listen to all of the audios and map how you want to proceed through the park. Listening to the audio, looking for the road signs, and checking the map to make sure you are in sync with the audio all while you are driving, does not work.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your honest feedback and helpful tips! We appreciate you sharing your experience — that’s great advice for future travelers. We’ll also review how we can make the tour flow even more smoothly for visitors exploring Acadia. 🌲
via Viator
Bad Day
It was awful.... trip advisor didn't have the courtesy to let us know you need sophisticated computer/phone skills to download the trip BEFORE selling the trip. From an 80 year old traveler, this is crap. This is a Shaka self-guided trip to no where!
Response from the operator: We’re truly sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate you sharing this with us. Shaka Guide is a self-guided audio tour app, and we understand that downloading and setting it up can sometimes be challenging, especially for first-time users. We’d love to help make things right — could you please let us know which tour you purchased and the device you’re using? We’ll guide you through the setup or assist with a refund if you prefer. Your feedback helps us improve how we support all travelers, including our senior adventurers.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 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 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bar Harbor.
How much does Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $16 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 National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour take?
+
Plan for about 16 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 National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 3 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 National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour?
+
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 National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour?
+
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?
+
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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour.
Pick your date
