13 Portland & Bar Harbor Tours That Earn the Road Trip

1.Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,926 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Our pick

Ride from 53 Main Street through Bar Harbor, Mt. Desert Island, and Acadia National Park with an English-speaking guide. You’ll stop at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sieur de Monts Spring, with about 45 to 60 minutes off the bus. Guides such as Rick, Ronny, and Ken add local stories and humor.

“The bus arrived on time. Our driver was very friendly and informative. We do wish there were longer stops along the way, but we enjoyed the stops we got to make.”

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2.The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,448 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $69Top rated

Join Portland native Derek for a 1-hour-45-minute small-group tour through the city and out to three lighthouses. You’ll see Commercial Street, the Eastern Promenade, historic churches, Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light. The air-conditioned van holds up to 13 people.

“Derek the most entertaining and informative guide that we have ever had with our many Viator tours. The correct amount of prople (13)”

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3.Discover Portland City and Lighthouse Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,019 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $54Best value

Ride an open-air trolley through Portland’s Old Port, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront, then stop at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest working lighthouse. Guides such as Dorothy, Gloria, Steve, Barry, and George bring local history and humor to the route. The tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and carries up to 30 people.

“Great tour guide, pointing out unquie points around the city. Lovely town with lots to explore. Would love to go back.”

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4.Portland Explorer | Maine History, Culture, & 3 Lighthouses Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 948 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69

Ride from Portland’s Old Port in a comfortable Ford Transit van with a local guide such as Eric, Jeff, Pete, or Joe. See Fore Street and Commercial Street, then visit Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Light, and Bug Light. The two-hour tour includes bottled water, charging, umbrellas, and time to walk at each stop.

“I expected more content. Love the Portland, beer hub, and love the lighthouses. Just wanted a little bit more.”

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5.Best of Maine Lighthouse Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 661 reviews · 1h 45m · from $56

Cruise Casco Bay from Portland for 105 minutes with an English-speaking guide, indoor and outdoor seating, and views of four lighthouses, forts, islands, seals, and harbor traffic. Portland Head Light, Bug Light, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse are among the sights. Snacks and drinks are available to buy onboard.

“Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. We are ‘locals’ and learned a lot about Portland that we did not know before.”

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6.Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park (3.5 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 658 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

From central Bar Harbor, a guide such as Heather, Ron, or Rob may lead you through Acadia in a comfortable Berkshire minibus. In about four hours, you’ll stop at Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Jordan Pond while hearing stories about the park, its wildlife, and Bar Harbor’s past.

“Learning about all the areas we visited. Tour bus was very comfo. Guide was very knowledgeable and funny.”

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7.Trolley City Tour with Portland Head Light Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 657 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Ride a comfortable, forward-facing trolley through Portland’s Old Port, Arts District, historic neighborhoods, and Eastern Promenade. Your English-speaking guide shares local stories before a 30-minute stop at Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park. Guides such as Wendy, Gloria, Bruce, and Steve are praised for humor and local insight.

“Well organised and professional. Great guide with lots of local knowledge and a great sense of humour. I would definitely recommend this tour.”

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8.1.5 to 2-Hr Windjammer Sailing Trip in Maine w/ Licensed Captain

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 601 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Sail Frenchman Bay aboard the Schooner Margaret Todd with a licensed captain and crew. You’ll pass the Porcupine Islands, view Acadia National Park from the water, watch for seals and bald eagles, and relax on spacious decks. Bring a jacket, arrive 45 minutes early, and expect a group of up to 150 people.

“Overall, a nice ride around the harbor. Could have had a little more narration to make it more interesting, but still quite enjoyable.”

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9.Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 521 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Drive Acadia’s 22-mile Park Loop Road with a GPS-guided audio tour covering Hulls Cove, Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and more. The Action Tour Guide app works offline after download, plays stories automatically, and lets you stop, skip, or repeat sections at your own pace. Park admission and Cadillac Summit access cost extra.

“This is the second trip I have done and I just enjoy these self guided driving tours! I learn so much!”

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10.Self-Guided Ebike Tours of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 427 reviews · 1 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $130

Start at Hull’s Cove Visitor Center, where Island Time Ebike Rentals provides a class 1 e-bike, helmet, lock, basket, map, phone holder, and riding lesson. Wilton and his team explain safe routes through Acadia’s carriage roads, including options near Jordan Pond. Ride for one to six hours at your own pace.

“Wonderful experience exploring Acadia NP. E bikes were very fun and Gilbert? Instructed us on their use. Perfect fall color. It was cold and rainy but we still enjoyed it. Highly recommend !!”

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11.Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail from Camden, Maine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 425 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

Join Captain Sean and crew aboard the 86-foot Appledore II for a two-hour sunset sail from Camden Harbor. Help raise the sails, try the wheel, pass Curtis Island Light, and watch the sun drop behind Mount Battie. Drinks are available to buy, and blankets may be provided on chilly evenings.

“It was a perfect late afternoon for a cruise. The schooner was well maintained, the crew was terrific, beautiful sailing and I liked the audience participation! I only wish the captain had a microphone as he was on the other end of the vessel so hard to hear. Great experience and great price!”

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12.Guided Ebike Tour of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $190

This four-hour guided e-bike ride covers about 22 miles of Acadia’s carriage roads from Hulls Cove Visitor Center. You’ll climb Paradise Hill, pass Eagle Lake and Jordan Pond, stop near beaver ponds, and reach Bubble Pond. Guides such as Wilton, Thomas, Merrill, and Dave are praised for safety, park knowledge, and helping first-time e-bikers feel at ease.

“This was a wonderful tour! Would love to do it again! The tour guide was wonderful, stops were perfect, and views were incredible.”

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13.Windjammer Classic Day Sail from Camden, Maine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 406 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Join Captain Sean, Captain Pablo, or another Appledore II crew for a two-hour windjammer sail from Bayview Landing in Camden. Help raise the sails, try the wheel, hear stories about this world-sailing schooner, and watch for Curtis Island Light, lobstermen, seals, eagles, and porpoises. Drinks and restrooms are available aboard.

“Wear layers of clothing , it gets cold. It was fun watching the crew work. Drinks and restrooms are available.”

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