Acadia Woody's Utmost Coast: 3-Hour Private Driving Tour of Mount Desert Island
A three-hour private driving tour around Mount Desert Island that hits Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and coastal villages. Guided by a local who blends natural history, tide timing and insider stops for photographs and stretch breaks.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures at Cadillac can be 10–20°F cooler than downtown—pack a windbreaker and an extra fleece.
Time Thunder Hole
Ask your guide about tide times—the thunderous effect is strongest near a rising tide a few hours before high.
Footwear for shore stops
Sturdy shoes with grip are useful at Thunder Hole and Otter Point where granite can be slick from spray.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
If you’re meeting in Bar Harbor, plan to be ready 15 minutes before pickup to beat Park Loop Road busier windows.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Drive Sargent Drive at low tide for reflective water photos
- •Stop briefly at the Seal Harbor pier for lobster-boat close-ups and local architecture
Wildlife
- •harbor seal
- •bald eagle
Conservation Note
Acadia manages high visitation through designated pullouts and trails—stay on designated paths, pack out waste, and respect restricted areas during storms or ranger closures.
Mount Desert Island’s carriage roads and some gardens were developed with funds and vision from early 20th-century patrons like John D. Rockefeller Jr., shaping access and conservation.
Photographer's Notes
- • Cadillac Mountain summit overlook
- • Thunder Hole headland
- • Sargent Drive pullout over Somes Sound
What to Bring
Windbreaker or waterproof jacketEssential
Blocks cold ocean spray and the sudden winds at Cadillac Mountain.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on granite ledges, boardwalks and uneven shorelines.
Binoculars
Helps spot seals, passing seabirds and details across Somes Sound.
Camera with polarizing filter
Reduces glare on water and deepens blue skies for coastal vistas.
Common Questions
Is the tour suitable for children and elders?
Yes. The tour is labeled 'physically easy' and stops are short; however, brief walks may include uneven surfaces—let the guide know about mobility needs.
Will we stop at Cadillac Mountain summit?
Yes. The itinerary includes a summit stop with a 20-minute walk option along a paved granite path.
Can the guide accommodate hotel pickup?
Yes. Pickup from Bar Harbor and nearby hotels is offered—confirm your exact location at booking and expect pickup 15 minutes before departure.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours operate in most weather; dangerous surf or park restrictions may alter stops. Cancellation for a full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Are park entrance fees included?
Admission specifics depend on operator policy; check at booking—this private tour references stops inside Acadia where standard park fees may apply.
How crowded are the stops during summer?
Peak summer brings buses and day-trippers; scheduling early or late morning increases chances of quieter viewpoints.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Bar Harbor, Maine
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk short paved/gravel paths and climb modest steps.
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