This is the quintessential Maine and Acadia National Park tour you’ve been searching for. Bike and hike near Maine’s Atlantic coast, chase mountain top views on hikes, and chow down on dinner aboard an original 1935 sailboat. Explore Acadia National Park, the coastal towns of Boothbay, Camden, Islesboro Island, Bar Harbor, and more.
The Best Maine Coastline Vacation & Adventure
With travel experts and experienced guides on your side, no detail is missed in the planning and delivery of this vacation. This tour of coastal Maine will keep all adventurers over the age of 16 enthralled by the natural beauty around them, enjoying the coastal landscape through memorable experiences. Listen to the “roar” of the ocean as you walk along Maine’s coastline and witness Thunder Hole, where seaspray reaches 40 feet in the air! Embark on an Acadia National park tour with an experienced guide, check off “kayaking in Maine” from your bucket list and chow down on some locally caught lobster.
Maine & Acadia National Park Tour Highlights
Paddle along the coast in a kayak with a guide who will impart local knowledge about the history and biology around you.
Board an authentic sailboat and ride the waves with the wind in your hair on this windjammer cruise, where you’ll also enjoy dinner on board.
Bike your way to the stunning Penobscot Bay beaches.
Embark on a biking tour of Acadia National Park on your way to Jordan Pond nestled within the national park.
Snap a perfect seaside photo while hiking along the Sand Beach Boardwalk, where you’ll experience the iconic Thunder Hole, a rocky inlet where the waves erupt from the ocean.
Taste a homemade lobster roll at a family-run restaurant.
**Operating under permit with the US Forest Service/National Park Service. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Visit the Jewel of the Maine Coast, the town of Camden, where you can immerse yourself in a seaside lifestyle with a bustling harbor and 19th-century architecture
02
Take a ferry to Islesboro Island and pedal your way around the island to meet the picturesque Penobscot Bay beaches
03
Snap a photo of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of only three light stations in Acadia National Park, that was constructed way back in 1858
Portland, Maine | Southport Island | Coastal Maine Botanical Garden
Portland, Maine Arrival: Welcome to Maine! Your guides will pick you up from your pre-trip hotel. Portland, Maine: Modern style and sophistication have collided with old-world seaside culture and fishing industry in Portland, Maine, a city of over 65,000 situated on the southeast corner of the state. The locale looks out at Casco Bay and serves as one of Maine’s hubs for fishing, agriculture, tourism, and Americana. Transfer Time: 1 hour Southport Island Loop Biking: Begin your adventure at the charming village of Boothbay and pedal along coastal landscapes on this 17-miles loop ride. Breathe in the seaside air, riding near the Sheepscot River and catch glimpses of Squirrel Island. Coastal Maine Botanical Garden: This fairyland-like property is home to a rainbow of flowers, with colors gracing the landscape and ponds and rivers lining the pathways. Here you’ll stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the sweet smells and sounds of the garden. Camden, Maine: Settled on Penobscot Bay in Maine’s MidCoast region, the small town of Camden features 19th-century architecture that will take you back to olden times when laterns lit the streets. The homey, idyllic community is lined with sail boats on its harbor and forested foothills that meet the coast. Transfer Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
About Camden Riverhouse Hotel & Inn
For all the savory comforts of home, with views of Camden Harbor, this hotel provides it all. Laced with sunflowers and quaint landscaping, enjoy outdoor seating and fire pit along with an indoor heated pool, and access to Camden Harbor, an amphitheater, and park. Your room offers all contemporary amenities.
Water Sports Outfitter Rockland Walk: This morning enjoy a walk from your accommodation to a sports outfitter where you’ll be geared up for a kayaking adventure. Your two-mile walk will give you a chance to intermingle with your group and guides. Rockport Harbor Kayaking: Paddle along the coast in a kayak with a guide who will impart local knowledge about the history and biology around you. This two hour adventure will take you harbor to harbor from Rockport and gives you a great chance to see some marine and land wildlife. Windjammer Cruises: Your genuine Maine sailing adventure awaits you! Board an authentic sailboat and ride the waves with the wind in your hair on this windjammer cruise, where you’ll also enjoy dinner on board. This fleet of sailboats are the originals established in 1935 and are National Landmarks on Maine’s coast.
Ferry to Islesboro Island: From Lincolnville, float to Islesboro Island by ferry. Arrive near Grindle Point Sailor’s Lighthouse and enjoy the quintessential east coast views. Islesboro Island Biking: Beginning your 29 mile loop bike ride today, take off from the ferry terminal and head to Durkee General Store, about 5.5 miles from the ferry drop-off. From there you’ll pedal your way to the stunning Penobscot Bay beaches. You’ll be rewarded with beaches surrounded by craggy coastline and tall pines dotting their horizons. To end your bike tour, bike back to the ferry terminal. Ferry to Lincolnville: From the terminal, float back to Lincolnville.
Transfer Time: 2 hours Acadia National Park: Nicknamed the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast”, Acadia National Park knows how to stun her visitors. Thick forests, rivers, lakes, and of course the unforgettable coastline all call Acadia home. Raw beauty remains protected in this national park and allows Atlantic puffins, fox, mink, otters, porcupines, coyotes, and other small game to thrive here. Moose and bear a rather rare sighting. Jordan Pond House Biking: Embark on a biking tour of Acadia National Park on your way to Jordan Pond House restaurant nestled within the national park. This 5.5-mile ride will zip you through cool forests and between Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Jordan Pond Hiking: Take a hike around Jordan Pond, following a three-mile loop trail. Your peaceful hike guides you along the shores lined with rocks. On a calm day, enjoy the peaceful reflections on the water. Night On Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day!
About Bar Harbor Inn
Timeless charm seeps into every corner at this stunning accommodation whose rooms were built along the coastline. Elegant dining spaces, a spa, and ocean views will sweep you into a relaxed state of mind as you reflect on your week’s adventures. The inn overlooks Frenchman Bay and rooms offer panoramic views for guests. A heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and two full-service restaurants complete your luxury stay.
Sand Beach Boardwalk: The Sand Beach Boardwalk that frames the coastline will wow you as you hike toward Thunder Hole. Witness the power of the Atlantic Ocean as you watch waves crash against the rocks. This four-mile roundtrip path provides plenty of photo opportunities. Thunder Hole: This rocky inlet carved by the power of the Atlantic Ocean lives up to its name as water thunders into the craigs and caverns, creating a deep clapping sound. Water erupts from Thunder Hole as high as 40 feet, so you might catch some seaspray! Summit Cadillac Mountain Drive: Hop in the van and take a short scenic roadtrip up to the top of Summit Cadillac Mountain. You’ll have time to stop and reflect on the Mountain’s surrounding views below, where forest-tufted islands pop up across the waters and boats float by. Lobster Tasting: Time for some proper Maine chow! Enjoy fresh lobster rolls at a family-run restaurant that serves locally caught seafood. Lobster rolls are a New England sandwich filled with lobster meat, lemon juice, and butter. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: Only one of three light stations in Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a historical delight for visitors. Constructed in 1858, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It sits quaintly and quietly at 37 feet tall in Tremont. You’ll get a chance for an idyllic lighthouse photo op here.
Transfer Time: 3 hours Portland, Maine Departure: Your guide will drop you at Portland Airport for your international flight home or at your city hotel.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 or 8:20 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Portland airport (1:00 pm) or your Portland hotel (1:30 pm).
Activities
Biking: Most bike rides on this trip are considered easy to moderate (10 to 20 miles, flat and/or rolling terrain). If a more difficult bike ride is included on this itinerary, more specific details will be included in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Bike rides are van supported, meaning that there will be checkpoints along the way in which you can access the van/guide if needed or can end your ride early. There will also be one guide accompanying the group by bike. Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Kayaking: Our goal while kayaking is to stick to the flatwater sections of the body of water we’re paddling in. Your group will stick together as your guide navigates the best path to keep the group safe. Gear and paddling instruction provided. Small Ship Cruising: The goal of cruising by small ship or boat is to get a different perspective of the beauty of the region. A captain and crew will give you a short safety briefing before heading out into open water. You’ll be educated and informed on the marine ecosystem while maintaining respectful and responsible behavior around the local wildlife.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions, except one dinner on your own, are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, except one dinner on own your own, refreshments, and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets, and other necessary equipment, all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Team Austin
At Austin Adventures, our senior leaders, guides, and office staff are our lifeblood. These folks are with you throughout your journey and truly make the experience memorable. The team members are residents of many different places, from Western and Eastern United States to Europe and beyond. We strive together to make this company a provider of life-changing adventures and share two things in common: A love affair with the great outdoors and a passion for travel that changes our worldview for the better.
