National Park Sea Kayak Tours
National Park Sea Kayak Tours
National Park Sea Kayak Tours
4.8
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Purchased by Maine State Sea Kayak in 2022...Ecological Sea Kayak trips on the remote West Side of Acadia...Half Day (4 hours) AM, PM & Sunset. (2.5 - 3 hours) "on-the-water"... Top Rated on Trip Advisor. Great Wildlife Sightings (Harbor Seal, Porpoise, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Loon, other Sea Birds. Locally owned and operated since 1993. Professional Sea Kayak Guides provide all equipment, instruction and van transportation. Beginners welcome.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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National Park Sea Kayak Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
480 reviews
Excellent
418
Very good
47
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Luke T
Rockville, MD16 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
My family had a great time this morning on a 4 hour tour of the southern shore of Mt. Desert Isle. Joel, our extremely knowledgeable guide was able to show us and let us hold both starfish and sea urchins to everyone’s delight. We also saw to large colonies of harbor seals close enough to hear them snuffle and bark but not so close as to disturb them. Additionally we caught glimpses of elusive harbor porpoises.
Our guide, Joel, was very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of Acadia. He was very patient and good humored with a bunch of sea kayak newbies.
The company is rigorous about following mask and social distancing guidelines for both clients and staff.
If you can get to Maine I highly recommend this well run, professional, friendly business.
Our guide, Joel, was very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of Acadia. He was very patient and good humored with a bunch of sea kayak newbies.
The company is rigorous about following mask and social distancing guidelines for both clients and staff.
If you can get to Maine I highly recommend this well run, professional, friendly business.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your outstanding review and praise of Joel your kayak guide... We are lucky to have such a great guide on our team...
Also, thanks for noticing that National Park Sea Kayak takes the current environment with the pandemic
very serious for the safety of our customers, community & staff... Although challenging at times, we will continue to do our best following the Keep Maine Healthy Guidelines...
The great wildlife sightings a bonus!
Written August 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel M
Rockaway, NJ59 contributions
Jul 2020
Fantastic tour! This is a great way to see Acadia. Recommended for family or just two. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Safety was their top priority from the sea kayaks to COVID 19 safety protocols. We took the sunset tour which left promptly at 4:30 (be there 30 minutes early). They took us to the far side of the island and paddled about 6 miles ( about 3 1/2 hours) along the coast. Views were spectacular. From the seals, to the bald eagles and countless other local birds. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the landscape and wildlife. Only downside was heavy cloud cover which blocked the sunset but we were rewarded by a great downpour!
Written July 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fantastic Review thank you very much...
Safety, Fun and Wildlife what a great combo...
Please return again on your next visit to Acadia!
Written August 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sirius57
New York City, NY140 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Great tour! Our guide was funny, engaging and informative: we saw seals, porpoises, birds and enjoyed paddling 6.5 miles along the beautiful Maine coast. We were on a quiet side of the bay, the water was smooth and it was an easy trip.
Kids and adults equally loved it (and as a side note, it was a very well organized tour; everything was on time, it was easy to book, everyone in the office was very friendly and it felt very safe with their COVID precautions). Highly recommended!
Kids and adults equally loved it (and as a side note, it was a very well organized tour; everything was on time, it was easy to book, everyone in the office was very friendly and it felt very safe with their COVID precautions). Highly recommended!
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review of your Sea Kayaking experience with us...
Glad your family had a Fun & Safe paddle with us on the Quiet West Side of Acadia.
Written August 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edward S
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Maine's Covid19 requires you to quarantine for 14 days even though the CDC does NOT recommend that any longer.
It allows you to exercise in the outdoors as long as you are not in crowded public areas.
Even with the fact that we have followed their State requirements the lady at the reservation desk obviously did not want us to come within 20 miles of her or their business.
There is no room for your personal fears to dictate how you treat customers.
I guess we should all just wait for not just a vaccination, but, a "Cure" before scheduling a tour with this company!
It allows you to exercise in the outdoors as long as you are not in crowded public areas.
Even with the fact that we have followed their State requirements the lady at the reservation desk obviously did not want us to come within 20 miles of her or their business.
There is no room for your personal fears to dictate how you treat customers.
I guess we should all just wait for not just a vaccination, but, a "Cure" before scheduling a tour with this company!
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The health, safety and well being of our customers, staff and community requires us to be diligent and follow the “Keep Maine Healthy Plan”. If you are not familiar with this plan, please google it and look it up. I’m not sure linking is allowed on tripadvisor.
Maine has one of the lowest rates of Covid-19 for good reason, we care and adhere to the plan.
This may not please some, but most are thankful that we follow the rules and guidelines.
Written September 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eli G
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We had a great time with Brad as our tour guide! He handled our rambunctious, large group with ease and made the entire trip experience a blast. The location of the kayak tour was phenomenal with majestic views of the scenery and wildlife. Brad also provided us with some great recommendations on where to eat and hike that helped us greatly throughout the rest of our trip. Overall 11 out of 10! Thanks Brad again for the great day and memories that will last far into the future.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very, very much for your great review of your Sea Kayak Trip with National Park Sea Kayak!
Yes, your guide Brad is a blast...
Again, we are glad you saw some of Acadia's Wildlife and Scenery at its best from a Sea Kayak...
Written August 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andre R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Couples
My girlfriend and I highly recommend this kayaking tour company, hands down! This was my favorite kayaking tour for several reasons. First, you want to get there a half hour or so to be briefed on the use of the kayaking equipment, especially to learn the use of a kayak with rudder. It's not difficult to use, but this was a pleasant feature that I've never experienced. After the lesson, you are taken to an ideal location along the coast where you begin your 4 hour journey - filled with fun and interesting stories from the tour guide and other nature loving fans. There were plenty of interesting native animals seen along the way, including Bald Eagle among other bird species and at times, seals can be seen. You take a fun intermission pitstop to one of the islands along the way, where you can explore, have a snack and enjoy the beautiful scenery, etc. It is a very eye opening, relaxing, and overall fantastic experience, and I would go on this tour again. Hope anyone reading this enjoys what we did!
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A big thank you for writing such thorough review of your experience with National Park Sea Kayak during your
August, 2021 visit to Acadia... We hope your vacation was one for the memory books to never forget...
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margie B
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
This was an amazing adventure loved by everyone involved. The instructional session was very informative and I leaned a lot even though I have kayaked many times in the past. It was great being offered dry bags and spray skirts to use. Being out in the open air with no one around but us was an incredible experience especially while watching the beautiful sunset. I have never seen so much magnificent wildlife while kayaking before - porpoises, seals, bald eagles, osprey, loons, etc. The best part of all was our knowledgeable and very funny guide, Isaiah. He really made for a cheerful and enjoyable evening. Thanks so much for the best part of our vacation.
Margie Benevento
Margie Benevento
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank You for a heart felt review of your kayaking experience with us...
National Park Sea Kayak was glad to be the best part of your vacation to Acadia...
Isaiah (Ike) enjoys his job as a Kayak Guide and YES he makes the Sea Kayak Tours Fun, Informative and Enjoyable...
Thanks Again...
Written August 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Avi Bodek
Rochester, NY1 contribution
Sep 2020
Me, my mom, and my sister; along with a multitude of couples were paired with a very funny, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide named Isaiah.
He showed us the basics of kayaking in a clear and concise way, and also told us how it is a surefire way to see if a couple will stay together or not (just kidding, sorta).
Paddling along the coast with my mother was a great way to experience the scenery and wildlife. We got to see some seals up close as well as eagles and ospreys.
We were provided with dry bags that are well secured to the boat in case you need a snack or drink. Since you will be out for a while, this is advised. You will get a little wet, but the kayaks will not tip over (unless you absolutely try to),
Don't worry too much about getting tired, because there are plenty of opportunities to just listen to the waves and gaze at the horizon.
All in all, a great experience that made me feel closer to nature in a way that was very different from a hike up the mountains, helping me take in the grandeur of the ocean.
He showed us the basics of kayaking in a clear and concise way, and also told us how it is a surefire way to see if a couple will stay together or not (just kidding, sorta).
Paddling along the coast with my mother was a great way to experience the scenery and wildlife. We got to see some seals up close as well as eagles and ospreys.
We were provided with dry bags that are well secured to the boat in case you need a snack or drink. Since you will be out for a while, this is advised. You will get a little wet, but the kayaks will not tip over (unless you absolutely try to),
Don't worry too much about getting tired, because there are plenty of opportunities to just listen to the waves and gaze at the horizon.
All in all, a great experience that made me feel closer to nature in a way that was very different from a hike up the mountains, helping me take in the grandeur of the ocean.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A big thank you for taking the time to write a heart felt review of your experience with National Park Sea Kayak during your September, 2020 visit to Acadia...
We are very happy that your guide Isaiah made the trip fun and informative and yes the Seals, Osprey and Eagles are nice wildlife sightings...
Please travel safe and visit us again...
National Park Sea Kayak Tours, 29 years in business and counting...
Written September 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anyuta02
61 contributions
Aug 2020
Really enjoyed our 3 hr kayak tour - the guide was very knowledgeable and with good sense of humor. Beautiful scenery (spotted a bold eagle!) plus perfect weather all made it for a great trip. Highly recommend it!
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and we are so glad you had great kayak trip!
Written August 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D.902927
59 contributions
Jul 2020
Great experience on our 4-hour tour with Fletcher, who was a very knowledgeable guide. There were 4 of us, ranging in age from 10-70 with very little kayaking experience. We did great!
Thank you for offering this trip and doing so safely amid Covid.
Thank you for offering this trip and doing so safely amid Covid.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a better time of day for the best chance to see wildlife?
Written July 7, 2019
Yes. My husband and I have not done much kayaking (and it’s been years), and we went with our teenage kids. Their kayaks have rudders, so they are very easy to control. Guides are every helpful. Instructions are a little fast-paced, so if you’ve never canoed or kayaked, get there a little early or call ahead of time.
Written August 5, 2018
Will sunset tour get too dark as returning back in August? Thanks
Written August 6, 2016
Robert S
Bar Harbor, Maine
The answer is no... We will be out on the water around sunset and it stays light (civil twilight) about 30-40 minutes after sunset... It may be dark after we return to Bar Harbor from the van shuttle... Have a great paddle...
Written August 6, 2016
lauren m
Chesterfield, Virginia
I was just wondering if there is a better time to go kayaking... early in the morning or later?
I was just trying to make my trip the best possible when it comes to weather, seeing things, etc.
Written July 29, 2015
Robert S
Bar Harbor, Maine
All our paddle are equal... am, pm or sunset... We conduct our tours on the remote west side of Acadia... Wildlife is 24/7, so there is no best time... Everyone deserves a nice paddle...
Written August 6, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.