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Entire home

Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.

Waterfront cottage with kitchenette and patio

Photo gallery for Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.

Property grounds
Exterior
Interior
Dining
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
In the quaint village of Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island's 'Quietside', this oceanfront cottage offers a perfect haven for exploring Acadia National Park. Watch lobster boats at work from your private porch with rocking chairs, or stroll to nearby village amenities like restaurants, galleries and bakeries within 5 minutes.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.

New, Oceanfront guest cottage in the quaint village of Southwest Harbor on the "Quietside" of Mount Desert Island. This adorable cottage is the perfect vacation home for exploring Acadia National Park and the wonderful area surrounding it. Watch the lobster boats do their daily work or day dream you're on one of the beautiful yachts coming and going from our working waterfront/marina. Village amenities, such as restaurants, galleries, shops, bakeries, and bike shop are within a 5 minute walk. Park highlights such as Bass Harbor Head Light, Seawall, and Echo Lake are within a 10 minute drive. This house has 2 comfortable bedrooms, King bedroom and bath are on the first floor with an open loft with a queen bed and reading nook upstairs. The kitchenette includes a hightop table, refrigerator, microwave, Kuerig coffee pot, toaster, electric skillet, and outdoor grill. Large double copper sink in the bathroom allows for dishwashing for those light meals. This guest cottage is located on a shared property, there's multiple outdoor recreational areas including fire pits, grill, outdoor table, and lobster cooker, and a private porch with rocking chairs for quietly observing the harbor. Based upon availability multiple houses can be booked together with a 10% discount. Parking is available for 2 vehicles.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: Home is not pet allergen free.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

A Whale's Tail Cottage Cottage
A Whale's Tail Cottage Southwest Harbor
A Whale's Tail Cottage Cottage Southwest Harbor

About the neighborhood

Map
Southwest Harbor, ME

What's nearby

  • Wendell Gilley Museum - 14 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Acadia National Park - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Flying Mountain Trailhead - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Asticou Azalea Garden - 21 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Cadillac Mountain - 29 min drive - 28.6 km

Getting around

  • Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beal's Lobster Pier - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Archie’s Lobster - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Nor’ Easter Pound & Market - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Seafood Ketch - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Colonel's Restaurant - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Wendell Gilley Museum and 1.8 mi (3 km) from Acadia National Park. Flying Mountain Trailhead and Long Pond are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We don't want to leave! Whale's Tail is comfortable and quiet. The bed is so comfortable that I just want to stay there. My back didn't bother me at all on this trip and I credit the bed. The views are fantastic from every window. Out front is the bay, but out every other window is green, making the cottage feel private.
View from the porch
View from the bed in the loft
Sunrise
Deer almost every day.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Will be back!

What a great place! Had everything we needed to be a perfect home base as we explored Acadia and the surrounding areas. Communication with the host was prompt and helpful and the accommodations were just right for our needs. The outdoor cooking and dining area made it easy to enjoy the view of the marina and harbor. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

melissa w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best! Seriously!

From the get go we had a great experience. Our booking had a security issue which was handled immediately by Christy. She was prompt, thorough and thoughtful. Our arrival and entry was painless. Her and her families attention to detail is unmatched. The home was spotless, up to date/new, charming and the perfect place to come back to after a long day adventuring. The loft was our daughters favorite! The lack of cooking space suited us just fine- we often ate local baked goods for breakfast, a loaf of toasted local sourdough or a bowl of cereal. Lunch and dinner we enjoyed out. The proximity to Acadia is unmatched. Just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Bar Harbor. It has a spectacular harbor view ; we encountered daily fog which was a bummer for those early morning/ late evening porch hangs. It’s a short walk to a little downtown area with just enough shops, we enjoyed the flamingo festivities and purchased local artisan momentous skipping the run of the mill shops in BH, found a cute sourdough bakery- Seafolk Sourdough which was a fun find and delicious. Hiked our way though many trails of Acadia finding wild blueberries along the way. Dined and enjoyed Bar Harbor and even went to the Mine Lumberjack Show- what a fun and entertaining rain filled evening- especially for our 6year old. Seriously- this home was hands down one of our favorite VRBO rentals- we look forward to a return trip as we just didn’t have enough days to explore all that Acadia has to offer!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean property
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jessica H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Trip to Bar Harbor

Overall this was a great cottage for a trip to Bar Harbor area! For context, there was 4 women in their late 20’s staying at this property for 6 days. The location is great if you want a more quieter atmosphere to chill after fun at Bar Harbor or a day of hiking in Acadia! The cottage is exactly as described with the only caveat being that I wouldn’t say this had a “kitchenette”. There is only a small fridge and microwave in the corner of the open dining/living room and we were provided a skillet. There is a grill outside along with a boiling pot. We were able to be thoughtful with meals and were able to make it all work but if having a stove is important to you then this is something to consider when booking. The rooms were spacious and the shared fire pit by the lake was beautiful. The area also has low light pollution so we were able to star gaze and see so many stars at night! So overall, this was a great cottage for a small party! You get exactly what is described, the owners responded quickly to questions, and the space was clean and felt very safe. I
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Whales’s Tail

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Whale’s Tail Cottage. The rental was in a great location on Mount Desert Island and easy access to Acadia National Park and just a short drive to downtown Bar Harbor. It was very clean and provided everything we needed for our stay. It overlooks a beautiful marina and harbor, however there was a construction project going on within feet of the cottage. Some days were quieter than others. Communication with the owners was great and we look forward to visiting again soon.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aimee U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Southwest Harbor Getaway

This place was amazing. The property owner was very easy to get in contact with when we needed something. This was also the perfect location to get away from the busyness of Bar Harbor yet have access to all the activities!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home in SW harbor

This home is tastefully decorated in a nautical theme. It is a perfect location for various hiking trails, the national park and restaurants. The house has beautiful views of the harbor and the bedroom allows you to watch the sunrise. The house was very clean and the bed was comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this vacation home.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular Host and Location

Christie was a first class host and made the entire experience a pleasure. She was flexible and made our stay a real pleasure. The home was incredibly charming and in an incredible location close to the restaurants in south harbor. We were very comfortable in the home and had everything we could ask for in our stay. It was nice being on the quiet side of Acadia and we enjoyed the quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The property was clean and well appointed. We were very comfortable and it was very quiet as we like at night. We would love to stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whales Tale

Very cute Place right at start of working pier. Fabulous resteraunt accross the street. we were visited by a deer in the yard each morning & evening. The Host is unbelievably accomadating!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place to lay your head after Acadia visit

Christy was great! The place was just the right spot to go back and forth to Acadia. Whales Tail was clean and the right size for a couple. Visit the Upper Deck next door during season
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A breath of fresh air!

This little cottage oozed pride in ownership and real thoughtful concern and consideration for the guests. From the comfy beds to the warm inviting charm this place was perfect. Thankyou Christie and Tom.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home Base for Acadia activities

The Whale’s Tail is a clean, comfortable home away from home for couples or small family groups. The bed ( we used downstairs only) was comfortable and we had a wonderful time!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow

We had a wonderful time at this property. It is convenient to everything that the area has to offer. Hiking Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor Bass Harbor and Winter Harbor. We hit them all. I give it five stars all the way around thank you. We will will be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Place!

Really great host an truly wonderful place in a prime location! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute Cottage

Very clean and charmingly decorated
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay in Southwest Harbor

We thoroughly enjoyed our getaway to Southwest Harbor ME. Christy had everything set and ready to go. The house is clean and has all the necessary touches for a perfect stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Clean well decorated, had everything we needed!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laurel D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage with great outdoor cooking

We enjoyed our stay, especially the walking distance to town and many outdoor activities. The cottage is snug, clean and nicely decorated. The outdoor kitchen was a huge plus.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great way to visit Acadia

The property is just past the center of Southwest Harbor and located near a marina, so you can see the water. It was easy to access all the sites of Acadia from this location. The cottage is new and everything is in good working order. If you plan to cook, you do need to take the limited kitchen into account. Still, it met our needs well.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Location

This cottage is the perfect location on the "quiet side" of this area. Walkable to town, buses available to all attractions, amazing view and fitted out with everything we needed for a wonderful visit to the Bar Harbor area!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wade A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

Our stay at Whale's Tail cottage was an all around great experience and we'll definitely be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S., New Orleans, LA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home base for Acadia exploring.

This was a great spot for our family on our week stay exploring Acadia. It’s on the “quiet side” of the island but still walkable to a very cute strip of shops and restaurants. It’s an easy drive to Bar Harbor on the days we headed that direction. There are a lot of good hikes that start in just a 5-10 min drive from the house. We used the grill to cook multiple nights and had everything we needed. The fire pit was great for s’mores with the kids and has a great view of the harbor. Everything was comfortable inside. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cottage

Lovely very comfortable cottage with everything we needed for our stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kris T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Southwest Harbor

Easy arrival process at a beautiful property with everything we needed for our stay. The owner was wonderful in giving recommendations for our stay and was very easy to reach and responded quickly when we had questions.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022