Entire home

Summer special! Adorable Whale's Tail guest cottage.

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Property grounds
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Dining
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Southwest Harbor, ME
  • Place, Wendell Gilley Museum
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Acadia National Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Asticou Azalea Garden
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bar Harbor, ME (BHB-Hancock County - Bar Harbor)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

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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.
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be within walking distance of Wendell Gilley Museum. The cottage offers a kitchenette and a patio.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchenette, patio, and living room
  • Onsite recreation includes a playground
  • 11 minutes by foot from Wendell Gilley Museum and a 3-minute drive from Acadia National Park
This cottage offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Southwest Harbor cottage is smoke free.


Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • 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

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

  • No pets 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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

Reviews

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

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house on the "quiet side" of Acadia. Direct route to park about 25 minutes away. The house was super cute and fit our needs! Truthfully, we were barely there as we were up and out to the park early and returned after dinner each night. The shower was strong and appreciated as well as the comfy king size bed and Keurig coffee machine in the morning! The sunrise over the harbor was very pretty and we couldn't have been happier to have stayed here. Christie was a great host and I highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Margaret B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean and well appointed cute cabin in a great location. Good restaurants nearby and close to Acadia.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage - new construction - very comfy and well equipped - nice harbor view - deer in the yard!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H., LEAVENWORTH

Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed for 4 nights with friends and had an amazing time. This place was amazing and very clean. No issues whatsoever with the little construction that was nearby. Everything you will need is provided and all things you want to do is very close. The fire pit was a great Maine experience and communication with the owner is super easy. Definitely will stay again. Sail Acadia is a wonderful sailing experience with a wonderful sailboat named Alice. Biel’s And Thurston’s are both great lobster houses but another amazing place to eat is Dry Dock Inn in SWH is a must.
Baby deer sleeping next to the cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful time staying at Whale's Tail guest cottage. Location is great, walking distance to downtown Southwest Harbor and overall access to MDI was fantastic. The owner was extremely responsive and helpful and clearly wanted us to have the best possible stay. We can't wait to re-book with an even larger group!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean property
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jessica H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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., Dublin, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Sarah K.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Alex K.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Cute Cottage

Very clean and charmingly decorated
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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., Blue Ridge

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful!

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

10/10 Excellent

Laurel D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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