On a hot day, exploring Maine’s smaller islands is a great way to cool down. The air on the water can be 10 degrees cooler and much breezier than in town, and when the temperature starts to climb, island hopping is just the thing. The waterways are busy, filled with commercial fishing boats and recreational picnic boats navigating perilously close to lobster buoys and the sailboat races. It is important to choose a captain with local knowledge.
There are literally thousands of small islands off the coast of Maine to explore, just a short boat ride away. Most are uninhabited, but some have year-round communities. Here’s a fun fact: Maine has more coastline than Florida because ~ Florida has a relatively straight coastline, but Maine meanders in and out of coves and sounds, and at the end of the tally, Maine is the winner.
- Updated: 2 Oct 2024
For those with a higher tolerance for cold water than this Florida girl, there is kayaking and tubing, even swimming ~ I kid you not. However, be warned there are daily advisories about the debilitating effects of cold water. The water is so cold that you can lose motor function within minutes and be unable to swim to safety. I advise staying in the boat, but I know plenty of polar bear-like people who love the cold water.
Which Island to Choose?
The Cranberry Islands
The Cranberry Islands are located off of Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. There are five islands: Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry, Sutton, Baker, and Bear. They have a year-round population of about 150, growing exponentially in the summer months. However, two islands, Bear and Sutton, are privately held and require an invitation to visit.
A Day on Little Cranberry
Islesford, or Little Cranberry Island is a popular destination with a restaurant and art galleries, accessed by the mailboats. It is small and easy to explore on foot in a couple of hours.
A Day on Marshall Island Maine
Marshall Island is one of the largest islands with trails, campsites, and a sand beach. It is not on the ferry or mailboat routes, so it’s harder to get there!
A Day on Long Island in Maine
Maine is magical from the water. There are many small, uninhabited islands off the coast to explore and look for sea glass and other treasures.
Getting There is Half the Fun
Exploring Maine’s smaller Islands does not require that you own a boat, but that is lovely. There are charters, coastal tours, and water taxis, or you can take the mailboat, with the option of taking a bicycle. Schedules are available from the Harbor Visitor Center and online; below are some budget numbers to give you an idea of costs.
Water Taxi – $150 round trip for about six passengers; times can be customized, based on availability. There are couple options: Cadillac Water Taxi, and Delight Water Taxi.
Tour Boat – $35 per adult for a 2 hour and 45 minutes cruise out of Bar Harbor on the Sea Princess, with 45 minutes on the island.
Mail Boat – $32 per adult round trip, six boats per day at various times, with a small charge for bikes; visiting Great Cranberry and Islesford is possible. The Beal & Bunker Ferry is out of Northeast Harbor, and the Cranberry Cove Ferry is out of Southwest Harbor and Manset.
Winter Harbor Ferry – $20 per adult one way, four boats per day at various times, with a small charge for bikes, takes you to Schoodic Point from Bar Harbor. The ferry is operated by Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines, in Bar Harbor, which also has puffin tours and whale watching.
When to Go
Boating is weather-dependent, so watch the tides and the fog because dodging lobster pots in low visibility is scary. The cold water can kill quickly, so be safe! Exploring Maine’s smaller islands is one of my favorite things; I know you will love it, too.
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