Hidden Maine Islands You Can Actually Explore

Maine’s coastline stretches over 3,000 miles, hiding countless islands that most tourists never discover.

While Acadia National Park draws millions of visitors each year, dozens of lesser-known islands offer equally stunning beauty without the crowds.

Many of these hidden gems welcome explorers who are willing to venture beyond the typical vacation spots.

From historic lighthouses to pristine beaches and unique wildlife, these islands provide unforgettable adventures for families, hikers, and nature lovers.

Some require a short ferry ride, while others are accessible by kayak or private boat.nEach island has its own character, history, and natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a glimpse into Maine’s maritime past, these seven islands offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to discover the secret side of Maine’s incredible coastline.

1. Monhegan Island

Artists have flocked to this rugged island for over a century, drawn by dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic and light that seems to paint everything in golden hues.

Located about 10 miles off the mainland, Monhegan Island feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era.

The island spans just 700 acres, but it packs an incredible punch with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through enchanted forests and along breathtaking coastal bluffs.

Getting there requires a ferry ride from Port Clyde, New Harbor, or Boothbay Harbor, with trips taking about an hour depending on your departure point.

Once you arrive, you’ll notice something remarkable: no cars are allowed on the island.

Everyone walks, which creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in our modern world.

The Monhegan Museum, housed in the historic lighthouse keeper’s house, tells fascinating stories about the island’s fishing heritage and artistic legacy.

You can climb the lighthouse tower for panoramic views that will take your breath away.

The village itself is charming, with weathered fishing shacks, art galleries showcasing local talent, and cozy inns that make you feel like part of the community.

Summer brings the most visitors, but September and October offer spectacular weather with fewer crowds.

Birdwatchers particularly love visiting during spring and fall migration periods when rare species make stopovers.

The island’s lobstermen follow traditional practices, and their colorful buoys dot the harbor in patterns that have meaning only to those who know the local code.

Bring sturdy hiking boots, because the trails can be challenging, especially the cliff-edge paths that reward you with views worth every careful step.

2. Swans Island

Life moves at a different pace on Swans Island, where lobster boats head out before dawn and neighbors still wave to strangers passing by.

Accessible via a 40-minute ferry ride from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island, this working island community welcomes visitors who respect its authentic way of life.

With about 350 year-round residents, Swans Island maintains traditions that have vanished from more touristy destinations.

The island actually consists of several connected landmasses covering roughly 7,000 acres, giving you plenty of territory to explore.

Unlike some Maine islands that cater primarily to tourists, Swans Island remains a genuine fishing community where most families earn their living from the sea.

You can bring your car on the ferry, which makes exploring the island’s three main villages much easier.

Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse stands as a picturesque landmark, though it’s not open for tours, it makes for fantastic photographs against the rocky shore.

The island features several beautiful beaches, including Fine Sand Beach, which lives up to its name with soft sand that’s perfect for picnicking and swimming during warmer months.

Quarry Pond offers freshwater swimming if you prefer calmer, warmer water than the chilly Atlantic provides.

Local shops and galleries showcase island crafts, and the small library hosts community events that visitors are welcome to attend.

Hiking trails wind through spruce forests and along coastal paths where you might spot seals, eagles, and various seabirds.

The island’s quiet roads are perfect for cycling, and you’ll discover hidden coves and stunning vistas around nearly every bend.

Bring groceries and supplies with you, as shopping options are limited to a small general store that carries essentials but not everything you might want for an extended stay.

3. Isle au Haut

Samuel de Champlain named this island “high island” when he sailed past in 1604, and the name perfectly describes the dramatic landscape that rises from the sea.

Roughly half of Isle au Haut belongs to Acadia National Park, making it the park’s most remote and least visited section.

Only about 70 people call this island home year-round, and they prefer keeping their slice of paradise quiet and unspoiled.

The mailboat from Stonington provides the only regular public transportation, running daily but with limited space for passengers and even more limited space for overnight visitors.

During summer months, the boat makes a special stop at Duck Harbor, where Acadia maintains five lean-to shelters available by advance reservation only.

These rustic shelters book up months ahead, so planning is essential if you want to camp overnight.

Once on the island, you’ll find about 18 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging climbs up the island’s peaks.

Duck Harbor Mountain Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and neighboring islands that seem to float on the horizon.

The Western Head Trail leads to dramatic cliffs where waves crash against ancient granite in displays of raw natural power.

Day-trippers should maximize their time since the mailboat schedule allows only a few hours on the island before the return trip.

Bring all food and water you’ll need, as there are no stores or restaurants in the park section.

The island’s small village near the town landing has a tiny general store, but don’t count on it being open or fully stocked.

Wildlife abounds here, with white-tailed deer so numerous they’ve shaped the forest ecosystem, and seabirds nesting along the dramatic shoreline throughout spring and summer months.

4. Great Chebeague Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Cousins Island brings you to Great Chebeague, the largest island in Casco Bay and one of the most accessible for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Bicycles are the transportation method of choice here, and you can rent them right near the ferry landing if you don’t bring your own.

The island’s relatively flat terrain and scenic roads make cycling a joy rather than a challenge, perfect for families with children.

Hamilton Beach stretches along the western shore, offering soft sand and gentle waves ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and building sandcastles.

The water here warms up more than at many Maine beaches because Casco Bay’s protected nature allows the sun to work its magic.

During low tide, you can explore tide pools teeming with crabs, sea stars, and other fascinating marine creatures that captivate kids and adults alike.

The island has a fascinating history as a summer resort destination dating back to the late 1800s, and many beautiful historic cottages still line the shores.

The Chebeague Island Historical Society Museum, located in a restored schoolhouse, displays artifacts and photographs that bring the island’s past to life.

You’ll learn about the island’s shipbuilding heritage, its role in various wars, and the families who have called this place home for generations.

Unlike some Maine islands that roll up the sidewalks after Labor Day, Chebeague maintains a vibrant year-round community with a school, library, and active civic life.

Several restaurants and cafes serve fresh seafood and casual fare, with outdoor seating that lets you enjoy meals with water views.

The Niblic, a nine-hole golf course established in 1920, welcomes visitors and provides a unique island golfing experience.

Bring a picnic and spend the day cycling between beaches, historical sites, and scenic overlooks that showcase why islanders consider this place paradise.

5. Cliff Island

Cliff Island earned its name from the dramatic rock formations that characterize its eastern shore, where waves have sculpted the granite into fascinating shapes over countless centuries.

As one of Casco Bay’s year-round island communities, Cliff Island maintains a population of about 60 hardy souls who embrace the challenges and rewards of island living.

The Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland makes regular trips, taking about 90 minutes to reach this outer island, which gives you plenty of time to watch for seals and seabirds along the way.

Walking is the primary way to explore since the island covers less than one square mile, and most visitors find they can see everything in a leisurely afternoon.

The island’s small size creates an intimate feel, and you’ll likely encounter friendly residents who are happy to share stories about island life.

A network of trails and quiet roads leads to hidden beaches, forest groves, and rocky outcrops that provide stunning views across the bay.

The island cemetery sits on a hill overlooking the water, with weathered headstones telling stories of families who lived and died here over generations.

Many graves date back to the 1800s when the island supported a larger population sustained by fishing and farming.

Today’s residents are a mix of old-timers whose families go back centuries and newer arrivals who fell in love with the island’s peaceful character.

Summer brings a population surge as seasonal residents open their cottages and visitors arrive for day trips and longer stays.

The small library serves as a community hub, offering books, wifi, and a gathering place for islanders and visitors alike.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars because the island’s position in the bay makes it an excellent spot for observing migrating species.

Pack everything you need for the day since there are no stores or restaurants, and be prepared for weather changes that can make the ferry ride exciting on the return trip to the mainland.

6. Southport Island

Connected to the mainland by a scenic bridge, Southport Island offers the adventure of island exploration without requiring a ferry ride, making it perfect for visitors who want flexibility.

The island stretches about eight miles long and two miles wide, with several distinct villages that each have their own personality and charm.

Despite the bridge connection, Southport maintains an authentic island atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby tourist towns.

Hendricks Head Light stands on the southern tip, accessible via a short walk from a small parking area.

The lighthouse itself is privately owned, but visitors can explore the grounds and enjoy spectacular ocean views from the rocky point.

Local legend tells of a baby found in a feather bed that washed ashore during a shipwreck in the 1800s, adding a touch of mystery to this beautiful spot.

The island’s protected harbors shelter working lobster boats alongside pleasure craft, creating picturesque scenes that photographers dream about.

Capitola Wharf in Southport village offers a glimpse into Maine’s maritime traditions, with weathered docks and fishing gear that speak to generations of seafaring families.

Several excellent restaurants serve fresh seafood, including Robinson’s Wharf, where you can enjoy lobster rolls and fried clams at picnic tables overlooking the water.

Kayaking around Southport provides access to hidden coves and smaller islands that you can’t reach by land.

The calm waters on the island’s eastern side are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture into the challenging currents near the southern point.

Historic summer cottages line many shores, some dating back over a century to when wealthy families from cities established seasonal retreats.

The island’s quiet roads are perfect for cycling, and you’ll discover that getting slightly lost leads to the best discoveries, whether it’s a hidden beach, an antique shop, or a friendly conversation with a local resident who’s happy to share insider knowledge about their beloved island home.

7. Peaks Island

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from downtown Portland, Peaks Island feels like a different world despite its proximity to Maine’s largest city.

The island has evolved from a Victorian-era resort destination into a thriving year-round community of about 1,000 residents who enjoy the best of both worlds: island tranquility with easy city access.

Casco Bay Lines ferries run multiple times daily year-round, making Peaks the most accessible island on this list for spontaneous visits.

Bicycles and golf carts are the preferred transportation methods, and you’ll see more of these than cars on the island’s compact road system.

The five-mile loop around the island’s perimeter makes for a perfect cycling adventure, with stops at beaches, historic sites, and scenic overlooks along the way.

Battery Steele, a massive World War II fortification, stands as a fascinating reminder of the island’s military history, with concrete bunkers and gun emplacements you can explore.

Several beaches offer swimming opportunities, with Sandy Beach being the most popular for its gentle slope and lifeguard supervision during summer months.

The island supports a surprising number of businesses including restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops that stay open year-round to serve residents and visitors.

Brackett Memorial Church, with its distinctive architecture, hosts concerts and community events throughout the year.

The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum occupies a Civil War-era meeting hall and displays artifacts from the war along with island history exhibits.

Art galleries showcase works by island residents, many of whom are talented painters, sculptors, and craftspeople inspired by their surroundings.

The island’s school serves students through eighth grade, after which they ferry to Portland for high school, creating a unique educational experience.

Summer brings outdoor movie nights, concerts, and festivals that visitors are welcome to enjoy alongside residents who take pride in their island community and its welcoming spirit toward those who come to explore their special corner of Casco Bay.