Swan’s Island

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Welcome to Swan’s Island, Maine

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Transient boaters looking to spend the night can often rent a private mooring.
Photo by Joe Devenney

OFF THE BEATEN PATH, SWAN’S ISLAND OFFERS 2 SIDES OF THE SAME COIN FOR A PASSING SAILOR OR CRUISER. THE NORTH SIDE’S MACKEREL COVE AND THE SOUTH SIDE’S BURNT COAT HARBOR ARE BOTH WORTH A STOP, BUT DON’T EXPECT TO BE WOWED BY SHORESIDE ATTRACTIONS AND DIVERSIONS. RELATIVE PEACE AND QUIET IS THE DOMINANT THEME HERE.


Burnt Coat Harbor offers excellent protection in most any wind. Photo by Joe Devenney

Mackerel Cove is the hub of activity, as it’s where the state-run ferry stops to deposit mostly day visitors during the summer season. As such, this is considered the “busy” side of the island, and the most oriented to a passing visitor. Visiting boaters can drop anchor in the cove and leave their dinghy at the town dock for up to two hours (longer stays may be possible via the harbormaster).

 

In Mackerel Cove you’ll find the local museum, the library, and perhaps an al fresco artisan displaying his or her wares.

Hockamock Head Lighthouse, as seen from Minturn. Photo by Joe Devenney

On the south side of the island, the lobster business pretty much dominates everything from just before dawn until late in the afternoon. The lobstermen are friendly and focused primarily on the details of their occupation—though most will be happy to sell you a few crustaceans direct from their boat at day’s end. It will be the best seafood supper of your life!

Many boaters anchor for the day off Fine Sand Beach, on the south side of the island next to Burnt Coat Harbor. A path from this beautiful beach leads through an enchanting forest of spruce and fir. The sandy, shallow bottom here is ideal for swimming and wading, although the water, naturally, is bracing. Harbor seals can often be seen basking on the outer ledges visible from the beach.

 

Boaters planning to stay overnight can rent a private mooring or drop anchor anywhere they can find protection from the wind and seas. Burnt Coat Harbor, protected from the south by Harbor Island, is a popular spot, and private moorings are available for $20 per night. Mackerel Cove also offers good protection for those who wish to anchor.

GETTING THERE:

Charts: NOAA 13302, 13312

Swan’s Island is located approximately 85 nautical miles northeast of Portland. To reach it from the south and west, head first for Matinicus Rock Light (43°47.04’ N, 68°51.34’ W), marked by a white light flashing every 10 seconds. From Matinicus Rock Light, head roughly northeast toward the red-and-white whistle buoy “BC” (44°04.82’ N, 68°26.24’ W), which is about 27 nautical miles from Matinicus. From there it’s about 2 1/2 nautical miles approximately north-northeast to the red-and-white bell buoy “HI” at the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor on the south side of the island. The channel into the harbor is clearly marked with plenty of red and green buoys. Coming from points east, it’s best to head first for Great Duck Island Light (44°08.51’ N, 68°14.84’ W). Then head approximately west-southwest for about 7.5 nautical miles until the buoy “BC” (described above) bears directly on your starboard beam. Then turn roughly north-northwest toward “BC” and proceed to Burnt Coat Harbor.

Ferry Info: The Maine State Ferry Service operates regular daily ferries between Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island and the north shore of Swan’s Island. For more information, visit Maine Department of Transportation Ferry Service, or call the Swan’s Island terminal.

Anchorages

  • Burnt Coat Harbor, one of the best-protected harbors on the Maine coast, provides shelter for numerous fishing and pleasure boats each summer.
  • Mackerel Cove also offers good spots to anchor in protected spots.

Dockage, Moorings & Service

  • There are no slips available on Swan’s Island, but moorings are sometimes available in Burnt Coat Harbor. Contact the harbormaster. Otherwise, you can drop a hook anywhere there is enough room and protection from the wind and seas.

  • B & A Boat Shop (207-526-4458): Repair and service.
  • Kents Wharf (207-526-4186): Sells diesel and gas on Mackerel Cove.

Harbormaster

  • (207) 266-1937

Getting Around

  • If you intend to bicycle around the island, use caution on the narrow, winding roads. There are cars and trucks on Swan’s Island, after all.

Things to See & Do

  • Swans Island Lobster & Marine Museum (207-526-4282): Near the ferry terminal on the northeast side of the island. The museum can be visited on appointment. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
  • Swan’s Island Library: Housed in the old Atlantic schoolhouse, which was bequeathed to the Swan’s Island Educational Society in 1990 by Minna Geddes. Starting in 1990, major renovations to the old building took place, creating a beautiful, functional space to house the island’s library. In July 2008, the library building was completely destroyed by a fire that started during an electrical storm.
  • Hockamock Head Lighthouse: At the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor, the lighthouse was built in the 1800s and occupied until 1974, when it was automated. The sweeping view from Hockamock Head (an old Indian name) encompasses Harbor Island (directly across the channel) along with Gooseberry and Marshall Islands to the west.

Where to Eat

  • Tim’s Market & Supply: Near Burnt Coat Harbor. Sells groceries and takeout food items.

Where to Stay

 

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978-825-4311
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Salem’s famed author,
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Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests

Nathaniel’s In The Hawthorne Hotel

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA
978-825-4311
HawthorneHotel.com

Salem’s famed author,
welcome hotel guests