The Isles of Shoals

The lighthouse on White Island is a prominent Isles landmark.
Photo by Scott Goodwin

LOCATED JUST 5 NAUTICAL MILES OFF THE COAST OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, THE ISLES OF SHOALS ARE GREAT BOATING DESTINATION AND A WORLD UNTO THEMSELVES. ON A CALM SUMMER DAY, THE ISLANDS ARE EASILY REACHABLE FROM NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS; KITTERY AND YORK, MAINE; OR PORTSMOUTH, HAMPTON AND RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MAKING THEM A GREAT DAYTRIP OPTION FOR BOATERS WHO LAUNCH OR KEEP THEIR VESSELS IN THESE PORTS. THE ARCHIPELAGO CONSISTS OF 9 LITTLE ISLANDS, CLUSTERED OFF THE COAST ON THE BORDER BETWEEN MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. IN FACT, THE ISLANDS ARE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE 2 STATES.

Gosport Harbor, which is bounded by Star, Cedar, Appledore and Smuttynose Islands, is the only viable anchorage. Most of the moorings in the harbor belong to yacht clubs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but if you visit during the shoulder seasons you might be able to borrow one.

Satellite Map

If you choose to anchor, be aware that the bottom here is mostly hard ledge and notoriously poor holding ground. If you anchor in windy conditions, don’t leave your boat unattended. A stone breakwater fills the gaps between Smuttynose, Cedar and Star Islands, giving protection from easterly winds and seas. The west and northwest corners are unprotected, however, making the harbor an uncomfortable proposition in winds from these directions.

The Isles of Shoals were first settled by fishermen in the 16th century and subsequently visited by many notorious pirates. Today, only a handful of people inhabit these rugged islands, but in the past it was a major destination for wealthy 19th-century Americans, many of whom stayed at the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island. Today the entire island and hotel are owned and operated by the Star Island Corporation, which is supported by the Unitarian Church. Visiting boaters are welcome to visit Star Island and the hotel via a public dinghy dock.

This chapel on Star Island is maintained by the Star Island Corporation. Photo by Scott Goodwin

The Gosport Harbor moorings fill up quickly on summer weekends. Photo by Scott Goodwin

GETTING THERE:

Charts: NOAA 13274, 13278, 13283

Isles of Shoals Chart

When approaching the Isles from the north, be careful of the unmarked rocks surrounding Duck Island. From seaward, steer clear of Anderson Ledge, which is buoyed and marked by a post. Just to the north, and off the direct course, lies unmarked Cedar Ledge. Otherwise, major hazards to navigation are well marked, and the lighthouse on White Island is easy to see. However, always be prepared for fog, which is common here all season.

Dockage, Moorings and Service:

There are no marine facilities in the Isles of Shoals, so be sure you have plenty of fuel to get home if you arrive by powerboat. The moorings in Gosport Harbor belong to mainland yacht clubs. Visitors may pick up an open mooring, but should be ready to leave immediately if the owner returns. If you dinghy to the beach or to one of the fixed jetties, be aware that the tidal range is just under 10 feet during spring tides (tides are only 2 minutes off Portland, Maine). Currents are weak in the anchorage, but can be fairly strong in the cuts between islands.

Anchorages:

The anchorage in Gosport Harbor is deep (20 to 30 feet), but of poor holding ground. It is best to try and get a mooring for the day if possible.

Harbormaster:

No harbormaster available. Contact the New Hampshire Director of Ports (603-436-8500).

Launch Ramps:

The nearest launch ramps are located in Portsmouth and Rye, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine.

Boat & Kayak Rental:

No listing available.

Things to Do & See:

Visitors are free to land via dinghy and walk around Star, Smuttynose, Malaga, White and Appledore Islands. All other islands are off-limits. The dock on Star Island is reserved for ferries, but the floating dock alongside it may be used for dinghies.
Day visitors to Star Island can visit the snack bar, bookstore, gift shop and tour the Oceanic Hotel lobby. Visitors are also welcome to take meals at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. in the hotel dining room. More information is available through theStar Island Corporation (603-430-6272).
The Shoals Marine Laboratory (607-255-3717) on Appledore is a research facility run jointly by the University of New Hampshire and Cornell University. It gives tours and offers an interesting hands-on experience to visitors. You can also pick up a visitor’s map and explore the island on your own.
On Smuttynose Island, a trail leads past Haley family cemetery, sailors’ graves, the newly built fisherman’s cottage and Marens Rock.
The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (800-441-4620 or 603-431-5500) runs sightseeing, wedding and dinner trips, as well as educational tours, from Portsmouth to the Isles

Provisions:

The nearest provisions are located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Where to Eat:

There are no restaurants on the Isles of Shoals.

Getting Around:

The only way to get around on the Isles is by foot. Beware the poison ivy!

General Information:

The Isles of Shoals website has information on each island. New Hampshire maintains a lot of information on the islands at Seacost NH that is up to date and includes a guide to ferries and tours.
Guide to Portsmouth, New Hampshire Great website with lots of charter and partyboat listings.
Loads of historical information on the Isles, including the recent Smuttynose archeological dig, can be accessed through the Isles of Shoals Historical Society.