Little Whaleboat Island: Wild, Quiet, Uncrowded

A rugged island perfect for off-grid camping, picnicking, and paddling.

Little Whaleboat Island is Casco Bay at its most rugged and rewarding. There’s no dock, no cell service, and no infrastructure — and that’s exactly the draw. This island is for the DIY adventurer: the kind of person who packs their own water, cooks over a fire, and knows the magic of morning fog lifting over still water.

Part of a recently conserved island cluster just off Harpswell, Little Whaleboat offers a rare sense of solitude in a busy world. With dramatic granite cliffs, sweeping meadows, and spruce forests anchoring either end, the landscape is raw and beautiful. Ospreys and eagles nest nearby, and the surrounding waters are perfect for paddling or a quick swim.

The western end — along with neighboring islets Nate and Tuck — is protected by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and open to the public for camping and day use. The eastern portion of the island is private, so be sure to respect posted boundaries. There are no ferries or amenities — only what you bring and what the island gives. If you’re chasing quiet coves, sea air, and starry skies, Little Whaleboat is worth the trip.

An aerial photo shows a cove at Little Whaleboat Island.
A father and son make a campfire on the beach at Little Whaleboat Island during sunset.
An aerial photo of the entire Little Whaleboat Island taken on a summer day.
Low tide at Little Whaleboat Island on a summer afternoon
A sailboat sits anchored off the coast of Little Whaleboat Island
A view of the beach on Little Whaleboat Island on a summer afternoon
A view of wildflowers along the beach on Little Whaleboat Island
The tide slows recedes exposing the beach and rocks at Little Whaleboat Island

Things to Do

  • Camp at Scenic Sites: Choose from three designated campsites — the sunny Meadow Site, the private Northern Site, or the larger, reservation-only Group Site. Each offers a unique experience, from grassy tent pads to fire pits.

  • Picnic with a View: Spread out lunch in the central meadow with views stretching to Mount Washington on clear days.

  • Watch Wildlife: Osprey, eagles, and songbirds are frequent visitors. The islands are especially lively during spring and fall migrations.

  • Explore the Shoreline: Walk the rocky coast during low tide, discover quiet coves, or take in the views from high bluffs and cliffs.

  • Unplug Completely: There are no trails, no buildings, and no crowds — just peace, sea air, and the sound of water on cobble.

Where to Anchor

  • Anchoring Tips: Anchor on the northeast side of the island and make sure your anchor is well set — holding can be tricky.

  • Landing: The Meadow Site has a cove accessible at mid- to high tide for small boats. Larger boats should anchor just outside the cove.

  • Northern Access: The Northern and Group Sites are near a gravel beach that allows dinghy landing in calm conditions.

  • Moorings: All moorings in the area are privately owned and not available for public use.

Know Before You Go

  • Access: Little Whaleboat is only reachable by private boat or charter. There is no ferry, dock, or freshwater source.

  • Campsites:

    • Meadow and Northern Sites are first come, first served.

    • Group Site requires a reservation via wardensreport.com.

    • Camping is limited to 2 nights.

    • Group size limits: 8 max for Meadow and Northern Sites; special permission required for larger or guided groups.

  • Fire Guidelines:

    • Fires must be below the high tide line or in the designated fire ring at the Northern Site.

    • Fires must be under 3 feet, attended at all times, and fully extinguished.

    • Fire permits are required by Maine law.

  • Leave No Trace:

    • Carry in, carry out — including trash, human, and pet waste.

    • No firewood from out of state.

    • Do not cut live or dead trees.

  • Wildlife: Avoid the osprey nesting area until July 31.

  • Owner: Maine Coast Heritage Trust. For group permissions, contact stewardship@mcht.org or call 207-729-7366.