Explore the Islands of Casco Bay
Hidden gems. Unforgettable days. Only accessible by boat.
Just off the coast of Portland, Maine lies a cluster of islands you can’t reach by ferry — and wouldn’t want to anyway. These are the kinds of places that reward curiosity: uninhabited shorelines, quiet trails, historic ruins, driftwood beaches, and tidepools brimming with treasures. The only way to get there? Your own boat — or one of ours.
Whether you're planning a full-day adventure with your crew, a quiet family picnic, or an overnight camping trip under the stars, these Casco Bay islands are some of the region’s best-kept secrets.
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Jewell Island
One of the most popular islands to visit in the Casco Bay, Jewell Island is only a 30-minute boat ride from the dock. With World War II towers and batteries to explore, 3+ miles of trails, and numerous beaches, Jewell Island has something the whole family will enjoy.
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Little Chebeague
If you're looking for the perfect day trip in Casco Bay, Little Chebeague Island delivers the right mix of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back adventure. Just a 10-minute boat ride from the dock, this 100-acre uninhabited island is easy to explore and packed with charm.
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Little Whaleboat Island
A 25-minute boat ride from the dock, Little Whaleboat Island feels worlds away. There are no docks, no trails, no ferry access, and no crowds — just rocky shoreline, quiet coves, and one of the best sunsets in Casco Bay.
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The Goslings
The Goslings are everything we love about boating in Casco Bay: easy to reach (25-minute boat ride from the dock), peaceful, and full of charm. With sandy beaches, calm anchorages, and a tidal sandbar to explore, they’re perfect for paddling, picnicking, and unplugged family time—no guide required.
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Moshier Island
Tucked ten miles northeast of Portland, and a 15-minute boat ride from the dock, Moshier Island is one of the wildest, quietest spots in Casco Bay. With no ferries, roads, or crowds, it’s only accessible by private boat — making it a peaceful escape for those who prefer coves, rocky shores, and solitude over the tourist trail.
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Lanes Island
Just off the Royal River in Yarmouth, and a 15-minute boat ride from the dock, Lanes Island is a 28-acre gem with sandy beaches, quiet anchorages, and two campsites. Accessible only by boat, it offers coastal beauty and rich history—just watch the tides. A perfect spot for a peaceful day trip or an overnight escape in Casco Bay.
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Fort Gorges
Rising from Portland Harbor, Fort Gorges is a Civil War–era granite fort you can only reach by boat. No ferries, no crowds—just you, your crew, and history you can walk through. One of Casco Bay’s most unique and unforgettable spots, and only a 20-minute boat ride from the dock.
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Birch Island
Just off Brunswick and Harpswell, and about a 25-minute drive from the dock, Birch Island offers forested trails, rocky shoreline, and peaceful coves. The island’s preserve is perfect for camping, swimming, or a quiet picnic. With rich history and all-tide access, it’s a hidden gem where time slows down the moment you arrive.
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Whaleboat Island
Whaleboat Island is the largest wild island in Casco Bay — a rugged, 122-acre preserve about a 25-minute boat ride from the dock. With rocky shoreline, gravel beaches, and a windswept meadow perfect for picnicking, swimming, or camping under the stars, it’s one of the most peaceful and rewarding places to explore by boat.