Whaleboat is the largest wild island in the Casco Bay.

Whaleboat Island is a 122-acre preserve offering quiet camping, shoreline exploration, and some of the best views in the Casco Bay.

Whaleboat Island is Casco Bay’s largest wild island. This 122-acre preserve offers an off-the-grid escape that’s as rewarding as it is remote. Just off Harpswell Neck, Whaleboat is accessible only by private boat — and once you land on its gravel beaches or rocky shoreline, the pace of life shifts.

Here, the tides set your schedule, the breeze carries the scent of salt and pine, and the only crowds are seabirds. A windswept meadow in the island’s center invites quiet picnics and distant views of Mount Washington on clear days. The perimeter shoreline, best explored at low tide, leads to hidden coves, dramatic ledges, and peaceful lookout points.

With three designated campsites — including a reservation-only group area — Whaleboat is perfect for an overnight adventure under the stars or a day trip that feels far from the mainland. Whether you’re beachcombing, birdwatching during spring migration, or just soaking up the silence, Whaleboat Island offers the kind of raw coastal beauty that stays with you long after you’ve left.

A view of the rocks and beach at sunset at Whaleboat Island
A view of one of the campsites on Whaleboat Island, overlooking the water
The welcome sign at Whaleboat Island
Sea kayaks pulled up on the beach on Whaleboat Island
A photo of the welcome sign and path leading up to hiking trails on Whaleboat Island

Things to Do

  • Camp Under the Stars: Whaleboat Island offers three designated campsites — a grassy meadow, a tucked-away northern forest site, and a larger group site. It’s perfect for unplugged overnight adventures.

  • Picnic in the Meadow: The expansive central meadow offers sweeping views across Casco Bay and, on clear days, even glimpses of Mount Washington.

  • Watch for Wildlife: During spring and fall migrations, the island becomes a hotspot for birders. Keep an eye out for raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds.

  • Swim and Beachcomb: Gravel beaches and shallow coves invite quick dips, tide pool exploration, and beachcombing for shells, driftwood, and sea glass.

  • Explore the Shoreline: With no formal trails, a low-tide perimeter hike is the best way to experience Whaleboat’s dramatic coastline, ledges, and quiet coves.

Where to Anchor

  • Southern Cove (Meadow Site): Small boats can land on the gravel beach at mid-to-high tide. Larger boats should anchor outside the cove. Take care on windy days—southern exposure and ledges make this area less protected.

  • Northwestern Anchorage (Northern & Group Sites): Anchorage is available just off the northern shoreline, near the red #2 channel marker. The gravel beach offers reliable access at most tides and is close to both the Northern and Group campsites.

  • Launch Options: The closest public ramp is at Mere Point in Brunswick (note: overnight parking restrictions apply). Dolphin Marina in Harpswell also offers launching and services nearby.

Know Before You Go

  • Access: Only by private boat or charter. No ferry service.

  • Camping Rules: Stay limited to 2 nights. Meadow and Northern sites are first-come, first-served. The Group Site must be reserved through MCHT.

  • Fires: Permit required from the Maine Forest Service. Keep fires below the high tide line (except at designated fire pits).

  • Facilities: No toilets, water, or amenities. Pack everything in and out, including human and pet waste.

  • Respect the Land: Keep pets under control. Do not cut or damage vegetation. Leave no trace.