In summer 2020, some island attractions closed or changed hours due to COVID-19. Checking before visiting is suggested. Swan’s Island is located in Blue Hill Bay, approximately six miles by Maine State Ferry from Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

The 7,000-acre island is heavily wooded with the typical rocky coastline of Maine. Besides the historic Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, the island offers visitors spectacular scenery, several historic points of interest, and an opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed, natural pace of life. Swan’s Island is home to 300 year-round residents and 700 additional seasonal residents during the summer months.

Places To Go & Things To See

The Swan’s Island Lobster & Marine Museum

The Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum is located about 100 yards from the island’s ferry terminal. It has a unique collection of local artifacts that tell the fishing industry’s story on Swan’s Island. The museum is open June through September, Monday-Friday, 11 am – 3 pm. For more information, visit the website, find the Museum on Facebook, or call 207-526-4423.

Swan’s Island Library

The library is located at 451 Atlantic Rd. The Swan’s Island Library (Swan’s Island Educational Society) offers visitors books, magazines, historical and art exhibits, movies, DVDs, 24-hour internet access, and more. The Library hosts many cultural and educational events throughout the summer. See http://swansislandeducationalsociety.org/library/library-home/

Events & Festivals

In 2020, most special events were canceled due to COVID-19. The Town Office is located at 125 Harbor Road. Many events take place at the Oddfellows Hall, 100 Harbor Rd.

Visitors should check the Town Office bulletin boards and the Town website for information on special events, including Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfasts, July 4th Celebrations, Lobster Dinner at the Firehouse the Sweet Chariot Music Festival.

Town Office

The Swans Island Town Office is located at 125 Harbor Road and offers visitors information, potable water, and the island Post Office.

Mill Pond Park

Millpond Park is located on Minturn Road and looks out across Burnt Coat Harbor. The park has a picnic area, grills to cook on, a flower garden, and a playscape for younger children.

Beaches & Hiking

There are 1.8 miles of marked trails in the lighthouse park area.
There is a trail maintained by Maine Coast Heritage Trust at High Head Beach. There is a right of way from Jericho Bay Road to Fine Sand Beach. There is a cross-island trail (Goose Pond Road) from Stanley Point Road to Goose Pond and Atlantic Road.

There are four beaches with public access. Two are in the lighthouse park, Long Point Beach and Burying Point Beach. The other two, marked on the map, are Carrying Place Beach and Fine Sand Beach. Carrying Place Beach is the only beach that is easily accessible by car. Hiking trails and beaches are marked on the printable island map.

Baird’s Quarry

Bairds Quarry (“the quarry pond”) is a popular spot for freshwater swimming and a great place for a picnic. It is located on Quarry Pond Road, just off the Minturn Loop.

Boat Charter & Boat Deliveries

Contact Capt. Jason Joyce at 207-479-6490. Haul a lobster trap, visit a seal colony, view eagles, and porpoise around the outer ledges. 2 1/2 hour cruise, $500, up to 6 passengers.

Take a trip to Marshall Island. Jason will drop you off and pick you up at an agreed time for $200. Also available, a limited amount of June – Sept. all-day offshore whale watching, cod, pollack, and halibut fishing trips. Maximum 3 adults. $1,200 per trip. All tackle provided, or bring your own.

Boat deliveries by arrangement. Email [email protected] or call Capt. Jason Joyce at 207-479-6490.

Geocaches on the Island

There are several geocaches on Swan’s Island, including three linked caches on Hockamock Head, plus one at Baird’s Quarry and Noah’s Ballast.