It’s worth the trip!

Since the Light Station is on an island, it takes some planning to visit us. We’ve gathered all the travel information you need about getting to the island and some basic travel logistics.

Getting to Swan’s Island by Ferry

Getting To Swan's Island by FerryYou can reach Swan’s Island by Maine State Ferry service.

The ferry makes several round trips each day between Bass Harbor and Swan’s Island. The trip takes about 30 minutes each way. The Light Station is about 3.5 miles from the ferry landing.

You can drive your car onto the ferry, take your bicycle, or walk on. See Ferry FAQs below for travel information you need to know about making a ferry reservation and getting on to the ferry. For an up-to-date schedule with fares, visit http://maine.gov/mdot/ferry/swansisland.

Ferry FAQs

Where do I get the ferry?

The ferry leaves from the Bass Harbor Ferry Terminal at 45 Granville Rd., Tremont, ME. Phone 207-244-3254.

How often does the ferry run?

Most days, the ferry makes six round trips. The last ferry from the island back to Bass Harbor is at 4:30 pm. Be aware that ferry runs can sometimes be canceled or delayed because of weather conditions, medical emergencies, or equipment malfunctions. See Maine State Ferry Service website for timetable, fares, travel information, and phone numbers.

Can I bring my car to the island?

The ferry usually can take 17 cars. There are four reservations available for each ferry trip. You can make a reservation up to 30 days in advance. If you are bringing your car to the island, it is highly advisable to have a reservation both ways. If you miss getting your car onto the 4:30 PM ferry, which is the last ferry back to Bass Harbor, your car will be spending the night on the island.

I have a reservation to bring my car. What do I need to know?

Pull into the marked reservation area at the front of the ferry line. Then, go into the ferry terminal to confirm your reservation. You must check-in 15 minutes before the ferry’s departure time.

If you miss by even one minute, you will have to go to the back of the line. The clock in the ferry terminal is the one that counts. Play it safe! Be in line and check-in at the service window at least 20 minutes before departure.

What do I need to know if I want to bring my car but have no reservation?

Park at the end of the ferry line. Then, buy a ticket.

Is there parking at the ferry terminal?

There is parking near the ferry terminal at Bass Harbor and also on the island. During the summer months, there is a parking fee for the Bass Harbor parking lot. Pay inside the ferry terminal for your parking permit.

What do I need to know if I want to travel to the island without my car?

You do not need a reservation to be a walk-on passenger. You should be at the ferry terminal 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you plan to return to the mainland immediately (i.e., a round trip without staying on the island), check out the Excursion Ticket fares, which are less expensive than a regular round trip ticket. If you take the last morning boat to the island and the first-afternoon boat back to the mainland, you will have about an hour and a half to walk around on the island.

What about bicycles?

There are about 20 miles of paved roads on the island. All island attractions are accessible by bicycle. However, roads are narrow, and some are quite busy. Cyclists need to exercise care and observe the rules of the road.

Is transportation available on the island?

There is no bus or taxi service on the island.

Are dogs allowed on the island?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash when on public property.

Getting to Swan’s Island by Private Boat

Moorings are available in Burnt Coat Harbor (near the lighthouse) and Mackerel Cove (adjacent to the ferry terminal). The irregular shoreline provides interesting views and perspectives. The harbors provide secure anchorages for visiting boaters.

For more information on moorings and other secure anchorages around Swan’s Island, refer to standard cruising guides. For harbor anchorages, contact harbor master Josh Joyce at 207-266-1937.

Places To Stay & Places To Eat

Where Can I Stay On The Island?

Harbor Watch InnThe Harbor Watch Inn is centrally located at 111 Minturn Road. Rooms are available by reservation year-round. www.swansisland.com

How About Rentals?

The upstairs apartment at the keeper’s house is available for rental. Rent the Keeper’s House Apartment

Additional rental properties are available, and there are listings on several websites. For local travel information, check out www.swansislandvacations.com, also on Facebook.

Several properties are listed on the Town website, www.swansisland.org.

Camping & Campfires

There are no public campsites on the island. There are Maine Island Trail Association campsites on and around Swan’s Island. These are pack-in, pack-out campsites (no facilities) that will accommodate one or two small tents.

Contact Maine Island Trail Association for more travel information. Campfires are allowed only with permission from the fire chief. In the summertime, campfires usually are not permitted.

Restaurants

The island’s general store, The Island Market & Supply (TIMS), is open year-round. TIMS offers a limited takeout selection year-round. Outside tables are available in the summer.

The address is 40 North Road. It is on the left, just past the Historical Society. Proprietors Brian and Kathy Krafjack can be reached at 207-526-4043.

Special Events

Check the bulletin board at the Town Office for special events such as concerts, church suppers, pot luck lunches and dinners, concerts and community celebrations.

Shopping For Food & Gas

The Island Market & Supply (TIMS)

TIMSThere is a small but well-stocked general store and takeout, TIMS  (The Island Market and Supply), open year-round. TIMS has a good supply of almost everything you need on the island. If the grocery item you are looking for is not on the shelves, TIMS’ friendly helpers can usually order it and have it for you the next day.

Also, you can buy absolutely the freshest local lobsters and clams at TIMS. Follow The Island Market & Supply on Facebook for daily bulletins on what is coming in on the supply truck. TIMS is open every day. Check Facebook for travel information and open hours.

Where can I buy beer or wine?

Not on Swan’s Island. This is a dry island. No alcoholic beverages are sold on the island, and no public consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed.

Where can I buy gas?

You can buy gas at the Fisherman’s Co-op, 15 Morses Hill Rd., or at Kent’s Wharf, 31 Steamboat Hill.

Swan’s Island Churches

Methodist ChurchAtlantic Baptist Church

417 Atlantic Road

Church of God

76 Rose Hill Road

Advent Christian Church

192 Minturn Road

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at the ferry terminal, the library, the Town Office, and the keeper’s house when open. There is a vault toilet next to the summit parking lot in the lighthouse park.

ADA accessibility

There is a short handicapped-accessible trail on Hockamock Head. About 150′ long, it goes to the summit of Hockamock Head, where there is a natural stone bench and panoramic views. The keeper’s house is handicapped-accessible from the light station parking area.

There is a handicapped-accessible vault toilet adjacent to the Hockamock Head summit parking area. When the keeper’s house is open, there is a handicapped-accessible toilet in the house. Picnic tables at Mill Pond Park are accessible. See map.

Other Island Businesses

Harbor View Studio, Dale Joyce – Fine Art Photographer, member of Maine PPA. www.harborviewstudio.com, located at 253 Harbor Road, in Swan’s Island Village, 207-479-6362.

Ivers AntiquesThere are several small shops that open seasonally. They are not grouped in a single “downtown” area. Eye of Creation is located on Stanley Point Road, Iver’s Antiques is at 152 Minturn Rd., Blue Buoy Thrift Shop is on Harbor Road.

The Island florist and event planner, Island Dreamweaver, is available to plan special events, including catering, flowers, welcome or gift baskets, and floral arrangements. Call Tammy Tripler at 207-664-4898.

Jennifer Helman is a year-round resident and a broker with The Davis Agency (Southwest Harbor). Phone: 919-824-4265. Email: [email protected] 

Also, Acadia Realty Group usually has some listings on Swan’s Island.
https://www.loc8nearme.com

Swan's Island ChartersBoat Charter, Water Taxi, Eco Tours

Water taxi and eco-tours including locally guided small group lobster, puffin and sightseeing charters. Perfect for all ages, it will be the highlight of your group’s summer adventures. Tour with a local.
www.swansislandcharters.com

Photo Tour of Swan’s Island

View Gallery

Introduction To The Keeper’s House Apartment

What Visitors Have To Say

Our stay at the lighthouse keepers apartment was lovely. the place has been decorated in a simple and serene way and the kitchen had all we needed. The view and location is splendid and all involved with the property were friendly.

- Teresa, September 2023

Our stay at the lighthouse — and our week on Swan's Island — exceeded expectations. We packed light, arrived via bikes, and easily navigated the island without a car. Tracy and everyone we met welcomed us and went out of their way to make us feel at home. We felt very privileged to stay in this thoughtfully restored historic building. Kudos to the tireless volunteers! We look forward to returning.

- Tekla, September 2023

The Lightkeeper’s apartment is a unique and beautiful treasure, not to be missed! I feel like I want to tell everyone I know about this cozy, charming little place, yet at the same time keep it a secret; to be shared only amongst those who know. You get to live in a lighthouse, on an island, off the coast of Maine!!! Need I say more?!?

- Dillon September 2023

This was the trip and stay of a lifetime! New England and island life at its best. We had the opportunity and fortune to meet some of the nicest people ever! Swans Island people gave us a giant welcoming hug!!

- Susan and family, July 2021

Our hosts were WONDERFUL and helpful, and being able to go up into the lighthouse tower was amazing. An all around unforgettable experience. THANK YOU!

- Michael and Kurt, June 2021

This is our first time to Swan’s Island and the Keeper’s House Apartment….How lucky we are to have found this treasure! We loved our week of peace, nature, and beauty. The shimmering water, the ever-changing sky and clouds, the trails in the woods …made for a restorative week.

- Paul and Bonnie, August 2020

This place quietly, simply, intoxicates you. Senses are full; smell, sights, sounds … yet not enough to overwhelm, just enough to soothe, just enough to make you fully aware of the natural gift Hockamock offers.

- Conrad and Michelle, August 2020

What a perfect holiday!! … Heaven on earth …lobster every night for dinner, fabulous hikes, amazing kayaking, spectacular sunsets…But perhaps the most cherished memory is the kind and lovely people of this island….

- Mary Beth & Michael, Sept. 2020

I have always wanted to stay at a lighthouse and now my dream has come true! The keeper’s quarters and the entire lighthouse park completely exceeded my expectations! Thanks for providing everything my son and I needed for a perfect stay and such amazing hospitality….

- Kristin and Izak, Sept. 2020

What a magic place. Sun and moon glinting off the water. The lighthouse beam in the trees, the sound of a gentle surf when the tide is in. The bell buoy ringing in the channel. Wonderful sunsets.

- Mike and Kathy, September 2019

The view out our window - moonlight on the ocean, porpoises, giant owls - plus the sound of the gong, and the wild berries…truly a special experience.

- Rebecca and Rich, August 2019

The apartment is beautiful. And the view is amazing! We could not have asked for a better vacation. We plan to return!

- Ann and Dave, September 2018

Thank you to ALL who made our stay so wonderful and relaxing. To the Islanders who told of trails to explore, thank you! We look forward to returning to this little piece of heaven on earth.

- Heather and Jamie, September 2018

From the amazing Light Keeper’s House to the beautiful view from the porch of the same, the amazingly friendly people, and our daily hikes along this rugged Maine Coast. Everything was perfect.

- Leesa and Howard, August 2018

Everything is magical! This is one of the best vacations! Ever!

- Ronald and Janet, July 2018

The beauty you offer is immeasurable. The clarity of light, wind, and Downeast character here recharged me.

- Lee, June 2018

What a wonderful place! We were in awe the moment we arrived. What a quiet and peaceful location for a vacation.

- David and Lorie, June 2018

You truly have a treasure perched out here atop the rocks with the vast sea at the doorstep. We watched a bright moon spilling its light onto the water, listening to the music of the waves, and wondering anew at the stars emerging in the dark sky.

- Susan, September 2017

This has been a lifetime experience! The beauty of Swan’s Island can’t be described in words or photographs, for they just don’t do it justice. I look forward to coming back again next year!

- Lacy, September 2017

We just stayed there and it is tremendous. The view and setting are amazing. The quality of the Keeper's house (2nd floor) is excellent. It is fresh, well decorated, and spacious.

- Mary, July 2017

We are fortunate to have traveled to many places in this world, but still contend, by far, this is the prettiest place on earth. Stay in the keeper's house. You will not be disappointed!!!! It is special.

- Spencer, July 2017