You’ll be able to sea kayak to this Casco Bay island for swimming, mountain climbing and a picnic

This story was initially printed in August 2022.

Little Whaleboat Island in northern Casco Bay is a particular place. Actually a trio of small islands and ledges named Little Whaleboat (West), Nate and Tuck, they’re related at low tide. I’ve been visiting them since I started sea kayaking a few a long time in the past. The motive is straightforward — it’s a gorgeous location simply reached by launching from Mere Point in Brunswick or Lookout Point and Mitchell Field in Harpswell.

During my many visits, I by no means realized Little Whaleboat was privately owned and entry was because of the generosity of the landowner. When the island was positioned up on the market, Maine Coast Heritage Trust led an effort to boost $1.3 million to purchase and preserve the island for the general public for perpetuity. In December 2021, the belief introduced it had efficiently bought the island.

Recently, my retired buddy Bob Rowe and I made a decision it was time to renew our relationship with Little Whaleboat by completely exploring the newly acquired island. We elected to depart from the closest boat launch, Mitchell Field, about 3 miles from Little Whaleboat.

This was my first expertise departing from Mitchell Field. I discovered it to be an distinctive facility. The advanced presents alternatives to stroll, bike, swim and picnic. Hand-carry boats may be launched from two seashores. The proximity to islands in northern Casco Bay is one other profit.

Left to proper, A kayaker approaches Little Whaleboat Island in Casco Bay. A paddler hauls his kayak ashore Little Whaleboat Island at low tide. A hiker begins an exploration of the japanese shore of Little Whaleboat Island. Credit: Courtesy of Ron Chase

We carried our kayaks all the way down to the shore at North Beach. Little Whaleboat might be seen within the distance a few mile west of a lot bigger Whaleboat Island. We traveled southwest in light swells and a light-weight headwind towards Whaleboat. Carefully avoiding lobster boats and pleasure crafts within the busy bay was a necessity all through our voyage. 

From Whaleboat, we navigated west to the japanese shore of Little Whaleboat. The tide was low after we arrived at a considerable gravel seashore on the north facet. This is a superb location to land kayaks at any tidal degree. Two pleasure crafts had been moored offshore and several other occupants had been swimming from their boats. While strolling onto the seashore, a loud osprey circled above shortly capturing our consideration.

Adjacent to the seashore is a big Maine Coast Heritage Trust campsite. After finishing an inspection, Bob and I continued our land exploration. Low tide and a rocky shoreline allowed for pretty simple foot journey continuing clockwise. We stopped to reconnoiter a smaller campsite on the east facet of the island. The slim channel that separates Little Whaleboat and Nate Island was impassable at that tidal degree.

Large boulders and in depth ledges had been extra prevalent on the south facet of the island, offering for a stimulating scramble. The densely forested inside discouraged any inclination to shorten the journey. Rounding the bend and turning north, we encountered a veritable muddy freeway between the western shore of Little Whaleboat and Tuck Island.

Surmounting a considerable ledge, we returned to the northern seashore finishing a trek across the exterior of the island. In addition to the ever present osprey, hen sightings had been plentiful all through our trek. While having fun with views of the islands of Merepoint and Middle Bays within the north, we had been impressed with the outstanding peacefulness of the placement.

Embarking in our kayaks, we concluded a circumnavigation of the archipelago. The quite a few inlets, coves and ledges supplied for a stimulating investigation of the rugged shoreline by water.

After operating off the north finish of Whaleboat, we encountered stronger winds and greater seas throughout our crossing to Mitchell Field. A continuum of outgoing sailboats delayed our traverse. While bobbing in swells, we exchanged greetings with the exuberant occupants as they handed.

Left to proper, Extensive ledges are prevalent on the south facet of Little Whaleboat. A muddy freeway was encountered between Little Whaleboat and Tuck Island. Numerous ledges had been noticed when finishing a circumnavigation of Little Whaleboat. Credit: Courtesy of Ron Chase

North Beach at Mitchell Field was a a lot busier place after we returned. Hot climate had attracted a mess of beachgoers. Despite the gang, there was enough house to land and carry our kayaks to the loading zone.

For me, Little Whaleboat Island has been an distinctive vacation spot since I started sea kayaking. Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s profitable effort to guard it for the general public is a considerable achievement. As a results of our go to, we left the island with a heightened sense of the magnitude of their accomplishment.

Read about eight extra thrilling sea kayak journeys alongside the Maine coast in my ebook, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine.”