Outer Islands
Explore Offshore LivingSeveral islands are accessible from the main harbors on Mount Desert Island by public ferry service or private boat. Most offer year-round communities as well as ideal summer getaways.
Frenchboro is a small, quiet, year-round fishing community situated seven miles below Bass Harbor on Long Island.
Great Cranberry Island is served by a year-round mail boat from Northeast Harbor and a seasonal passenger ferry from Southwest Harbor.
Greening Island, primarily a summer community, is located just off the coast of Southwest Harbor. The island was originally a sheep farm with no trees and island-wide grazing. J.G. Thorp of Cambridge, Mass. was the first to purchase land and build a summer home in the 1920s; Raventhorp is an important reminder of the cultural forces that shaped the building environment of Maine’s great summer colonies.
Greening Island, exclusively a summer community, is located at the entrance to Somes Sound. Originally serving as a sheep pasture, Greening Island is now home to stunning seasonal cottages.
Isle au Haut is an island in Penobscot Bay some seven miles from the mainland. Most of the island is Acadia National Park land, preserving its beauty for future generations. A small village with year-round residents and summer cottages is located in the Thorofare at the northern end of the island. Accessible by private boat or year-round passenger ferry.
Little Cranberry Island (Islesford) is situated about 3 miles off the coast of Mount Desert Island. Accessed via ferry service from either Northeast or Southwest Harbor, this island offers many diverse distractions, including beach-combing, forested walks, a lovely waterfront restaurant, and a museum.
Sutton Island is located about two miles off Mount Desert Island. The island offers winding paths around and through the forested island. The majority of the properties on Sutton Island are protected by conservation easements.
Swans Island is reached via a year-round ferry service from Bass Harbor. Vehicles are allowed on the ferry. The island is quiet, private and peaceful. Swan’s Island and the surrounding area is noted for excellent sailing and cruising.