Cape Porpoise Harbor is located south of its namesake geographical point (Cape Porpoise) and about 2.5 miles northeast of Kennebunkport and nearly eight miles south of the Saco River.

Cape Porpoise Harbor has traditionally been used by lobstermen and fishermen, but today it is often used by recreational boaters looking for safe harbor. The entrance and harbor carry depths of about eight feet, and there are both mooring and anchoring spaces available along the entire length of the harbor.

Explorer Samuel de Champlain visited the islands defining Cape Porpoise harbor in 1604 and named it “Le Port aux Isles” (Island Harbor).

Cape Porpoise was uninhabited except for a few fishermen until 1718, when descendents and new settlers petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to settle a fishing village. The legislature approved, and the town of Arundel was incorporated in 1719. From the early seventeenth century, small vessels plied the harbor of Cape Porpoise for the prime fishing. As mills began to appear on the Mousam River, shipbuilding for trade and for lumber export became a primary industry.

Today, Cape Porpoise is primarily a lobster and fishing port, but also relies on nearby Kennebunkport for tourism revenue.

Use NOAA Chart 13286.

Approaching offshore at night, you will probably first see the flashing white light from the Goat Island Lighthouse, which stands 38 feet above the water. Once you have the area in sight, set a course to intercept red bell buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 21.124 W70 25.107.

Having successfully picked up red bell buoy “2,” set an approximate course of 330 degrees magnetic for about two-tenths of a mile to pick up red nun buoy “4.”

The next step is to head farther northwest toward red nun buoy “6”--about two-tenths of a mile away--and then head into the harbor, which is lined by a series of red and green can buoys that mark the shoal areas outside the dredged mooring and anchor area.

Local Notices to Mariners are now available exclusively online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Portland International Jetport is located approximately 30 miles from Cape Porpoise/Kennebunkport and is served by American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines and Northwest. Ground and area transportation to and from the airport is readily available.

The Manchester NH Airport is located approximately 75 miles from Cape Porpoise/Kennebunkport. Served by Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Pan Am Clipper Connection. Ground and area transportation to and from the airport is readily available.

Information courtesy of Kennebunkport.org

Kennebunkport Community Web site

Calendar of Events

Portland International Jetport