Moosabec Reach and the town of Jonesport are located on the far “Down East” Maine Coast about 38 miles northeast of Mount Desert Island and 35 miles southwest of the United States/Canadian border. Moosabec Reach allows east-west travel from Seguin Passag to Outer Goose Island.

Lying on the north side of Moosabec Reach is the town of Jonesport, which has a limited amount of marina and marine service locations, but plenty of places with transient moorings and areas to drop the hook. Many of the seafood and lobster restaurant have temporary dockage available while you eat at their establishment.

The image above is a view from the east looking west over Mossabec Reach near Nats Rock. Off to the right (north), the town of Jonesport can be seen. Also to the right just east of town is Sawyer Cove, which while dry at its upper portion at low tide, has an excellent mooring field at its lower end where it empties into Moosabec Reach. The small lush island on the left of the image closest to where the image was shot is Pig Island. The center portion of the image shows Little Sheep Island barely above water. Lastly, off in the distance, the Beals Island Bridge (39-foot fixed vertical clearance) can be seen.

Use NOAA Chart 13326.

East Approach

The east entrance to Moosabec Reach from Seguin Passage is more complex than the entrance at its western end, but the channel is well marked and carries fairly consistent 10- to 14-foot depths.

From the east via the Seguin Passage, first set a course for flashing green bell buoy “1,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 32.201 W67 31.781 north of Mark Island. Once you have safely navigated to flashing green bell buoy “1,” set an approximate course of 285 degrees magnetic for about .8 miles to intercept red nun buoy “2.”

Past red nun buoy “2,” set a new course to the southwest to go between green daybeacon “3” and red nun buoy “4.” Continuing on toward the west, you will encounter red nun buoy “6,” green can buoy “7,” red nun buoy “8,” and then flashing green “9,” which marks the norther end of a steep rock ledge.

Once you have cleared flashing green “9,” march farther westward toward Jonesport, passing green can “11,” red nun buoy “12,” green daybeacon “13,” green can buoy 15,” and then flashing green buoy “17,” (especially important) which marks a short rock ledge. From here the water widens and deepens as you approach the Jonesport waterfront.

If you plan on heading farther west past Jonesport, keep in mind that a 39-foot fixed vertical clearance bridge crosses the route, limiting overhead clearance for some high-masted vessels.

West Approach


Though simpler and less complicated than the eastern approach, the western approach does have a few areas that require attention. Specifically, there are a few rock ledges on the entrance channel that while marked, can catch some boaters off guard. Also keep in mind that the buoys on this side of Moosabec Reach are reversed - leave greens to starboard and reds to port.

To start the approach to the western end of Moosabec Reach, first set a course for green can “25,” which is located north of Shabbit island at an approximate waypoint of N44 30.425 W67 41.171. Once you have safely navigated to green can “25,” set a new course of about 062 degrees magnetic for approximately .7 miles to pick up green can buoy “23,” which marks the location of Shabbit Island Ledge.

Past green can buoy “23,” you will set a new course toward the northeast to intercept flashing red bell buoy “22” at Fessenden Ledge. This is the last of any specific rocks ledges on the approach. From flashing red bell buoy “22,” set a new course of about 095 degrees magnetic for approximately 1.3 miles. Along the way, you will pass green can buoy “21” and red nun buoy “20.”

Once you have cleared green can “21” and red nun buoy “20,” continue east. If your overhead clearance is less than 40 feet, you can pass safely under the Beals Island Bridge and on to the east side of Jonesport.

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