Considered a small artist colony by many, rugged and remote Monhegan Island has a permanent population of only 60 people. Situated sine 10 miles off the coast of Maine, the island is today a picturesque summer haven for artists and vacationers.

It is believed that the first visitors to Monhegan Island were possibly Vikings, and evidence of this has been found in the form of Nordic carvings found on Manana Island. Later to arrive were fisherman from all parts of Europe, who used the area as an outpost for their operations. Native Americans gave the island its name, which means “Island of the Sea.”

The first settlement was established in 1619. Seventy years later, Baron Castine captured the English settlement for the French. Castine and Castine Harbor, Maine still bear his name.

Use NOAA Chart 13301.

Monhegan Island is generally approached from the southwest via the Atlantic Ocean in order to arrive in the protected town harbor and waterfront. From the Atlantic Ocean, first set a course for flashing red buoy “14M,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 45.301 W69 22.465.

Once you have picked up flashing red buoy “14M,” set a course of about 099 degrees magnetic for around 2.4 miles until you arrive at Monhegan Harbor. Depths are 51 to 94 feet, but shallow to 15 to 24 feet at the town waterfront.

If you are adventurous and the weather is calm, some boaters anchor just north of the town harbor in Deadmans Cove, but you’ll have to have a long anchor rode and let out lots of scope. The holding is supposedly very good, but again, it’s not recommended in all but the calmest weather.

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

Monhegan Island is a nature lover’s paradise. The first thing you should pick up when you arrive is the Monhegan Associates Trail Map, which is available at most shops and business establishments on the island for a small charge. This will give you an invaluable glimpse of the myriad of trails and scenic nature walks that crisscross the island.

A visit to Monhegan Island really isn’t complete until you have checked out the Monhegan Island Lighthouse, which was constructed here in 1824. The lighthouse is open to visitors from July 1 to Sept. 30.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for detailed information.

Regular ferry service to and from Monhegan Island is normally available from May 1 to April 30. See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for a complete and detailed schedule.

Once you are on Monhegan Island, whether you arrived by boat or ferry, bike and foot travels are the two main modes of transportation. Monhegan Island residents are adamant about keeping the Island natural and undisturbed. Leave only your footsteps, and take everything you bring to the island off with you.

Monhegan Island Lighthouse

Monhegan Commons

Monhegan Boat Line