Rockport Harbor

Marinas near Rockport Harbor

Introduction:

Home to 3200 permanent residents, Rockport, Maine, is snuggled in a well-protected harbor just west of North Haven Island on Penobscot Bay.

Rockport village-proper lies further north on U.S. Route 1 and offers an attractive harbor near Camden. The harbor was once the home of Andre the seal. Andre was a seal who spent winters at the New England Aquarium in Boston and summered in Rockport Harbor. For over 20 years the aquarium would free him and Andre would swim 150-plus miles north to Rockport. It was always a high point for local residents when he reappeared each year.

Rockport Harbor is located off West Penobscot Bay just north of Rockland Harbor and west of Vinalhaven Island. The image above is a view from the south looking north over the town of Rockport, Rockport Harbor and the Rockport waterfront. Off in the upper-right-hand corner of the image is 800-foot-high Mount Battle.

There are two marine service and marina facilities in Rockport Harbor, and one of them has both transient slips and moorings for overnight tie-ups--Rockport Marine. Rockport Marina also has gas and diesel fuel, and a 35-ton lift for haul-outs and related repairs.

History:

Rockport was originally a part of its northern neighbor Camden until the two split on February 25, 1891 when the name Rockport was adopted. Later that same year, and again in 1893, it annexed land from Camden.

Lime production was once a major industry in Rockport and in 1817 three hundred casks of lime where shipped to Washington for use in building the Capitol, which had been recently damaged by the British in the War of 1812.

The Samoset Hotel, formerly a resort, has been a prime coastal resort location, renowned for spectacular and expansive views of Penobscot Bay, distant islands and the Camden Hills rising to the east since 1891.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Rockport Harbor is approached from the south via a passage through Penobscot Bay north of the town of Rockland. From Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept red and white bell buoy “RO,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 09.485 W69 03.197. If you are approaching the area at night, Flashing red “2” stands watch over Lowell Rock.

Once you have safely reached red and white buoy “RO,” set a new course of about 303 degrees magnetic for approximately .9 miles. This will lead you to the center of the point where you will start heading toward the north. From your last waypoint, set an approximate course of 014 degrees magnetic for around 1.5 miles. This will put you right in the midst of the Rockport waterfront and the expansive mooring field outside of it.

Local Notices to Mariners:

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

Transportation:

Portland and Bangor airports serve the Rockport area with major commercial air service from multiple carriers. Daily charter air service is also available from Knox County Airport, at Owls Head in nearby Rockland.

Limited taxi and limo service is available from a couple of local companies. Camden does not have bus or train service. Most all of Rockport is accessible by foot or a short bike ride.

Helpful Links:

Rockport Calendar of Events