Quick Details
Adult
Ages 18+
$ 645
Child
Ages 13-17
$ 645
A Three-Day Sea Kayaking Exploration of Muscongus Bay’s Wild Islands
Muscongus Bay holds no major harbors, and its shores are sparsely populated. That makes it a much quieter and wilder environment than many stretches of southern Maine’s coast — and a perfect destination for sea kayaking. Hundreds of tiny islands scattered across the bay provide plenty of sites for kayakers to camp, while countless rock ledges offer harbor seals plenty of sites to haul out for a rest. While few large boats cruise these waters, this is prime lobstering territory, so lobster boats and buoys abound. Muscongus Bay is especially renowned for its rich birding opportunities and other wildlife-viewing potential.
Where You’ll Paddle
You’ll start this trip in one of two small fishing harbors — either Round Pond on the west side of the bay or Friendship on the east side. From there the group will island-hop towards the center of the bay, with possible camping spots including Thief Island, Black Island, Hog Island and Crow Island. Along the way you’ll find plenty of opportunities to observe seals and other wildlife. At some point you’ll likely paddle along the shores of Hog Island, which is home to a large Audubon Sanctuary and nature-study camp. If conditions allow, you may kayak into the outer islands that are most exposed to the ocean, potentially visiting Franklin Island lighthouse and enjoying views of Monhegan Island, one of the most remote inhabited islands on the Maine coast.
The itinerary will depend on the conditions and the group. You can expect to paddle for several hours each day, with many breaks along the way. There will also be plenty of time for exploring and relaxing on the islands. Your guide will choose a route that takes maximum advantage of the wind direction and tidal currents, while ensuring that the group moves at a pace that is comfortable for all participants.
More Info
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- Observing the abundant wildlife of Muscongus Bay, including seals and seabirds
- Visiting several islands on the Maine Island Trail in Muscongus Bay, and watching the sun set over the bay as you enjoy a hearty meal with your group
- Exploring the trails of Hog Island Audubon Sanctuary
- Paddling among the boats and wharves of one of Maine’s most active lobstering communities
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You’ll meet your guide and the other participants at our retail location at 233 Warren Ave in Portland at 8:00am on the first day of the trip. After checking in and unloading anything you plan to bring on the trip, you may store your bags inside. Overnight parking is available behind the building, accessed via Hicks Street. Next your guide will offer a brief overview of the itinerary, select a kayak for you, help you pack your boat and deliver a brief paddling lesson. Your group will then load into our van for the roughly 90-minute drive north to the Muscongus Bay, with a bathroom break along the way. Next, it’s time to hit the water!
We ask participants to pack a lunch for the first day of the trip, but after that all meals are provided, along with snacks and drinking water, tea and coffee. Portland Paddle also provides all the necessary kayaking gear and dry bags for packing your belongings. Tents are provided at no extra cost, though some people prefer to use their own. There is a small rental fee to use a sleeping bag and sleeping pad if you are not able to bring your own. Cold water paddling gear such as wetsuits and neoprene booties are also available for rent, and are recommended early in the season (May & June) when the water is still especially cold.
On the final day of your trip you can expect to arrive back at our main site in Portland by 4:30pm.
- You’ll meet your guide and the other participants at 8:30am on the first day of the trip. After checking in and unloading anything you plan to bring on the trip, our staff will direct you to an area where you can park overnight. Then your guide will offer a brief overview of the itinerary, select a kayak for you, help you pack your boat and deliver a brief paddling lesson. Your group will then load into our van for the roughly 1-hour drive north to the Kennebec River. Next, it’s time to hit the water!We ask participants to pack a lunch for the first day of the trip, but after that all meals are provided (dinner, breakfast and the second lunch), along with snacks and drinking water, tea and coffee.Portland Paddle also provides all the necessary kayaking gear and dry bags for packing your belongings. Tents are provided at no extra cost, though some people prefer to use their own. There is a small rental fee to use a sleeping bag and sleeping pad if you are not able to bring your own. Cold water paddling gear such as wetsuits and neoprene booties are also available for rent, and are recommended early in the season (May & June) when the water is still especially cold.On the final day of your trip you can expect to arrive back at our main site in Portland by 4:30pm.
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- Well-rounded, delicious meals and snacks – two of each breakfast, lunch and dinner (pack a lunch for the first day)
- Kayaks and other paddling gear
- Dry bags for packing your belongings
- Licensed Maine sea kayaking guide with a deep knowledge of the region
- Tent(s)
Please Note: Tents are included in the cost of this trip, but we ask participants to either bring their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads or rent them from us for a small additional fee.
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- You don’t need to have experience with kayak camping or long sea kayaking trips to join this trip. This trip can be a great fit for first-time kayak campers. However, since the group will paddle for several hours each day we ask that each participant meet the following requirements:
- Prior experience paddling a sea kayak (sea kayaks are somewhat different than the “recreational” kayaks common on lakes and rivers)
- Ability to paddle at a moderate pace for several hours in one day (with plenty of island breaks)
- Ability to walk comfortably on uneven surfaces (such as following a short, rocky trail from a beach to a campsite)
- Comfort with tent camping
If you are lacking any of the requirements, we suggest signing up for one of our lessons or guided day tours before booking this trip. That said, your guide will provide basic instruction, and there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your paddling skills along the way.
- You don’t need to have experience with kayak camping or long sea kayaking trips to join this trip. This trip can be a great fit for first-time kayak campers. However, since the group will paddle for several hours each day we ask that each participant meet the following requirements:
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If you would prefer to book a private trip that is just for your group we would be happy to make that happen. A private trip allows your guide to customize the itinerary to fit the interests and experience levels of those in your group. It’s also a good option if the dates of our public trips listed on the calendar above don’t work for your group.
To get more information and request a private trip please submit the form on this page.
CLICK HERE to view an outline of the trip itinerary and a packing list.Â