POSTPONED: Monroe Island Exploration

Due to weather, this trip has been postponed from 7/11 to Wednesday 8/2.

Please note, this event is now full. Please register for the waitlist by clicking the button above.

Event Overview:

Join Maine Coast Heritage Trust for a Maine island adventure! Pack a picnic and catch a free boat shuttle for the very short trip across the harbor at Owls Head to Monroe Island.

Take an optional guided hike or explore on your own. This beautiful 225-acre island preserve features a 1.5-mile trail system that takes you from one end of the island to the other, two campsites to investigate (if they’re not occupied), rocky shoreline and cobble beaches, and sweeping views of Penobscot Bay.

Shuttles:

Free shuttle boats will depart from Richard Carver Harbor Park, 11 Lighthouse Road, Owls Head, between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Passage over will be given in order of arrival. All ages are welcome. Life jackets will be provided – they’re required for children 12 and under. (If you have your own youth-sized life jackets, please bring them.)

Kayaking:

One of the wonderful features of Monroe Island is its proximity to the mainland. Experienced kayakers are encouraged to paddle over. BYOK (bring your own kayak) and we’ll meet you on the island (we will not be providing a kayak guide).

If you’re going to kayak, please contact Maggie at and we’ll send you launch details along with a map of suggested landing spots.

What to expect:

Park in the public parking lot at Richard Carver Harbor Park. Sign in at the registration table to get on the list for a shuttle. People will be taken to the island in order of arrival. At the island, you’re free to explore on your own. We’ll provide maps of the island. Shuttles back to the mainland will run from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

There are no facilities at Owls Head Harbor or on the island. Please be prepared to carry off all trash and waste.

Although we allow dogs on most of our preserves, we ask that you leave your four-footed friends at home for this event.

Plan to practice good tick prevention by staying on the trail while on the island and wearing light-colored clothing and pants that you can tuck into your socks.

What to bring:

• A picnic lunch, snacks, and lots of water
• Extra layers (i.e. windbreaker, rain jacket, fleece)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Shoes or sandals that can get wet if you want to explore the shoreline
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Children’s lifejackets if you have them (we will have loaners)

Cancellation policy and weather:

• If foul weather is forecast, we will cancel the event 24 hours in advance and notify you by email. Cancellations will be posted on this page.
• If your plans change and you can’t make it, please let us know. We will fill your spot from the wait list.