A Beach in a Working Harbor
Mackerel Cove is one of those places where tourism and the working waterfront coexist without pretense. The cove sits on the west side of Bailey Island in Harpswell, Maine, a sheltered inlet where lobster boats swing on their moorings and fishermen haul traps while visitors pick through pebbles for sea glass on the beach just a few yards away.
Bailey Island connects to the mainland by the famous Cribstone Bridge, the only granite cribwork bridge in the world. You drive across it on Route 24 from Orr’s Island, and Mackerel Cove is a short detour on the west side. The beach occupies the north end of the cove, a crescent of sand and smooth rock backed by a grassy field and edged with wild roses.
The water in the cove is calm, sheltered from ocean swells by the surrounding land. It is suitable for wading, swimming on warm days, and launching kayaks or paddleboards. The harbor setting means you share the water with lobster boats, which adds character rather than inconvenience.
Sea Glass and Beachcombing
Mackerel Cove is known among sea glass hunters as one of the better spots in midcoast Maine. The tumbling action of the tides against the pebbly beach produces well-worn glass fragments in green, white, and occasionally blue. The best hunting is after storms, when fresh material washes up, and at low tide, when the beach expands to reveal more ground.
Walk the waterline slowly at low tide, scanning the wet pebbles. Sea glass is easier to spot when wet because it catches the light. Green and white are the most common colors. Blue and red are rare finds. Bring a small container to hold your treasures.
Beyond sea glass, the beach yields smooth stones, shells, and the occasional lobster-trap fragment. The rocky edges of the cove support tide pools at low water, with periwinkles, barnacles, and small crabs.
The Working Harbor
Mackerel Cove is an active lobster harbor. Colorful buoys mark the moorings, and you will see fishermen coming and going in their boats through the day. This is a good place to watch the lobster industry at work without getting in the way, and a pair of binoculars brings the moored boats and the seabirds along the cove into view. The boats launch from the adjacent town landing.
The Johnson Field Preserve, managed by Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, borders the cove and provides a grassy area for sitting, picnicking, and watching the harbor activity. Wild roses bloom along the edge in summer, adding fragrance and color.
Visit in the early morning when the lobster boats are heading out. The light on the water is beautiful, the cove is quiet, and you can watch the fleet motor through the harbor entrance one by one. Bring coffee and sit on the grass at Johnson Field.
Swimming and Kayaking
The cove is sheltered enough for comfortable swimming, though the water temperature follows the typical Maine pattern: cold in June, tolerably cool by late July, and warmest in August when it may reach the upper 50s to low 60s. The bottom is a mix of sand and rock, so water shoes are a good idea.
Kayaking from Mackerel Cove is excellent. The calm harbor provides an easy launch, and once you paddle out, you can explore the rocky shoreline of Bailey Island, nearby Orr’s Island, and the smaller ledges and islands that dot Casco Bay. Having your kayaking gear sorted before you go makes the most of the sheltered launch. Paddlers should be aware of boat traffic in the cove.
Mackerel Cove is an active working harbor. Swimmers and kayakers should stay clear of the channel used by lobster boats and be visible to boat operators. Do not swim near the moorings.
Practical Details
Parking is free in a small lot next to the beach and Johnson Field. The lot holds about 15 cars and can fill on summer weekends. There are no restrooms at the beach. The nearest facilities are at the restaurants and shops along Route 24.
Dogs are allowed at Mackerel Cove and must be kept under owner control. Pick up after your dog.
When to Go
Spring
Cool and quiet. Beach is accessible. Good for beachcombing after winter storms.
Summer
Warmest water for swimming. Wild roses in bloom. Peak lobster season in the harbor.
Fall
Fewer visitors, cooler air. Excellent sea glass hunting after fall storms. Harbor still active.
Winter
Beach accessible but cold and exposed. Harbor quieter. Best for solitary walks.
Mackerel Cove Essentials
- Water shoes (rocky beach)
- Small container for sea glass
- Sunscreen and towel
- Kayak or paddleboard (calm launch)
- Camera (harbor and lobster boats)
- Windbreaker (ocean breeze)
- Picnic lunch (no vendors at the beach)
Getting There
From Portland, take I-295 North to Route 1 North, then Route 24 South through Brunswick and across Orr’s Island to Bailey Island. After crossing the Cribstone Bridge, turn right onto Abner Point Road. The cove and parking area are on your left. The drive from Portland is about 50 minutes.
From Bath, take Route 1 South to Route 24 South. About 30 minutes.
Bailey Island has a few restaurants and a general store. Cook’s Lobster & Ale House is nearby for a classic Maine lobster meal. For groceries and fuller services, stop in Brunswick before heading down the peninsula.
FAQ
Is there a fee for parking at Mackerel Cove?
No. Parking is free in the small lot next to the beach. The lot holds about 15 cars and can fill on summer weekends. Arrive early on busy days.
Is Mackerel Cove good for sea glass?
Yes. It is one of the better sea glass spots in midcoast Maine. Green and white are the most common colors. The best hunting is at low tide after storms.
Can you swim at Mackerel Cove?
Yes. The cove is sheltered and suitable for swimming, though the water is cold. Water shoes are recommended because the bottom is a mix of sand and rock.
Are dogs allowed at Mackerel Cove?
Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under owner control at all times.
What is the Cribstone Bridge?
The Cribstone Bridge connects Orr's Island to Bailey Island. It is the only granite cribwork bridge in the world, built in 1928 with granite blocks stacked in an open lattice that allows tidal water to flow through.
