Seguin Island Lighthouse

Maine’s Highest Light

Seguin Island Lighthouse stands at 180 feet above sea level, making it the highest lighthouse in Maine. The tower sits on Seguin Island in the Gulf of Maine, south of the mouth of the Kennebec River off Georgetown. What makes this light truly exceptional is its optic: a first-order Fresnel lens, the largest and most powerful classification. It is the only lighthouse in Maine that still houses one. The beam reaches 25 miles out to sea.

The current tower was built in 1857, replacing an earlier structure that dated to 1795, when George Washington commissioned Seguin as one of the first lighthouses authorized by the federal government. For over two centuries, this light has guided vessels navigating the dangerous waters at the mouth of the Kennebec. The keeper’s house, fog signal building, and outbuildings are maintained by the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station, a volunteer organization that runs the seasonal tours and keeps the island accessible.

Getting There

Seguin Island is accessible only by boat. There is no bridge, no causeway, and no scheduled state ferry.

Popham Beach: The Friends of Seguin Island Light Station run seasonal ferry trips from Popham Beach in Phippsburg. This is the most common access point. Trips are weather-dependent and typically run from June through September. Check the schedule on the Friends of Seguin website and book in advance, as trips fill up.

Bath, Freeport, and Boothbay Harbor: Several charter and cruise operators offer trips to Seguin Island from these ports during the summer season.

Private boat: If you have your own vessel, you can land on the island. The approach requires care, as the waters around Seguin are exposed to open ocean swells and the landing area is rocky.

The crossing from Popham takes about 30 minutes in good weather. The landing involves stepping from the boat onto rocks, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some scrambling.

What to See

The star of the show is the first-order Fresnel lens in the tower. Standing next to it is remarkable. The lens is massive, built from hand-ground glass prisms arranged in a beehive shape that concentrates the light into a beam visible for miles. First-order lenses were the most powerful classification, and very few remain in active lighthouses. Seeing one up close is a rare experience.

The tower is open to climb during guided tours. The view from the top takes in the full sweep of the Maine coast, the Kennebec River mouth, and open ocean to the south and east. On clear days, you can see Monhegan Island and the Camden Hills in the distance.

The keeper’s house and outbuildings have been restored and contain exhibits on the station’s history, including the lives of the keepers who lived here year-round with their families, often in extreme isolation. The island is also home to nesting seabirds, and wildflowers cover the meadows in summer.

When to Visit

July and August offer the most reliable weather for the crossing and the most frequent tour schedule. September can be beautiful, with clearer air and fewer visitors, but tours become less frequent and weather cancellations increase.

Practical Notes

Ferry fares vary by operator but expect to pay roughly $35 to $50 per adult for the round trip. The Friends of Seguin Island Light Station tours include a guided walk of the station. Check their website for current pricing and schedules.

There are no restrooms, no food service, and no fresh water on the island. Bring everything you need. The visit typically lasts two to three hours, depending on the ferry schedule.

Dogs are generally not permitted on the island tours due to the nesting seabird habitat.

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